Beaver Pond State Forest
(formerly Page Pond)
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 674-4017; R7Forestry@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: Sanford, Broome County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4O
- Map: Beaver Pond State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Beaver Pond, formerly Page Pond, State Forest covers a total of 791 acres. It is named after a 17-acre pond that is partially situated in the state forest.
A single multiple-use recreation trail runs north and south through the forest. The closed section of Huggins Road is also a good corridor for cross-country skiing. The most popular recreational activities on the forest are hunting and cross-country skiing.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
A single multiple-use recreation trail runs north and south through the forest.
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.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Fishing information for Central NY is available.
Hunting & Trapping
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 in appropriate seasons.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to 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.
The mammals that are common residents of Beaver Pond State Forest include deer, raccoons, squirrels, porcupines, beavers, chipmunks, and opossum. Coyotes and foxes are also present. There is also a large variety of birds, including songbirds and hawks. Turkeys are also abundant on this forest, due to the high percentage of beech and oak trees that enhance their habitat.
Directions
Access to the forest is gained by traveling on the remaining segments of Huggins Road. This road previously crossed through the state forest, however the portion through the state forest, is now closed to traffic. The rest of Huggins Road is a good quality, hard surfaced road which may be traveled with any passenger car.
- Huggins Road north section runs off of Hawkins Road, which connects to NYS Route 41 (42.155132°N, -75.513061°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Huggins Road south section can be reached directly from NYS Route 41 (42.121471°N,-75.518946°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) principles 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 Beaver 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.
Planning and Management
The Broome State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) covers Cat Hollow, Tracy Creek, Beaver Pond, Whitaker Swamp, Hawkins Pond, Marsh Pond, Skyline Drive, and Cascade Valley State Forests, constituting 5,371 acres in Broome and Tioga counties.
DEC developed a Broome State Forest Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Cat Hollow State Forest.
For more information, email DEC Foresters with the subject line "Broome Unit" at R7.UMP@dec.ny.gov or call (607) 674-4017.
Forest Management
The forest shape is long and narrow, providing a distance from the northern border to the southern border of approximately 3 miles. The two tracts of land comprising the forest were acquired in 1940 and 1941. Two additional tracts were acquired in 1981 and 1989. The highest elevation on the forest is about 2,010 feet and can be found on two different peaks in the north section of the property.
The forest cover is primarily a mix of native conifers and northern hardwoods. Only a few acres of this forest were ever planted with species such as red pine or Norway spruce. The largest block of conifer (hemlock) on the forest is located in the southern section of the forest, south of NYS route 41. The remainder of the forest is largely covered with hardwoods such as red oak, sugar maple, aspen, red maple, white ash, black cherry, and beech. Beaver Pond State Forest is bordered by a mix of privately owned woodlands and agricultural lands.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Deposit.
Broome County Tourism Webpage (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.
