Tomannex 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: Towns of Hancock and Colchester, Delaware County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4W
• Map: Tomannex State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,036-acre Tomannex State Forest is situated south of the East Branch of the Delaware River. The location makes this a prime destination for trout fishing. The state forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation.

Featured Activities

Fishing

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

The East Branch of the Delaware River is a fishable trout stream. Brook trout, rainbow trout and brown trout are common in the river.

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the East Branch of the Delaware River, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map).

East-Central 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.

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.

Paddling

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

Paddling is allowed on the East Branch of the Delaware River. There are no designated launch sites on the property.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 4W

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.

Wildlife

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

Directions

Tomannex State Forest is located on Bump Road South of Harvard NY.

• East Branch Delaware River Parking (42.017911°N, 75.102667°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 Tomannex 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, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking 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

• Bear Spring Mountain WMA
• Delaware Wild Forest
• Kerryville State Forest
• Bear Spring Mountain Campground

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Downsville.
• Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Downsville and East Branch.

Delaware 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.