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Cinnamon Lake State Forest

Cinnamon Lake State Forest locator map

primitive campinghuntingtrappingsnowmobilingaccess for people with disabilitiesparkingicon key

The 1,786-acre Cinnamon Lake State Forest has a limited amount of development, including some limited trails and a very small section of pond edge. Today, Cinnamon Lake 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, compatible recreational opportunities and clean water.

Featured Activities

Camping

primitive camping

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Cinnamon Lake State Forest has no developed campsites; but 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.

Hunting & Trapping

hunting
trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 8W

General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Trees and Plants in the Cinnamon lake forest
Forest on Cinnamon Lake State Forest

Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.

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 are home to 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. Visitors from across New York State flock to this area year round for its exquisite wildlife watching and unbeatable hunting.

Snowmobiling

snowmobiling

General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are designated snowmobile trails maintained through a volunteer stewardship agreement by the Trail Tamers (leaves DEC website).

Accessible Features

accessible

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 trails designated by the NYS DEC. This program is known as the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). Gas Well Rd Trail heads east from Forks-Monterey Rd and is the only designated MAPPWD trail on Cinnamon Lake State Forest.

Directions

From I86, take Exit 42 (Coopers Plains), head north on Meads Creek Rd. (County Rte. 26 / County Rte. 16). In the hamlet of Monterey turn right onto Hornby Rd.

From State Rte. 414, head north on County Rte. 19, then straight onto Hornby Rd.

  • Stonemound Trail Parking (42.278292°N, 77.02984°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
  • Lloyds Parking Lot (42.277388°N, 77.031336°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
  • Cinnamon Lake Parking Lot (42.283645°N, 77.013851°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 Cinnamon Lake 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.

Specific Rules

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

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 Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Dining and Lodging opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Corning and Watkins Glen.

Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce (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.


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