Petersburg 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: Towns of Cobleskill and Fulton, Schoharie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4G
• Map: Patria State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,094-acre Petersburg State Forest was purchased for the people of New York State for reforestation, timber production, recreational use, watershed protection and wildlife habitat. Petersburg State Forest features hunting, trapping and primitive camping opportunities. DEC, as well as the County of Schoharie, maintain two separate communication towers at the end of Petersburg Mountain Road. The Schoharie County communication tower is located at the site of where the Petersburg Mountain fire tower once stood, before it was removed in 1999.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There are no marked trails on the property, however, the public forest access roads and undeveloped setting provides some hiking options.

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 and regulations.

Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.

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 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 2.87 miles before turning left onto Greenbush Road. Continue on Greenbush Road for 0.58 mile and turn right onto Head Road. After a little over 0.5 mile and the property will be on both sides of the road.

• Greenbush Hill Road Parking Lot (42.623280°N, 74.436108248°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 Petersburg 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

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling 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

• Patria 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.