O'Hara State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Altmar Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (315) 298-7467; [email protected]
  • 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: Towns of Williamstown and Orwell, Oswego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: O'Hara State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

O'Hara State Forest encompasses approximately 1,402 acres of land. Activities enjoyed here include hunting, hiking, trapping and nature observation.

Accessible Features

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

There is a 3/4-mile trail off O'Hara Road that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities. The trail is gated and parking can be found along the town road. This trial doubles as a hiking trail in good weather.

Directions

To get to O'Hara State Forest- Oswego 9, take NY Route 13 to O'Hara Road which runs through the property. To get to O'Hara State Forest- Oswego 10, continue on O'Hara Road to County Route 17, then turn onto County Route 2 which hugs the lake and connects with Dam Road from which parking and boat access are located. Alternatively, to go straight to Oswego 10 take Exit 36 off of I-81(Pulaski) and follow County Route 2 to Dam Road. Parking is available at each of the sections of the forest, however, it is limited to the shoulder of the road.

• O'Hara Road (43.5033397,-75.8323916) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 O'Hara 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 Upper Salmon River 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 us [email protected].

Forest Management

O'Hara State Forest is comprised of mature natural hardwood and northern hardwood-hemlock cover types. Red maple, black cherry, white ash, sugar maple and hemlock are the major hardwood species of the forest. Conifer plantations scattered throughout the forest, consisting of mainly white pine and red pine testify to the great work of the Civilian Conservation Corps which planted these species during the 1930's. It is because of this heavily wooded landscape that O'Hara State Forest is an ideal location to enjoy both hunting and trapping.

A large wetland complex occupies between over 100 acres of land, providing swamp- like habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal life. This wetland area further adds to the value of the forest, and makes O'Hara State Forest an incredible asset for the people of New York State.

The responsibility of managing State Forests to enhance and maintain a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem for society and wildlife lies with the Department of Environmental Conservation foresters. As a direct result, forest management is strategically employed to develop a well balanced mix of young, middle-aged, and old (late successional) forest types that will continue to enhance the environment, as well as provide society with compatible recreational opportunities.

History

The land that now comprises O' Hara State Forest was originally used for farm land and timber products by European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. Unfortunately, poor soils and extremely cold weather did not provide for ideal farming conditions. Shale and sandstone rocks provided a rocky terrain and soils were highly acidic. Excessive erosion and prolonged freezing and wet periods frustrated many farming attempts. As a result, frequently crops and fields were abandoned as farmers moved to the Midwest in pursuit of better land.

The State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931 set forth new legislation that authorized the Conservation Department (now DEC) to acquire land, by gift or purchase, for reforestation areas. These State Forests, consisting of no less than 500 acres of contiguous land were to be "forever devoted to reforestation and the establishment and maintenance thereon of forests for watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, recreation and kindred purposes" (Article 9, Title 5, Environmental Conservation Law).

O'Hara State Forest was purchased under this program by New York State during the 1930s. During this period, lands all over the state that had once been cleared for pasture and farm land were restored to forests. Reforestation reduced the problem of soil erosion, protected water quality and provided forest products and recreational opportunities. Today, O'Hara State Forest provides many different ecological, economic and recreational services for the people and wildlife in New York State.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Hall Island State Forest
• Kasoag State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas and food may be found in the nearby communities of Redfield or Williamstown.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Pulaski.

Oswego County Tourism Office 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 for information on outdoor guides.