Swancott Hill State Forest

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• 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: Town of Florence, Oneida County; Town of Lewis, Lewis County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Swancott Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 2,024-acre Swancott Hill State Forest was acquired in pieces from 1936 to 1972. The state land is currently managed for water quality protection, recreation, wildlife habitat and timber production.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There are no formal hiking trails located on Swancott Hill State Forest but old skid trails and dirt roads provide an excellent opportunity to get out and enjoy the forest in the summer.

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 & regulations.

There are several protected trout streams that traverse this State Forest. Florence Creek and its tributaries run through the center of unit. Cody Creek and Big Brook are protected streams that just touch the corners of this area. These streams are all classified as being able to support trout populations. Florence Creek and its tributaries may offer good fishing, though access from the state forest may be difficult.

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

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.

The roads through this state forest are for seasonal use and are not plowed in winter. Most of these roads become snowmobile trails and are groomed by the local snowmobile clubs. County Line Road, Firetower Road, Sullivan Road, CCC Road, Houlahan Road and Gubbins Road are major routes for this activity. The T.C. Riders Snowmobile Club (leaves DEC website) maintain and groom the snowmobile trails on the unit 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.

Directions

From Camden, turn northeast onto Wolcott Street. Continue on Wolcott Street which turns into Wolcott Hill Road. Continue northeast to the intersection with Thompson Corners Florence Road. Cross this road and continue northeast on what is now Empeyville Road for about one mile. Then go east at the "T" intersection, which is still Empeyville Road but then turns into Sheehan Road. Go about .1 mile and go north (left) onto Hanifin Road. On Hanifin Road, go about 1.2 miles until you get to the four corners. Go straight at the four corners on to what is now CCC Road. When on CCC Road, go about one mile and you will reach the state forest. You can continue to go straight on CCC road to access the rest of the state forest. There are no maintained parking areas on this property.

• Tower Road unmaintained pull-off area (43.453094°N, 75.645916°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 Swancott 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 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 46-Corners 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 r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Timber Management

Swancott Hill State Forest is comprised of natural forest, plantations, wetlands (Open and Alder), brushy fields and seedling-sapling covertypes. The dominant species in the natural forest are American basswood, American beech, black ash, black cherry, Eastern hemlock, red maple, red spruce, white ash and yellow birch. The plantations where established from 1936 to 1938. Species planted include Japanese larch, jack pine, Norway spruce, red pine, white pine and white spruce.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Big Brook State Forest
• East Osceola State Forest
• Fall Brook State Forest
• Furnace Creek State Forest
• Mad River State Forest
• Swancott Mill State Forest
• Tri-County State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Camden, Taberg, Rome, West Leyden and Osceola.

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.