Peck Hill State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
• • DEC Region 5 Northville Office (M-F, 7:30AM - 3:30 PM), (518) 863-4545; info.R5@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 Johnstown, Fulton County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 5H & 5J
• Map: Peck Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Willie Wildlife Marsh Map (GeoPDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Peck Hill State Forest is a 2,868-acre property located just south of the Adirondack Blue Line. It contains an interpretive trail that crosses boardwalks and a viewing platform overlooking a marsh, as well as several accessible features. It also provides several miles of snowmobile trails.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There are 16.23 miles of unmarked trails, multi-purpose trails and snowmobile trails that may be used to explore the state forest.

The 1.47-mile Willie Marsh Nature Trail explores a beautiful wetland habitat. There is a viewing platform, interpretive stops and boardwalks that traverse the marsh and open water, as well as some features that are accessible for people of all abilities. A trail guide and maps are available at the trailhead.

Camping

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

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 5H & 5J

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

During hunting season, Canada geese and wood ducks are sought by hunters, while trappers set lines for beaver and other furbearers during trapping season.

Snowmobiling

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

There are roughly 11 miles of snowmobile routes that cross the state forest and join the NYS Snowmobile Network of trails. The snowmobile routes in the area are maintained and groomed by Ful-Mont Snow Travellers Inc. (leaves DEC website) through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

Wildlife

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

The Willie Wildlife Marsh in the northwestern part of the property is alive with wildlife. Visitors often see great blue herons and painted turtles, along with a variety of frogs, dragonflies and other marsh insects.

Accessible Features

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

There are a few routes (totaling about 4.78 miles) that start in the northwestern section of the unit and cross the center of the property to the southeastern corner of the forest. These routes allow motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

The Willie Wildlife Marsh in the northwestern part of the property has several accessible features, including parking, an interpretive trail, a privy, a picnic area, a boardwalk and a wildlife-viewing platform. The trail is 5 feet wide and 0.4-mile-long with an average slope of 5 percent.

Directions

There are three parking areas that provide access to different parts of the property.

• Elm Road (Route 101) parking area (43.0537491°N, 74.4019241°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Willie Road accessible parking area (43.0830345°N, 74.4423828°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Route 131 parking area (43.04789°N, 74.41232°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 Peck Hill 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 and fishing are all allowed on the property, however, the unit is not maintained currently for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a Fulton County State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us r5.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilites

• Rockwood State Forest
• Ferris Lake Wild Forest
• Shaker Mountain Wild Forest
• Lassellsville State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, supplies, dining, and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Gloversville and Johnstown.

Fulton and Montgomery Chamber of Commerce (leaves DEC website) and the Fulton County I Love NY (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.