Tuller Hill 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 Virgil, Cortland County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7R
- Map: Tuller Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Tuller Hill State Forest encompasses 2,497 acres. It is a popular area for a variety of recreational activities including hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, hunting, trapping, and geocaching. For those who enjoy nature observation, there are many types of ferns, lilies, clubmoss, and even orchids in the forest.
The Tuller Hill State Forest Multiple-Use Trail System has been designed to offer family-based recreation for a wide variety of uses. Horseback riding and biking are not permitted on hiking-only trails. See below for additional trail etiquette guidelines.
A trail brochure and map (PDF) for Tuller Hill State Forest is available. There are also three public forest access roads (PFAR) within Tuller Hill State Forest that may be used for various recreational pursuits (see below for directions):
- Pipeline Public Forest Access Road (1.6 miles in length)
- Snyder Hill Public Forest Access Road (1.7 miles in length)
- Tower Public Forest Access Road (1.7 miles in length).
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Five miles of the Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website) are located in the eastern section of the forest. Hiking is allowed anywhere on state forests unless otherwise posted.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
A lean-to campsite along the Finger Lakes Trail is available for users based on seasonal availability and on a first come, first served basis.
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.
Biking is permitted on all multiple-use trails.
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.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are six miles of snowmobile trails including secondary trails 53 and 55.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are eight miles of cross-country ski trails located throughout the forest. 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.
Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.
Twelve miles of trails designated for horseback riding can be found in the northwestern section of the forest. Horses are also permitted on all multiple-use trails.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
A wealth of mammals, song birds, amphibians, and raptors are all waiting to be seen by the keen-eyed explorer.
Directions
From NY 11 to NY RT. 392 West, Tuller Hill State Forest can be accessed via Snyder Hill Road which runs north and south through the eastern portion of the forest. Another access road is Clute Road, which runs north off of NY 392 and connects with the eastern portion of Tuller Hill via Pipe Line Road, and with the western portion via Vinnedge Road.
Parking from the shoulder of the road is available but limited.
- Clute Road: (42.530705°N, 76.133125°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 Tuller Hill 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.
Trail Etiquette
- Pass only in flat areas. The faster trail user should verbally indicate a desire to pass.
- The slower user should yield by moving to the right where possible.
- Users going down hill have the right of way. They are typically moving faster and may have less control.
- Do not descend a hill until the trail is clear.
- After a fall, move off the trail as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of collisions.
- When skiing, fill in the sitzmarks before proceeding after a fall.
- Do not hike or bike in the ski tracks. Try to avoid hiking, biking or horse back riding on ski trails when there is a snow on the ground as this may degrade the experience for cross country skiers.
- Mountain bikers and horseback riders must stay on the DEC designated trails.
- Horses and mountain bikers are prohibited on designated foot paths.
- Horses and mountain bikes are only allowed on trails from May through October.
- DEC respectfully requests that horseback riders and mountain bikers not ride during wet conditions.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Virgil Mountain Unit Management Plan (PDF) with Maps Part 1 (PDF) and Part 2 (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.
History
Tuller Hill Sate Forest was purchased by New York State during the 1930s when large scale reforestation projects were underway. The land that had once been used extensively for agriculture would be converted back to its original forested state. This would not only combat soil erosion problems, but it would also create and maintain biodiversity, produce forest products, and promote important recreational opportunities for all of Upstate New York's residents and visitors.
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 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.
