State Land

Whaupaunaucau State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round. Note: DEC installed a gate to prevent motorized vehicle access to trails. The gate is opened for the fall hunting season.
Whaupaunaucau State Forest location

The 1,188 acres of Whaupaunaucau State Forest offer a wide array of recreational opportunities. The forest is located between Chenango County Routes 12 and 29 in the town of North Norwich. The 10-acre Jeffrey Pond is stocked annually with trout. There is no launch site at the pond but paddling is allowed.

 

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes a how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

The cross country ski trails can be used as hiking trails during the off-season.

General information on primitive camping includes how to-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.

A lean-to and fireplace are located along trail 20 (see trail map).

At large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

General information on fishing includes a how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Jeffrey Pond, a 10-acre impoundment, is annually stocked with brook trout. A fishing access parking lot is located near the pond.

Wildlife Management Unit: 7M

General information on hunting includes a how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Wildlife Management Unit: 7M

General information on trapping includes a how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

General information on cross-country skiing includes a how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

A 13-mile cross-country ski trail system includes trails that wind through natural forests and plantations. Most trails are designed for skiers with a beginner or intermediate skill level.

General information on snowshoeing includes a how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

The varied habitats of the forest sustain populations of turkey, deer, squirrels and numerous song birds.

Directions

Take State Highway 12 north of Norwich to State Highway 320. Take 320, which becomes King Settlement Road (County Route 29) to Post Road. Turn left onto Post Road, and then drive up the hill to the State Forest. Parking is available on Post Road and at Jefferey Pond.

  • Post Road Parking Area is located on the eastern boundary of the state forest. (42.607361°N, 75.461173°W) Google Maps
  • Jeffrey Pond Parking Area is located on the east side of the pond. (42.608626°N, 75.467802°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 natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of 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 manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Between Rivers Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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 about the UMP, please e-mail us at [email protected].

History

The forest was named after the American marten, a small mammal that formerly inhabited this hill along with the early settlers. Whaupaunaucau State Forest was purchased with Hewitt Amendment funds in the 1930s as part of the Chenangadilla Unit Management Plan. The forest is a blend of red pine, Scotch pine and Norway spruce plantations with natural hardwoods consisting of red oak, American beech, sugar maple, red maple, black cherry, white ash and eastern hemlock.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food, dining and lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Sherburne and Norwich.

Chenango 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 are little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.

Important Links

Hiking Safely
Hiking and Camping Rules
State Land Use Regulations
Chenango County Tourism
Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Region 7 Sherburne Sub-office
2715 State Hwy 80
Sherburne, NY 13460

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