Papish Pond Multiple Use Area
- 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: Papish Pond MUA Map PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Papish Pond Multiple Use Area offers many different recreational activities including: fishing, paddling, hunting, trapping, bird watching, and nature viewing. Camping is also a favorite pastime here, with plenty of perfect spots nestled in the peaceful community. Please see site-specific regulations below.
Papish Pond Multiple Use Area is often considered a part of Gee Brook State Forest as they are located in close proximity to each other.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no formal trails on Papish Pond Multiple Use Area. Hiking is allowed anywhere on the property unless posted otherwise.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Primitive camping is allowed with a permit from a Forest Ranger. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water.
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.
The main attraction of Papish Pond Multiple Use Area is Papish Pond. Many users enjoy the excellent fishing opportunities provided by the 38-acre pond, full of pickerel, yellow perch, bullhead, and largemouth bass.
It is a great place to hang out in a canoe, and there is a boat launch for non-motorized and electric motor boats at the pond located right off of Gee Brook Road. Gas powered motors are prohibited.
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.
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
Papish Pond Multiple Use Area may be accessed by taking NY Route 26 and 41 to Gee Brook Road. Travel about 2.4 miles on Gee Brook Road to Papish Pond Multiple Use Area. Parking will be available from the shoulder of the road.
- Parking: (42.4935426°N, 75.9513322°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 Papish Pond Multiple Use Area 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.
Site-Specific Rules
For your safety and protection of the resource, the following additional regulations are in place:
- A permit from a DEC Forest Ranger must be obtained in order to camp at Papish Pond Multiple Use Area. No camping within 150 feet of open water, roads, or trails.
- Boats using electric motors only are allowed at Papish Pond.
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 and/or comments about this UMP, please email R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
Papish Pond Multiple Use Area was purchased by the state of New York with funding provided by the Environmental Quality Bond Act (leaves DEC website) to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape and provide for compatible recreational opportunities that would be beneficial to both wildlife and society. Today, the area continues to provide diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services for many residents and visitors of New York State.
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 Cortland and Whitney Point.
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.
