Cherry Valley 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: Towns of Cherry Valley & Roseboom, Otsego County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4F
- Map: Cherry Valley State Forest Unit Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,460-acre Cherry Valley State Forest features a forested ecosystem with natural and planted forest species covering the property. The area was purchased by the state in the 1930s with the goal of reforesting marginal or abandoned farmland and returning it to more productive use. There are no designated or marked hiking trails on the Cherry Valley State Forest. However, hiking is allowed throughout the unit.
Featured Activities
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no designated campsites however, 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.
Cherry Valley State Forest is open to hunting and trapping in appropriate seasons. The unit features a number of young spruce plantations, which provide good habitat for rabbits. Other wildlife to expect in this area include whitetail deer, squirrel, grouse and turkey as well as mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.
Directions
There are no specific parking areas within Cherry Valley State Forest, however roadside parking is available throughout the property.
- Cherry Valley State Forest Entrance is located on Morton road, 0.6 miles from its intersection with County Road 50 (Lancaster Street). (42.77620°N, 74.722261°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 Cherry Valley 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.
Specific Rules
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are all permitted activities on Cherry Valley State Forest, but there are no designated trails or areas maintained for these activities.
Snowmobiles are not permitted to travel through new plantations.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a management plan 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
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Food, gas and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Cherry Valley, Roseboom and Sharon Springs.
- Dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Cherry Valley, Pleasant Brook and Sharon Springs.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of East Springfield, Pleasant Brook and Sharon Springs.
Otsego County Tourism Office (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.