Beaver Pond State Forest

(formerly Page Pond)

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 674-4017; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Sanford, Broome County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
• Map: Beaver Pond State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Beaver Pond, formerly Page Pond, State Forest covers a total of 791 acres. It is named after a 17-acre pond that is partially situated in the state forest.

A single multiple-use recreation trail runs north and south through the forest. The closed section of Huggins Road is also a good corridor for cross-country skiing. The most popular recreational activities on the forest are hunting and cross-country skiing.

Directions

Access to the forest is gained by traveling on the remaining segments of Huggins Road. This road previously crossed through the state forest, however the portion through the state forest, is now closed to traffic. The rest of Huggins Road is a good quality, hard surfaced road which may be traveled with any passenger car.

• Huggins Road north section runs off of Hawkins Road, which connects to NYS Route 41 (42.155132°N, -75.513061°W) Google Maps
• Huggins Road south section can be reached directly from NYS Route 41 (42.121471°N,-75.518946°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Beaver Pond State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Planning and Management

The Broome State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) covers Cat Hollow, Tracy Creek, Beaver Pond, Whitaker Swamp, Hawkins Pond, Marsh Pond, Skyline Drive, and Cascade Valley State Forests, constituting 5,371 acres in Broome and Tioga counties.

DEC developed a Broome State Forest Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Cat Hollow State Forest.

For more information, email DEC Foresters with the subject line "Broome Unit" at [email protected] or call (607) 674-4017.

Forest Management

The forest shape is long and narrow, providing a distance from the northern border to the southern border of approximately 3 miles. The two tracts of land comprising the forest were acquired in 1940 and 1941. Two additional tracts were acquired in 1981 and 1989. The highest elevation on the forest is about 2,010 feet and can be found on two different peaks in the north section of the property.

The forest cover is primarily a mix of native conifers and northern hardwoods. Only a few acres of this forest were ever planted with species such as red pine or Norway spruce. The largest block of conifer (hemlock) on the forest is located in the southern section of the forest, south of NYS route 41. The remainder of the forest is largely covered with hardwoods such as red oak, sugar maple, aspen, red maple, white ash, black cherry, and beech. Beaver Pond State Forest is bordered by a mix of privately owned woodlands and agricultural lands.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Marsh Pond State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Deposit.

Broome County Tourism Webpage can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.