Hooker Mountain 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
  • Enforcement Matters: (518) 408-5850 (24/7) or 911
• Location: Towns of Maryland & Westford, Otsego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4F
• Map: Hooker Mountain State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 801-acre Hooker Mountain State Forest features a forested ecosystem with natural and planted forest species. The area was originally purchased by the state in the 1930s with the goal of reforesting marginal and abandoned farmland and returning it to more productive use.

There are no designated or marked trails in Hooker Mountain State Forest, however there are unmarked and unmaintained herd paths throughout the property.

Featured Activities

Camping

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

There are no primitive campsites, 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.

Hooker Mountain State Forest features two classified trout streams. One is a tributary of Cherry Valley Creek and crosses Norton Road at the southern edge of the unit. The second is a tributary of Elk Creek to the east and crosses County Road 42 on the western edge of the unit.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Area: 4F

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

Hooker Mountain 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.

Directions

• Hooker Mountain State Forest Entrance is located on Dog Hill Road, 1-mile north down of its intersection with Chaseville Road. (42.586885°N, 74.864338°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).

There are no specific parking areas within Cherry Valley State Forest, however roadside parking is available throughout the property.

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 Hooker Mountain 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, cross-county skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding are permitted activities on Hooker Mountain 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

• Arnold Lake State Forest
• Decatur State Forest
• Maple Valley State Forest
• Milford State Forest
• South Hill State Forest
• Susquehanna State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Dining opportunities, food, gas and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Cooperstown, Milford, Oneonta, Schenevus and Worcester.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Colliersville, Cooperstown, Milford and Oneonta.

Cooperstown/Otsego County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) can provide more information about other recreation, amenities, and attractions 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.