Otsquago 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 Stark, Herkimer County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6S
• Map: Otsquago State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 411-acre Otsquago State Forest is named after Otsquago Creek, which starts roughly at the Otsego-Herkimer County line. Interestingly, this creek descends 1,100 feet over a distance of 17 miles. The creek played an important role in the early history of this area. Many Native American villages were built along its banks. There were also skirmishes and battles of the Revolutionary War that took place nearby. The waterpower, provided by the creek, ran mills in every village it flowed through. Otsquago Creek obtained its name from the Mohawk tribe and translates to "under a bridge." 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.

The unit has no marked foot trails at this time, making it ideal for the visitor who enjoys recreational 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.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 6S

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 Van Hornsville travel east on Wiltse Hill Road. Turn left (north) onto Wagner Hill Road. The state forest's boundary line is about 0.5 mile northeast of the intersection. There are no official or maintained parking areas on this property; however, Wagner Hill Road, which runs through the center of the property, has pull-off opportunities along the sides.

• Wagner Hill Road unmaintained pull-off area (42.903469°N, 74.781594°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 Otsquago 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

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

• Ohisa State Forest
• Van Hornesville Fish Hatchery
• Plantation Island Wildlife Management Area
• Lassellsville State Forest
• Cherry Valley State Forest
• Exeter State Forest
• VanHornesville Fish Hatchery

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Van Hornesville, Fort Plain, Little Falls, Herkimer, and Richfield Springs.

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.