Beaver Dams State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact information:
- DEC Region 8 Bath Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 622-8282; region8@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 Hornby, Steuben County and Town of Orange, Schuyler County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8W
- Map: Beaver Dams State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
On the 534-acre Beaver Dams State Forest recreational opportunities focus on rustic experiences as most of this forest is remote and difficult to access. Today, Beaver Dams and all state forests in New York are managed for multiple benefits to serve the needs of the people of New York. Sustainable management practices will ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and clean water.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, 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.
Camping
General Information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules ad 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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
New York's Southern Tier encompasses a wide variety of habitats and landscapes made up of mountainous hills, forests, grasslands and wetlands. Everything from black bear to black-throated blue warblers and brook trout to wild turkey call the Finger Lakes home. The grasslands host a variety of bird species including northern harrier and state endangered Henslow's sparrow. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beaver and mink flourish in the wetlands.
Outdoorsmen and women from across New York State flock to this area year round for its exquisite wildlife watching and unbeatable hunting.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Individuals with qualifying disabilities may apply for a permit to operate a motor vehicle on routes designated by the NYS DEC. This program is known as the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). The main route through Beaver Dams State Forest is designated MAPPWD.
Directions
From the hamlet of Beaver Dams, head west on Hornby Road. Watch for the area sign along the left (south) side of the road.
- Moody Road intersects Hornby Road at (2.284300°N, -76.997473°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Beaver Dams State Forest has a small parking lot about a 1/2 mile southerly along Moody Road, a road right-of-way across private land.
Area Sign for Beaver Dams State Forest
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 Beaver Dams 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 Six Nations 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 us at r8.ump@dec.ny.gov
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Land and Facilities
- Cinnamon Lake State Forest
- Coon Hollow State Forest
- Dry Run State Forest
- Sugar Hill State Forest
- Watkins Glen State Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Corning or Painted Post.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Corning, Painted Post, Beaver Dams or Bradford.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Corning or Painted Post.
Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau (leaves DEC website) and Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (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.
