Trout Brook State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; [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: Town of Boylston, Oswego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Trout Brook State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Trout Brook State Forest encompasses 622 acres. It is secluded and scenic and is a great place for recreational activities such as hunting, trapping, and fishing. There are no trails on this state forest. Trout Brook, after which the forest is named, makes its way along the western edge of the property.

Directions

From NY I-81, take Exit 36 and follow NY Route 11 North to Miller Road. Take a right. Follow Miller Road until County Route 48 and turn right. From County Route 48 make a left onto Edwards Road, and then a right onto Lacona Orwell Road (County Route 22). From Route 22 make a left onto Bremm Road and follow it until the intersection with Van Auken Road.

There is parking access on the side of the road.

• Parking: (43.615606°N, 75.997079°W) Google Maps

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

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace 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 Trout Brook 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

DEC has developed a Draft Eastern Lake Ontario Unit Management Plan (UMP) which describes the proposed management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email [email protected].

Forest Management

Trout Brook State Forest is a blend of mature natural hardwood and northern hardwood-hemlock cover. Species such as red maple, black cherry, white ash, sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch, red oak and hemlock provide a wide variety of habitats for many different species of plants and animals. The conifer plantations planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s add to the richness of the forest and are important sources of both food and shelter.

History

The land that is now known as Trout Brook State Forest originally was used by the Iroquois for hunting and fishing. However, the land was later cleared for farm land and timber by Revolutionary War Veterans and early settlers. Unfortunately, the upland soils of the Tug Hill Plateau are characteristically rocky, acidic, and not very fertile. Combined with intense winters common to the region, the fact that many farmers abandoned their properties in pursuit better lands in the mid-West is understandable.

The State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931 provided legislation which authorized the Conservation Department (now DEC) to acquire land, by gift or purchase, for reforestation areas. These state forests, consisting of no less than 500 acres of contiguous land, were to be "forever devoted to reforestation and the establishment and maintenance thereon of forests for watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, and kindred purposes" (Article 9, Title 5, Environmental Conservation Law).

Trout Brook State Forest was purchased by New York State during the 1930s for reforestation purposes under this program. During this period, lands that had once been almost completely cleared for agricultural practices were restored to forests. This practice reduced the problem of soil erosion, protected water quality, and provided forest products and recreational opportunities. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted thousands of conifer seedlings on the newly acquired lands.

Today, the landscape in Trout Brook State Forest is almost completely wooded, and the forest provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services for hundreds of people each year.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Chateaugay State Forest
• Sandy Creek State Forest
• Winona State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

Oswego County Tourism Office 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.