Keyserkill State Forest Complex

Armlin Hill, Keyserkill and Gates Hill State Forests

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F 8:30AM - 4:00PM): (607) 652-7365
  • 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: Fulton, Broome, Gilboa, and Middleburg in Schoharie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4G
• Map: Keyserkill State Forest Complex Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 2,400-acre Keyserkill State Forest Complex is a working circle of three state forests Armlin Hill State Forest, Keyserkill State Forest and Gates Hill State Forest. They were purchased for the people of New York during the 1930's for reforestation, timber production, watershed protection, recreational use and wildlife.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex's motorized access routes are also open to hikers.

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

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

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex's motorized access routes are also open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Hunting & Trapping

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

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex is open to hunting and trapping during appropriate seasons. Hunting, for white tail deer, is a popular activity on the Keyserkill State Forest complex. The area also supports populations of small game such as turkey, squirrel, grouse, and rabbit. Trapping is allowed for beaver, muskrat, otter, mink, raccoon, fox, and coyote according to season.

Hunting opportunities vary with habitat conditions. By maintaining a diversity of forest types with open and brushy areas, such as those found on State Forests, many different kinds of wildlife species can thrive.

Camping

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

There are two primitive campsite on the Keyserkill State Forest.

At-large primitive 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.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Accessible Features

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex features motorized access routes throughout the properties. Individuals with qualifying disabilities may apply for a permit to operate an ATV on trails designated by the DEC. A permit must first be obtained from the DEC. This program is known as the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD).

Directions

Keyserkill State Forest Complex is accessed from Woods Road, Armlin Hill Road, Coons Den Road, Camperwoman Road, Guinea Road and Campbell Road. There are no designated parking areas but road side parking is available in the state forests. All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Armlin Hill State Forest

• Woods Road (42.555376°N, 74.339506°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Armlin Hill Road (42.548122°N, 74.348993°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

Gates Hill State Forest

• Camperwoman Road (42.528299°N, 74.354855°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Coons Den Road (Northern) (42.511542°N, 74.355528°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Coons Den Road (Southern) (42.497151°N, 74.368404°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

Keyserkill State Forest

• Guinea Road (42.510719°N, 74.395132°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Unnamed Road north of Campbell Road 42.477228°N, 74.359988°W Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace (leaves DEC website) principles 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 Keyserkill State Forest Complex must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Snowmobiling, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

How We Manage Keyserkill State Forest Complex

DEC is developing a unit management plan (UMP) 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

DEC Lands & Facilities

• Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
• Rensselaerville State Forest
• Franklinton Vlaie WMA
• Scott Patent State Forest
• Dutton Ridge State Forest
• Patria State Forest
• Leonard Hill State Forest
• High Knob State Forest
• Cotton Hill State Forest
• Stone Store State Forest
• Dutch Settlement State Forest
• Blenheim Hill State Forest

Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Middleburgh.

Schoharie County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books 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.