Triangle State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 674-4017; 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 Triangle, Broome County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
- Map: Triangle State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Triangle State Forest encompasses 661 acres of northern Broome County and provides plentiful deer and turkey hunting opportunities. The forest is also a great place to view ruffed grouse.
Access to the forest is available from Rathbun Hill Road during dry weather conditions. During the winter, a snowmobile corridor trail follows the road.
Featured Activities
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and 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.
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.
A New York State corridor trail follows the unplowed town road for snowmobiling. The trail continues into the heart of the forest and continues north into Chenango County.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Forest management has created ideal habitat for ruffed grouse.
Directions
Start in Triangle on State Highway 206 and take Ticknor Brook Road North to Rathbun Hill Road. Heading east on Rathbun Hill Road provides access into the forest. Rathbun Hill Road is not plowed for winter vehicle access into the forest.
- Rathburn Hill Road: (42.387306 -75.892914) 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 Triangle 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 Long Pond Unit Management Plan (PDF, 7.1 MB). 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 R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
History
The town derives its name from its geographical location. Located south of the "twenty towns" in Chenango County, and the "military tract" in Cortland County, the apex of the triangle is formed by the confluence of the Chenango and Tioughnioga Rivers.
During the War of 1812, many of the nation's capital buildings were burned, damaged or destroyed. Anson Seymour, son of one of Triangle's first settlers, capitalized on reconstruction of the capital by selling white pine logs to the Federal government. He rafted "vast" amounts of old growth white pine down the Tioughnioga River, to the Chenango River, then the Susquehanna River, and eventually to the Chesapeake Bay. To this day, some of our national buildings contain lumber grown in the town of Triangle.
The present day forests contain a mixture of plantations and natural hardwoods and conifers. Most of the white pine that can be seen today was reforested in the 1930s.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and dining may be found in the nearby community of Whitney Point.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cortland or Binghamton.
Broome County Tourism Webpage (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.
