Wagner Farm and General Jacob Morris State Forests
- 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: Towns of Morris and Butternuts, Otsego County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4F
- Map: Wagner Farm and General Jacob Morris State Forests Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Description
The 463-acre Wagner Farm and the 1,190-acre General Jacob Morris State Forests are best used for hunting, trapping, and nature observation. There is only one 0.4-mile trail on 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 designated 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.
Hunting & Trapping
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. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, rabbits, squirrels, and coyotes.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Otsego County lies on the eastern end of the Central Appalachian ecozone which hosts a plethora of wildlife. In addition to the notable game species and furbearers, a variety of songbirds and birds of prey can be found within the property.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
There is one motorized access trail open to qualified people with disabilities, with a Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) permit.
Directions
There are no designated parking areas at these properties. Roadside parking is available.
Access Wagner Farm State Forest from Coyle Brook Road.
- Coyle Brook Road (42.533967°N, 75.334744°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Access General Jacob Morris State Forest from Dimmock Hollow Road, located off of NYS Route 23 in the town of Morris.
- Dimmock Hollow Road (42.542569°N, 75.300988°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 Wagner Farm and General Jacob Morris State Forests 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, 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 r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby community of Morris.
- Gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of South New Berlin and Morris.
Cooperstown and Otsego 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.