Steam Mill State Forest
Basic Information
- 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.n.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: Towns of Deposit, Masonville and Tompkins in Delaware County
- Wildlife Management Area: 4O
- Map: Steam Mill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 5,618-acre state forest is located where the Delaware County Towns of Deposit, Masonville and Tompkins meet. Steam Mill, Mormon Hollow and Carroll Hill Roads provide the primary access to this state forest. This property is almost completely forested with plantations and natural stands in all stages of succession. This variation in forest age classes provides good hunting opportunities for most game species. Steam Mill State forest also has hiking and snowmobile trails and limited fishing opportunities.
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 the southern portion of Steam Mill State Forest. A parking lot on NYS Route 8 provides good access to the FLT. Additional information on the Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website).
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.
Hunting & 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.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Designated snowmobile trails exist on Steam Mill State Forest. These snowmobile trails are often on seasonal town roads or NYS truck trails.
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.
Directions:
Steam Mill State Forest lies just east of NYS Route 8 between the New York Towns of Deposit and Masonville. From Deposit drive north on NYS Route 8 to Steam Mill Road (approximately 7.8 miles) turn right to state forest land. From Masonville drive east on NYS Route 206 one half mile to Steam Mill Road, turn right, proceed 2.3 miles to state forest land. Interstate 88 is easily accessed from Masonville. NYS Route 17 (Future Interstate 86) is easily accessed from Deposit.
Winter access to this state forest is somewhat limited due to the seasonal maintenance of these town roads. Most roads accessing this area are plowed to the boundary of state property.
- Route 8 northern parking area (42.178417°N, 75.3674539°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Finger Lakes Trail parking area (42.1700517°N, 75.3621624°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 Steam Mill 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 describe 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 at r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilites
- Arctic-China State Forest
- Barbour Brook State Forest
- Oquaga Creek State Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, supplies and food may be found in the nearby communities of Sidney, Masonville or Deposit.
- Dining and lodging facilities may 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.
