Morgan Hill State Forest
Morgan Hill State Forest (Cortland #4 and Onondaga #1) encompasses 5,253 acres of land located between the towns of Fabius, Truxton and Cuyler in the Northeastern portion of Cortland County and the Southeastern portion of Onondaga County. It is a splendid, scenic forest perfect for recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, bird watching, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, informal horseback riding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
History
Morgan Hill State Forest was originally used by the Iroquois for extensive hunting. Later the land was cleared for farming by Revolutionary War Veterans and early European settlers. However, the area's soils are thin, relatively steep and acidic, and the growing seasons are short with long, harsh winters. This meant that most agricultural practices only led to damaged, undesirable and unproductive land that would eventually be abandoned in pursuit of greener pastures in the Midwest.
The State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931 were created by the Roosevelt Administration as a means for the state to take over the responsibility of managing abandoned farms, making them productive once more. Morgan Hill State Forest was established in the early 1930's by state foresters and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) with the planting of millions of conifer seedlings. Today, the approximately seventy-year-old conifer forest covers more than forty-five percent of the area. The forest now provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services to hundreds of people each year.
Field Notes
Morgan Hill State Forest is a very popular area because of its exquisite scenic beauty, excellent hunting opportunitiesand easy accessability. The upland forests range from 1,200 to 2,000 feet in elevation, with several small valleys and creeks intermittently bisecting the almost completely forested landscape.
Because of the nature of its location, the 13.7 miles of Public Forest Access Roads that run through the forest are best accessed during the summer and fall. Winter access is limited by snow to either foot, ski or snowmobile.
The diversity of forest cover and wildlife provides for great hunting, camping, hiking and simply enjoying nature. Fishing is also a popular activity at Spruce Pond, which is regularly stocked with trout. Many people also find this a favorite site for viewing nature and taking photographs of the wildlife and wild flowers. Camping is allowed at Spruce Pond, but only at designated sites.
DEC foresters are charged with the responsibility of managing state forests to enhance, conserve, and maintain a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem for society and wildlife. As such, forest management is strategically employed to develop a balanced mix of young, middle-aged, and old (late successional) forest types, as well as to continue to provide for compatible recreational opportunities for the public's enjoyment.
Trails
Winter recreation is encouraged with over 16.5 miles of snowmobile trails, as well as separate ski-touring trails.
***Stay Safe- Bring A Friend When Out on the Trails***
Directions:
From NY 80 or NY 91, Morgan Hill State Forest may be accessed from Shackham Road, which runs north and south through both Cortland #4 and Onondaga #1 . There is also access by taking NY 13 toward Truxton, NY, and Route 91. Continue past Route 91 about 1 mile and then turn left onto Morgan Hill Road which runs into the southern portion of the forest and becomes a Public Forest Access Road.
Tips for Using State Forests
For your safety and protection of the resource, please read and follow Tips for Using State Forests.
Important Numbers:
State Forest Office (M-F 8 am-4 pm): 607-753-3095 ext. 217
Emergencies: 911
