Kerryville 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: Town of Tompkins, Delaware County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4W
- Map: Kerryville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 698-acre state forest is located between County Route 67 and State Route 268 near the Village of Hancock, New York. The area is mostly forested with both natural stands and plantations in various stages of succession. Opportunities for hunting most game species exist. Two beaver ponds used to exist on the southern portion of the forest. These ponds washed out in 2006 leaving behind two emergent wetlands.
Featured Activities
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations. Hunting and trapping is permitted on this state forest.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Two gated trails, less than one mile each, extend in an easterly direction from Franskevicz Road. The northern trail extends towards Dufton Hollow Road. The southern trail accesses two marsh ponds on the southern part of the state forest.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
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.
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
- Kerryville State Forest is best accessed from Franskevicz Road off of Delaware County Route 67. For County Route 67, take exit 87 off NYS Route 17 (Future Interstate 86). From Hancock, New York, take County Route 67 (Sands Creek Road) north approximately 6.6 miles to Franskevicz Road, turn right. Proceed approximately 1.6 miles east to state forest land. There is a small parking area at the end of Frankevicz Road. Access to this state forest is limited during winter because Frankevicz Road is seasonally maintained (April 1-November 1). (42.03669°N, 75.271269°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 Kerryville State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations 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, recreation infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habits, 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
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Hancock.
Delaware County Tourism Webpage (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.
