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Muller Hill State Forest

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Blackeyed Susan at Muller Hill State Forest

The Muller Hill State Forest is also known as Madison Reforestation Area #5. Located in the town of Georgetown, this 3,090-acre forest includes diverse terrains and habitats. The present day Camp Georgetown was a Civilian Conservation Corps facility and is now the site of a State Correctional facility located on the southern portion of the forest. Also on the forest is the historical site of the home of Louis A. Muller, a French noblemen who settled here in 1808 when he ostensibly fled the wrath of Napoleon. Not much remains of the home.

Field Notes

Over 7.5 miles of forest access roads provide seasonal access for motor vehicles and are used by snowmobilers and cross country skiers in winter. A section of the Link Trail passes through the western part of the forest. This is a marked hiking trail that links the Finger Lakes Trail with the Erie Canal Towpath.

The forest has a mixture of well-drained and poorly-drained soil. The forest cover types on Muller Hill State Forest include pure northern hardwoods (beech, birch, maple, oak, cherry, ash, and basswood), and mixtures of northern hardwoods with several species of conifers. The conifers include red pine, Norway spruce and hemlock. Large portions of this forest were planted with conifer species. All of the red pine and Norway spruce trees on the forest where planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC's) in the late 1930's. About 30% of the forest is comprised of hemlock and hemlock-hardwood mixtures. Eastern hemlock is a native conifer and occurs naturally on the forest.

There are excellent opportunities for hunters seeking upland game species. Large areas of seedling-saplings are present, contributing to habitat preferred by ruffed grouse.

State Forest Regulations

Anyone enjoying the use of this State Forest must observe the following rules which protect them and the forest environment:

  1. Do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
  2. If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and downed trees only. Never leave a fire unattended.
  3. All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off road use of motorized vehicles, such as ATVs, trail bikes and four-wheel drives is not allowed, except where specifically permitted by signs, posted notice or by DEC permit.
  4. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trail.
  5. No permanent structures should be established, including tree stands or blinds.

Directions

From State Highway 26, turn west onto Chenango County Highway 16. Drive approximately 1 mile to the entrance to the State Forest access road.

Important Numbers

State Forest Office (M-F 8am-4pm): 607-674-4036

Forest Ranger (Evenings, Weekends and Holidays): 315-655-5643

Emergencies: 911