Rural Grove State Forest & Yatesville Falls State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 652-7365; r4.ump@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: Towns of Charleston, Glen and Root in Montgomery County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4A
- Map: Rural Grove & Yatesville Falls State Forests' Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,286-acre Rural Grove State Forest and the 712-acre Yatesville Falls State Forest were purchased by the State in the 1930s for timber production, recreational use, watershed production and wildlife habitat. One of the main features, Yatesville (Buttermilk) Falls, can be seen near the western end of the unnamed road in Yatesville Falls State Forest.
Featured Activities
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Big game hunting for white-tailed deer is popular in Rural Grove and Yatesville Falls State Forest. The area also supports small game such as turkey, squirrel and grouse. Trapping is allowed for beaver, muskrat, fox and coyote, according to season.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Shibley Road and Carron Road in Rural Grove State Forest, and Forest Access Road in Yatesville Falls State Forest are unplowed roads used by snowmobiles and cross-country skiers.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Shibley Road and Carron Road in Rural Grove State Forest, and Forest Access Road in Yatesville Falls State Forest are unplowed roads used by snowmobiles and cross-country skiers.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no designated campsites; however, 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 10 or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
In Yatesville Falls State Forest, there is a 1/4-mile trail with a moderate slope leading from the parking lot to the accessible viewing platform at Yatesville Falls. Hiking is also allowed throughout the property in both state forests.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Accessible viewing platform at Yatesville Falls
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
The viewing platform at Yatesville Falls is universally accessible. The road leading to the platform can be accessed by vehicle through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) under permit only.
Directions
- NYS Forest Access Road entrance to Yatesville State Forest: (42.874192°N, 74.433466°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website), Yatesville (Buttermilk) Falls can be seen near the western end of Forest Access Road, opposite the entrance off Route 106.
- Yatesville Falls State Forest parking area (42.868151°N, 74.445456°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Logtown Road entrance to Rural Grove State Forest (42.853783°N, 74.438974°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 Rural Grove and Yatesville Falls State Forests 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
State forests are managed to provide recreational opportunities and timber crops, while protecting wildlife habitat, water quality and aesthetics. The hardwoods in this area were not planted, but reseeded naturally. Thinning the forest periodically through the sale of pulpwood and timber gives the remaining trees more space to grow. This keeps the forest healthy, while providing openings for seedlings. New trees provide food for wildlife and are a source of future forest crops.
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Charleston Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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 r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Canajoharie, Fultonville and Sloansville.
- Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Canajoharie.
- Lodging and dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Canajoharie and Fultonville.
Montgomery 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 online 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.
