Popple Pond State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 6 Herkimer Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (315) 866-6330; information.r6@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 Boonville and Forestport, Oneida County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6J
- Map: Popple Pond State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Popple Pond State Forest encompasses 2,461 acres of land and offers a broad range of outdoor recreational opportunities. The majority of the land that makes up Popple Pond State Forest was purchased by New York State in the 1930s and 1940s. Two more pieces were acquired in 1979 and the last piece was acquired in 1985. The property is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and recreation.
Fire Lane Public Forest Access Road (PFAR) and North Long Lake Outlet Road are not plowed in winter. Smith Road is only plowed as far as the rod and gun club. Pines Road and Hawkinsville Road are plowed through all winter.
Popple Pond State Forest is comprised of natural hardwoods, natural hardwood-hemlock and northern hardwood-spruce-fir stands. The dominant species are red maple, black cherry, sugar maple, beech, hemlock and balsam fir. There are also plantations established in the late 1930s and the early 1940s. These plantations consist of white pine, Scotch pine, red pine, jack pine and spruce.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no currently maintained hiking trails on the property; however, there are 9.44 miles of unpaved forest access roads and snowmobile trails that may be used for hiking the property.
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.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Popple Pond is about 8 acres and provides a great opportunity for canoeing or kayaking. There are no boat launches on the property and access to the pond may be difficult due to limited infrastructure. Light weight canoes or kayaks are recommended.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Several protected trout streams flow through this state forest. Cropsey Creek crosses the northeast portion of the area. The North Branch of Cummings Creek crosses the midsection of this property and Long Lake Outlet flows through the southern portion. These streams have been identified as being capable of supporting trout populations. Access may be somewhat difficult due to the primitive nature of infrastructure on the property. Popple Pond, located in the northeast portion of this forest, may support warm water species of fish.
For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on Little Black Creek, 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).
North 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.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Several miles of snowmobile trails run through and around this state forest. Smith Road, the Fire Lane Public Forest Access Road (PFAR) and Pines Road provide snowmobile access to this area and to the connector trails that lead to the surrounding area. There is also a short spur trail that runs between Smith Road and the PFAR. The Lost Trail Snowmobile Club (leaves DEC website) is responsible for maintaining and grooming snowmobile trails 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.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
North Long Lake Outlet Road route (off of Round Lake Road) is about one mile in length and runs along the north side of Long Lake Outlet (a protected trout stream) on the property that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. Some areas of the road are a little rough and there is a section of the road that might be wet during certain times of the year. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.
Directions
From NYS Route 12 at the southern edge of the village of Boonville, turn east onto Woodgate Drive (Hawkinsville Road). Continue east on Woodgate Drive (Hawkinsville Road) for about 2.6 miles. Turn north on to Pines Road. In about 1.7 miles, turn east on to Fire Lane Road (Public Forest Access Road) which runs through a major portion of Popple Pond State Forest.
Popple Pond State Forest may also be reached by continuing on Hawkinsville Road another 3.5 miles past Pines Road. The State Forest is on the north side of Hawkinsville Road. There are currently no maintained parking lots on the property.
- Trailhead for North Long Lake Outlet Road (MAPPWD) route, off of Round Lake Road (43.518197°N, 75.202222°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 Popple Pond 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, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property; however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Adirondack Foot Hills Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF). 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.
View Maps and Figures for the Adirondack Foothill UMP here.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, email r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Boonville, Port Leyden, Woodgate, White Lake and Alder Creek.
Oneida County Tourism website (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.