Honey Hill State Forest

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• 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 Roseboom, Otsego County & Sharon Springs, Schoharie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4F
• Map: Honey Hill State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,017-acre Honey Hill State Forest offers a snowmobile trail that runs through most of the property and features a forested ecosystem with a mix of planted and natural forest species. Honey Hill State Forest was purchased in the 1930s with the goal of reforesting marginal or abandoned farmland and returning it to more productive use.

Though there are no designated or marked hiking trails in Honey Hill State Forest, there are unmarked and unmaintained herd paths throughout the property that may be used for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.

Featured Activities

Camping

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are no primitive camping sites; 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

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Honey Hill State Forest is open to hunting and trapping in appropriate seasons. Wildlife to expect in this area include whitetail deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse and turkey along with mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.

Snowmobiling

General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Two snowmobile trails run north to south through Honey Hill State Forest.

Directions

• Honey Hill State Forest Entrance is located on Wes Brown Road 1.7 miles east from its intersection with Honey Hill Road. 42.727985°N, 74.686705°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 Honey Hill State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulation and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

• Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, biking and horseback riding are permitted activities on Honey Hill State Forest, but there are no designated trails or maintained areas 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

• Bear Swamp State Forest
• Cherry Valley State Forest
• Decatur State Forest
• Maple Valley State Forest
• R. Milton Hick State Forest
• Roseboom State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Food, gas and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Cherry Valley, Cobleskill, Roseboom and Sharon Springs.
• Dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Cherry Valley, Cobleskill, Pleasant Brook and Sharon Springs.
• Lodging opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill, East Springfield, Pleasant Brook and Sharon Springs.

Cooperstown/Otsego County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) and Schoharie 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.