Arctic-China State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 652-7365; r4.ump@dec.ny.gov
- 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: Deposit and Masonville, Delaware County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
- Map: Arctic-China State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Arctic-China State Forest is accessed from NYS Route 8 near Shear Road. Shear Road is approximately 10.4 miles north of Deposit, NY or 4.3 miles south of Masonville on the west side of NYS Route 8. The area can also be accessed from Delaware County Route 230 at Schofield, Clark Pond and Hellerud Roads. Access is limited to the interior of this state forest due to the seasonal maintenance of these town roads. Most roads are plowed to the boundary of state property.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) (leaves DEC website) traverses this state forest. Access points exist for the FLT along Shear Road.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
At-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. A lean to also exists along the Finger Lakes Trail on the eastern portion of this state forest approximately 0.8 miles from NYS Route 8. For more information see the hiking section. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations. Good hunting and trapping opportunities exist on this state forest.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations. Designated snowmobile trails traverse Arctic-China State Forest. For more information visit the NYS Snowmobile Association website (leaves DEC website).
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
- Arctic-China State Forest is accessed from NYS Route 8 via Shear Road. Shear Road is approximately 10.4 miles south of Masonville on the west side of NYS Route 8. The area can also be accessed from Delaware County Route 20 at Schofield, Clark Pond and Hellerud Roads. Access is limited to the interior of this state forest due to the seasonal maintenance of these town roads. Most roads are plowed to the boundary of state property. (42.1675664°N,75.359845°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) 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 Arctic-China 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 the Treaty Line Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF) with Treaty Line Draft UMP Maps (PDF, 10MB) which describes the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Oquaga Creek State Park (leaves DEC website)
- Melondy Hill State Forest
- Steam Mill State Forest
- Beals Pond State Forest
- Michigan Hill State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Deposit and Masonville.
- Dining and lodging opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Deposit and Sidney.
The Delaware County Tourism office (leaves DEC website) provides information on other recreational opportunities.
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 (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
