Gee Brook State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; 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: Town of Cincinnatus, Cortland County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
- Map: Gee Brook State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator || Calico Pond Camping Map (PDF)
Gee Brook State Forest encompasses 865 acres and is named for the beautiful sparkling creek that gently flows through the peaceful forest. It is a small but popular area that offers a variety of recreational activities.
View of Gee Brook from the footbridge
Informal foot trails are located along the stream and ponds. There are also two public forest access roads (Ace of Spades Road and Calico Pond Road) that provide entry into each of the respective north and south portions of the property.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are three designated campsites at Calico Pond. Sites are available on a first come, first served basis. No permit is needed for these sites unless you are staying more than three nights or in groups of ten or more, available from a Forest Ranger. The access bridge leading to Calico Pond over Gee Brook no longer provides vehicular access, although it is maintained as a footbridge.
Additionally, 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.
Paddling
General information on paddling 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.
Calico Pond, provides six acres of fishing opportunities and is loaded with pickerel, largemouth bass, perch, and of course black crappie (Calico bass), for which the pond is named.
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.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There is a short snowmobile trail located on the south end of the forest.
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
Gee Brook State Forest is divided into two main sections. The northern section may be accessed by taking NY Route 41 to Piety Road. The Calico Pond Public Forest Access Road is directly across from the intersection, and parking is available, but limited to the shoulder of the road. The southern section can be accessed by taking NY Route 41 to Gee Brook Road, and then Gee Brook Road to the Ace of Spades Public Forest Access Road. Again, parking is limited, but available along the shoulder of the road.
- Calico Pond Parking Lot (42.52869°N, 75.934151°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 Gee Brook 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
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Taylor Valley Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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 about this UMP, please email us at R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
History
Like many of the state forests, Gee Brook was originally cleared for agricultural purposes by early European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. When the soil proved to be unfit for farming, the land was abandoned and sold to the state for reforestation in the 1930s. The forest still provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services for many, and informal camping continues to be enjoyed within the forest.
DEC foresters are charged with the responsibility of managing state forests to enhance and maintain a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem for society and wildlife, with benefits to be enjoyed for many generations.
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 communities of Whitney Point and Cortland.
Cortland County Tourism Office (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.
