Patria State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 652-7365; r4.ump@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 Fulton, Schoharie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4G
• Map: Patria State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 2,161-acre Patria State Forest was purchased for the people of New York State for reforestation, timber production, recreational use, watershed protection and wildlife habitat. Patria State Forest features hunting, trapping and primitive camping opportunities. The Long Path is also a notable feature of the property. Most of the forests on Patria are comprised of upland hardwoods, along with hemlock being a major component on the steeper slopes.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

The Long Path (leaves DEC website) traverses Patria State Forest. The Long Path is a long distance trail that extends from the George Washington Bridge in New York City to Altamont, NY. Approximately 5.5 miles of the Long Path Hiking Trail is located on the property. The trail is maintained by the Long Path North Hiking Club through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

Camping

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

There are no designated campsites; however, 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: 4G

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

Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.

Snowmobiling

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

The C7B corridor passes through Patria State Forest. The trail is maintained by the Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club of Middleburgh, Inc. 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.

Patria State Forest and the other state forests in the Eminence Unit Management Plan lie within the Appalachian Plateau and Schoharie Hills ecozones. The area is characterized by mixed hardwood stands, hardwood/conifer and conifer plantations in various age classes. Much of the area is in moderate to steep slopes. The area is further enriched by the presence of many scattered wetlands and small ponds. This variety of habitat allows a wide diversity of wildlife species to exist on the unit, including many game species.

Directions

From Cobleskill: Head southwest on Route 7, passing SUNY Cobleskill's campus, for 1.8-miles. Then turn left onto West Fulton Road and continue for 8.5 miles. Turn left at the intersection onto Patria Road. Follow Patria Road for 2 miles and the property will be on both sides of the road.

• Patria Road Parking Lot (42.611531°N, 74.43995°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Barkman Road Parking Lot (42.601804°N, 74.413689°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Mallon Road Parking Lot (42.583846°N, 74.43666°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Hard Scrabble Road Parking Lot (42.603319°N, 74.405745°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 Patria 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

Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a unit management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain 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 r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Petersburg State Forest
• Mallet Pond State Forest
• Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
• Keyserkill State Forest Complex

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill and Middleburgh.
• Lodging and dining opportunities can be found in the nearby community of Cobleskill.

Schoharie County Tourism (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.