Tri-County 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 Redfield, Oswego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Tri-County State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,290-acre Tri-County State Forest is part of a network of adjacent and connecting state forests known as 46-Corners Management Area and is noted for its extreme annual snowfall totals. This area is relatively flat with a fair number of streams and wetlands scattered throughout. The state land is used for water quality protection, recreation, wildlife habitat and timber production. Also, the majority of roads passing through this area are not plowed in the winter.

It should be noted that there are also many small parcels of private land interspersed with state-owned land. Visitors should make certain that they stay on public land unless they have permission to cross onto the privately owned lands.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There are no designated hiking trails on this state forest. There are old skid trails from past timber harvesting operations and old farm lanes from long ago that make for an enjoyable walk.

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.

There are 5 protected trout streams that crisscross this state forest: Perry Brook, Spellicy Brook, Little River, Maloney Brook and Smith Brook. Parts of Smith Brook, Maloney Brook and the Little River flow through protected wetlands and may be difficult to access.

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.

This area receives an average of about 124 inches of snow each year making this part of Oneida County a snowmobiler's dream. Most of the roads passing through this area are seasonal use roads that become snowmobile trails in the winter. 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.

Accessible Features

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

Flanagan Road Ext is a 0.2-mile continuation of Flanagan Road. The route is located in the eastern portion of the forest that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

This State Forest is admittedly difficult to find. The road names change at the Oneida/Oswego County Line and they change when you pass through the village of Florence. To make it even more challenging, many roads do not have road signs. The two main roads accessing this area are Graves Road and Osceola Road.

In the village of Florence, turn northeast onto the Osceola Road. At about 0.1 mile, veer right continuing on Osceola Road. At about 0.6 mile, stay left, staying on the Osceola Road. The Tri-County State Forest boundary is at 0.3 mile. The boundary line starts at about 1 mile from the village of Florence.

To find Graves Road, continue through the village of Florence on what is now the Redfield Road. Graves Road is the first right at about 1.3 miles. Continue north on Graves Road for about 0.9 mile to the boundary of state land.

• Houlahan Road pull-off area (43.443045°N, 75.732647°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 Tri-County 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 at r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Big Brook State Forest
• Swancott Hill State Forest
• Fall Brook State Forest
• Furnace Creek State Forest
• West Osceola State Forest
• Florence Hill State Forest
• Mad River State Forest
• O'Hara State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Florence, Osceola, Redfield and Camden.

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.