Clapper Hollow 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 Jefferson, Schoharie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4F
• Map: Clapper Hollow State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 818-acre Clapper Hollow State Forest features a forested ecosystem with natural and planted forest species covering the property. Clapper Hollow includes a lean-to overlooking a pond and an 8-mile network of cross country skiing trails. The State Forest was purchased in the 1930's 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 & regulations.

Hiking is available along the marked cross-country ski trails on the property during the non-winter months.

Camping

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

Clapper Hollow State Forest offers a lean-to located on a small pond in the northeastern section of the property.

At-large backcountry camping is also 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 & regulations.

Clapper Hollow Brook is a classified trout stream that runs north to south along Cottage Road. The brook can be accessed via a parking area approximately 1-mile west from NYS Route 10.

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 & regulations.

Clapper Hollow 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 includes whitetail deer, 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 & regulations.

Clapper Hollow State Forest features miles of cross-county ski trails throughout the property.

Directions

• Clapper Hollow Parking Area is located on Clapper Hollow Road, 1-mile from its intersection with NYS Route 10 (Moxley Road). (42.513366°N, 74.644249°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 Clapper Hollow 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

• Mountain biking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding area allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
• Snowmobiling through young plantations or cross-country ski trails is not permitted.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a unit 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 & 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

• Blenheim Hill State Forest
• Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
• Lutheranville State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Food, dining opportunities, gas and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Jefferson, Richmondville, Schenevus, Stamford and Worcester.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill & Stamford.

Delaware County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website), 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.