Maple Valley 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 Decatur & Westford, Otsego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4F
• Map: Maple Valley State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 804-acre Maple Valley State Forest features a mix of planted and natural tree species scattered across the landscape. The unit was one of many properties purchased by the State back in the 1930s in order to reforest marginal and abandoned farm land and return it to a more productive use.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There are no designated or marked hiking trails. However, Maple Valley State Forest does feature unofficial, unmarked trails through the property.

Camping

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

No primitive campsites exist on Maple Valley State Forest, but 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.

Fishing

General information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

There is a small pond, located at the end of a short access trail, about a 0.5 miles north of the intersection of Elmore Road and Babcock Hill Road. This pond probably has some warm water fish, such as bass, sunnies and bullhead. A stream flows from that pond and empties into a classified trout stream which crosses Babcock Hill Road.

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.

Maple Valley State Forest is open to hunting and trapping during appropriate seasons. Wildlife expected to occur on this area include whitetailed deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse and turkey, along with mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.

Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing

General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are no designated or marked cross-country skiing or snowshoeing trails. However, Maple Valley State Forest does feature unofficial, unmarked trails through the property.

Directions

• Maple Valley State Forest Parking Area is located on Elmore Road 1.3 miles north of its intersection with County Road 39. (42.077698°N, 74.610887°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations & 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 Maple 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 Maple Valley State Forest, but there are no designated trails 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
• Honey Hill State Forest
• R. Milton Hick State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill, Richmondville and Worcester.
• Dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill, Pleasant Brook, Richmondville, and Worcester.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cooperstown, 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.