Barbour Brook 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; r4ump@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: Town of Tompkins, Delaware County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
- Map: Barbour Brook State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 768-acre state forest is located between Delaware County Route 27 and Steam Mill Road in western Delaware County. The forest is adjacent to Steam Mill State Forest and New York City Department of Environmental Protection property. The Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) traverses the property. There is a lean-to along the FLT in the easternmost portion of this state forest. This forest is completely forested with both plantations and natural stands in various stages of succession. This variety of forest types provides good cover for most game species.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website) traverses this state forest. Access points exist for the FLT along Dry Brook and Barbour Brook Roads.
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. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. A lean-to also exists along the Finger Lakes Trail on the eastern portion of this state forest.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Designated snowmobile trails traverse Barbour Brook State Forest. For more information please visit the New York State Snowmobile Association website (leaves DEC website).
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Wildlife Viewing
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
There are no designated parking areas on this property. GPS coordinates are provided for the intersection of the Finger Lakes Trail and two roads:
- Barbour Brook Road at the point the Finger Lakes Trail moves from the road, east across the property (42.156595°N,75.339116°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Dry Brook Road intersection with the Finger Lakes Trail (42.152646°N, 75.316291°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 Barbour 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 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
- Steam Mill State Forest
- Arctic-China State Forest
- Beals Pond State Forest
- Michigan Hill State Forest
- Pine Hill State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies may 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 Webpage (leaves DEC website) provides additional tourism related information.
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.
