Webster Hill 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 Western and Ava, Oneida County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
- Map: Webster Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,064-acre Webster Hill State Forest was purchased by the State in the 1930s and early 1940s as exhausted farmland with little or no tree cover. The first priorities after the establishment of a state forest were to reforest the land, prevent soil erosion, and minimize the threat of wildfires. The property is now managed for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There is a 0.26-mile foot trail in the eastern portion of the property with a trailhead off Route 46. This state forest has very little infrastructure in place, making it ideal for the recreationalist who enjoys activities in a primitive forest setting.
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.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Chase Creek runs the length of the property and is capable of supporting trout populations; however, access may be difficult because of the steep terrain.
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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Wildlife found on the property include white-tailed deer, porcupines, grouse, coyotes, turkeys, songbirds and other small game species.
Directions
From the City of Rome take NYS Route 46 North. About 3 miles north of the intersection with NYS Route 274, turn west (left) on to Hillside Road. Veer right (northwest) on to Webster Hill Road. Continue on Webster Hill Road for about 3.2 miles and the State Forest Sign and Public Forest Access Road will be on the right (to the east).
- Webster Hill forest access road unmaintained parking area (43.400513°N, 75.407540°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 Webster 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, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and horseback riding are all permitted on the property; however, there are currently no maintained trails for these activities.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Oneida Hills Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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 at r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Webster Hill features some steep terrain, scenic views, streams and a small pond. It has tranquil, rolling woodland areas that contain a mixture of plantations, natural forests and conifers. The plantations on the property are primarily composed of white pine, red pine, Scotch pine, Japanese larch, European larch, Norway spruce, white spruce and Douglas fir. The natural forests species on the property include eastern hemlock, black cherry, red maple, sugar maple, American beech and white ash.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Buck Hill State Forest
- Jackson Hill State Forest
- Clark Hill State Forest
- Canada Creek State Forest
- Point Rock State Forest
- South Hill State Forest
- Penn Mountain State Forest
- West Branch State Forest
- Pixley Falls State Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Rome, Boonville, Alder Creek, Stokes and West Leyden.
Oneida County Tourism webpage (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.