Beals Pond 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
- Enforcement Matters: (518) 408-5850 (24/7) or 911
- Location: Town of Masonville, Delaware County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
- Map: Beals Pond State Forest Map || Beals Pond State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 1,116-acre state forest is located between NYS Route 8 and Delaware County Route 20. The forest is comprised of plantations and natural stands in various stages of succession. This variation in forest type and age should provide good hunting opportunities for most game species. Opportunities to hike, fish, camp and paddle also exist on Beals Pond State Forest.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) traverses this state forest. Access to the trail is best from Beals Pond Road with a small parking lot and informational kiosk. Getter Hill Road also provides access to the FLT but with fewer parking opportunities. There is a lean-to on the northern portion of the state forest. For more information on the FLT, please visit the FLT website (leaves DEC website).
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
A lean-to is located on the northern portion of this state forest.
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.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Beals Pond provides some paddling opportunities. Please see the Fishing section, below, for more information.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Beals Pond State Forest provides access to Beals Pond, a 14 acre waterbody on the southern portion of the area. The pond contained Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Brown Bullhead and Golden Shiner at the last census. The pond would be easily accessed with a kayak or canoe from the access trail east of Beals Pond Road near NYS Route 8. The southern half of this pond is surrounded by private property, public access is from the north end.
Cross County 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.
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Designated snowmobile trails exist on Beals Pond State Forest.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Beals Pond has accessible parking, campsites, a path to a picnic area, and a wildlife viewing platform.
Directions
Beals Pond State Forest is best accessed from Beals Pond Road from either NYS Route 8 or Delaware County Route 20. There is limited access from Getter Hill Road at NYS Route 206. Beals Pond Road is approximately 3 miles south of Masonville or 11.6 miles north of Deposit on the west side of NYS Route 8). Access is limited to this state forest in winter because these roads are only seasonally maintained (April 1-November 1).
- Beals Pond Road Parking Area - (42.209797°N, 75.389066°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Getter Hill Road - Kiosk and limited parking (42.238008°N, 75.387776°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.
All users of Beals Pond State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulation and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a unit management plan (UMP) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain 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 us at r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Steam Mill State Forest
- Arctic-China State Forest
- Pine Hill State Forest
- Oquaga Creek State Park (leaves DEC website)
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.
Delaware County Tourism website (leaves DEC website) 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 (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
