Furnace Creek 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 and Annsville, Oneida County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Furnace Creek State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Furnace Creek State Forest contains 1,395 acres and is located in north western portion of Oneida County, connecting to both Fall Brook and Big Brook State Forest. This area is part of a network of 5 connecting state forests called 46 Corners which spans over 13,000 acres. The state land is used for water quality protection, recreation, wildlife habitat and timber production.

Furnace Creek terrain features some hilly, scenic views, with streams and swamps. 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, Japanese larch, European larch, Norway spruce, balsam fir and white spruce. The natural forests species on the property include hemlock, black cherry, red maple, sugar maple, yellow birch, American beech and white ash.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

The unit has no marked or maintained foot trails at this time, making it ideal for the recreationalist who enjoys activities in a primitive forest setting. There are 1.3 miles of paved and unpaved forest access roads that provide access to 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.

Fishing

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

There are three protected trout streams that flow through the property: Cobb Brook, Furnace Creek and Florence Creek. There is also a pond located off of Sheehan Road that supports warm water fish species.

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.

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 the Town of Camden head north east on Wolcott Hill Road. In 5 miles, you will reach Sheehan Road. Turn right and in 1 mile you will reach Furnace Creek State Forest.

• Power line right of way (ROW) parking area (43.38119°N, 75.66674°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 Furnace Creek 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.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Buck Hill State Forest
• Rome Sand Plains Unique Area
• Canada Creek State Forest
• Point Rock State Forest
• Fall Brook State Forest
• Cobb Brook State Forest
• West Branch State Forest
• Webster Hill State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

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.