Steuben 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: Towns of Schuyler and Herkimer, Herkimer County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6R
• Map: Steuben Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

As with most state forests, the 1,008-acre Steuben Hill State Forest started off as pastures and cropland, not so very long ago. It is somewhat nondescript with some small areas of flat ground surrounded by steep slopes and gullies. The state forest was created for the purpose 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 are no designated hiking trails on this property. There are old skid trails from past timber harvesting operations and old farm lanes from long ago that make for an enjoyable walk. The rugged terrain of the rest of the property makes hiking this area somewhat difficult.

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.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 6R

General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

The busiest time of year for this property is big game season. The terrain makes hunting somewhat difficult, so even during this season, hunting pressure is light.

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

Steuben Hill Road and Caldwell Road are the 2 main roads through this state forest. From the village of Herkimer, take Route 28 North, turn left on to East German Street. Turn right on to Steuben Road. After about 1 mile, go right at the fork onto Steuben Hill Road. After about 2 miles, at the four way intersection, go right to continue on Steuben Hill Road. Continue for about 2 miles to the beginning of State Land at the intersection of Caldwell Road and Steuben Hill Road.

From Middleville, go south on NYS Route 28 for about 1.7 miles to Schrader Hill Road. Go right onto Schrader Hill Road. Continue on Schrader Hill Road for about 2.2 miles to the intersection with Sterling Creek Road. Veer left onto Steuben Hill Road. Continue southerly for about 1.3 miles to the beginning of state land. There are no formal or maintained parking areas on this unit.

• Upson Road pull-off (just after intersection with Steuben Hill Road) (43.101085°N, 75.026952°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 Steuben 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 no currently maintained trails for these activities.

Planning and Management

This state forest falls under the Mohawk Vista Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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

• Black Creek State Forest
• Plantation Island Wildlife Management Area
• Ferris Lake Wild Forest
• Lassellsville State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Herkimer, Mohawk, Ilion, Frankfort, Middleville and Utica.

Herkimer County Chamber (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.