Gee Brook State Forest
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Gee Brook State Forest (Cortland # 17) encompasses 833 acres and is located in the town of Cincinnatus in Southeastern Cortland County. It is a small but popular area that offers a variety of recreational activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, nature viewing and snowmobiling.
History
Article 9, Titles 5 and 7, of the Environmental Conservation Law authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation to manage lands acquired outside the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. Management, as defined by these laws, includes watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, recreation and kindred purposes.
Like many of the state forests, Gee Brook was originally cleared for agricultural purposes by early European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. When the soil proved to be unfit for farming, the land was abandoned and sold to the state for reforestation in the 1930's.
Gee Brook State Forest used to be a very popular formal camping area, however, the access bridge leading to Calico Pond over Gee Brook was condemned and never fixed. Today, the forest still provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services for many, and informal camping continues to be enjoyed within the forest. DEC foresters are charged with the responsibility of managing State Forests to enhance and maintain a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem for society and wildlife. It is the hope of the Department that the beauty of the forest, as well as its many services, will continue to be enjoyed for many generations.
Field Notes
Gee Brook is named for the beautiful sparkling creek that gently flows through the peaceful forest. Its culmination point, Calico Pond, provides 8 acres of fishing opportunities and is loaded with pickerel, largemouth bass, perch, and of course Calico bass, for which the pond is named.
Nature observers and hunters can enjoy the many species of plants and animals throughout this heavily forested area.
Trails
There is a short snowmobile trail located on the south end of the forest. Informal foot trails are located along the stream and ponds. There are also two Public Forest Access Roads (Ace of Spades Rd. and Calico Pond Rd.) that provide entry into each of the respective north and south portions of the property.
***Stay Safe- Bring A Friend When Out on the Trails***
Directions:
Gee Brook State Forest is divided into two main sections. The northern section may be accessed by taking NY Route 41 to Piety Road; the Calico Pond Public Forest Access Road is directly across from the intersection, and parking is available, but limited to the shoulder of the road. The southern section can be accessed by taking NY Route 41 to Gee Brook Road, and then Gee Brook Road to the Ace of Spades Public Forest Access Road. Again, parking is limited, but available along the shoulder of the road.
State Forest Regulations
For your safety and protection of the resource, the following regulations are in place:
- All State Forests are Carry in Carry Out facilities.
- Unauthorized cutting of live trees or new trail building is prohibited.
- No camping within 150 feet of open water, roads, or trails. Groups of ten or more persons, or for stays longer than three nights must obtain a permit from a DEC Forest Ranger.
- Use only dead, fallen wood for camp fires.
- All fires must be extinguished with water, and the coals must be raked until cool to the touch.
- Human waste should be buried in a shallow hole 4-6 inches deep, and at least 150 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Cover with leaf litter and dirt.
- Keep pets under control and on leash while other forest users are around.
- Unauthorized use of motor vehicles is prohibited. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATV's.
Important Numbers:
State Forest Office (M-F 8 am-4 pm): 607-753-3095 ext. 217
Emergencies: 911
