Michigan Hill State Forest, Delaware County
- 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 Deposit, Delaware County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
- Map: Michigan Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 619-acre state forest is located between Delaware County Route 20 and NYS Route 8. The area is nearly completely forested with both plantations and natural stands in various stages of succession. This variety of forest types provides good hunting opportunities. Although hiking is allowed anywhere on all state forests, there are no designated trails on this property.
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.
Hunting and Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations. Good opportunities for hunting and trapping exist on Steam Mill State Forest.
Directions
Michigan Hill State Forest is located at the end of Michigan Hollow Road. From Deposit, New York take NYS Route 8 north for 4.2 miles and turn left onto Michigan Hollow Road. Roadside parking is available on state property beginning approximately 1.7 miles from NYS Route 8. Winter access to this state forest is limited because Michigan Hollow is a seasonally maintained road (April 1-November 1).
- Michigan Hollow Road (42.1232164°N, 75.376459°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 Michigan Hill 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 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 and 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, Facilites, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Steam Mill State Forest
- Arctic-China State Forest
- Columbia Lake 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 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.
