Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3076; r3admin@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 Highland, Sullivan County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3K
• Map: Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,036-acre Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area features multiple use trails, Hickok Brook, a small pond and ample parking areas and designated campsites found along the road and near the pond. The gate into the property opens May 1st and remains open until winter conditions make the road impassable as determined by the Forest Ranger.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

The multiple use trails and seasonal roads throughout the unit are used by hikers.

• Pond Loop Trail 1.9 miles
• Pond Road 0.1 miles
• Main Road 1.08 miles
• White Pine Pitch Pine Trail 0.51 miles
• Spruce Pond Trail West 0.5 miles
• DPW Road 0.36 miles
• Corner Trail 0.25 miles

Camping

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

There are several designated campsites found along the public forest access road and near the pond. Campsites are identified by the yellow "camp here" markers. At-large primitive camping is allowed as well throughout the property. Undesignated 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 how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Fishing is available in Hickok Brook and the pond on the property.

Southeastern NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 3K

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

Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons. White-tailed deer and black bears are popular game species in the area. Many species of small game and furbearers are also found in the area and surrounding landscape. Turkeys, grouse, squirrels, beaver, fox and coyote are just a few of the game species available for hunters, trappers and wildlife enthusiasts.

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 Pond Loop Trail in the northern half of the forest allows motorized access for with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area is accessed from County Route 32, southeast of the village of Eldred.

• Barker Road Parking Lot (41.503398°N, 74.863805°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 Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area 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

Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a recreation management plan which will describe the management activities for public recreation on these lands.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at r3.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Cherry Island Wildlife Management Area
• Mongaup Valley Wildlife Management Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Dining and lodging opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Barryville and White Lake.

Sullivan County Tourism (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.