Mallet Pond 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 Summit and Fulton, Schoharie County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4G
• Map: Mallet Pond State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 2,584-acre Mallet Pond State Forest is located across the valley from the Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest. While smaller, it is still rugged and remote, with rough dirt roads, two ponds and plenty of land to explore. The name of the state forest is derived from the pond that was built in 1976 by the New York Power Authority as mitigation for the adverse fisheries impact incurred by construction and operation of the nearby Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There are no designated or marked hiking trails; however, hiking is allowed throughout the property.

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.

Fishing

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

There are sport fishing opportunities on Rossman Pond and Mallet Pond as well as on the nearby Panther Creek. For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on Panther Creek, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map).

East-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: 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 is allowed during appropriate seasons.

Snowmobiling

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

The C7B, S73A and S75 corridor and secondary trails pass through Mallet Pond State Forest. The snowmobile trails are maintained by local snowmobile clubs the Summit Sno Riders, Inc. (leaves DEC website) through volunteer stewardship agreements.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Mallet Pond 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.

Accessible Features

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

There are multiple trails throughout the forest that allow motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

To access Mallet Pond State Forest drive up to Summit on NY Route 10, and take Sawyer Hollow Road to Rossman Fly Road.

• Mallet Pond Parking Lot (42.591078°N, 74.524267°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Rossman Pond Parking Lot (42.594453°N, 74.527166°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 Mallet Pond 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.

Special 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 manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Eminence State Forest Unit Management Plan. 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 at r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest
• Lutheranville State Forest
• Patria State Forest
• Petersburg State Forest
• Mine Kill State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Max V. Shaul State Park (leaves DEC website)

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Lodging and gas may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill and Richmondville.
• Dining opportunities as well as food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill, Richmondville, and Summit.

Schoharie County Tourism 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.