Three Springs 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 DeRuyter, Madison County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
- Map: Three Springs State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Three Springs State Forest consists of 797 acres. It adjoins the larger Muller Hill State Forest in the town of Georgetown. The terrain is rolling to a hilltop elevation of over 2,040 feet.
Hunters, hikers and bird watchers use the area. Some cross country skiers use the access road in winter. A public snowmobile trail runs through the property and a section of the North Country Trail passes through the property. A building containing directional location devices for planes is located adjacent to the property.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
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.
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.
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 Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
An ATV accessible trail for people with disabilities is located on the property. A permit under the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) must be secured from DEC in order to use an ATV on the accessible trail.
Directions
Travel State Highway 80 east of the hamlet of Sheds. Take Carpenter Road south to a public forest access road.
There are two pull off sites (wide road shoulders) and a cul-de-sac at the end of the forest access road which is 1.4 miles long.
- Public forest access road: (42.78296°N, 75.82178°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 Three Springs 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 Muller Hill Unit Management Plan. 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 R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
Visitors will encounter stands of spruce, pine, larch and natural hardwoods. The property was purchased in the 1930s and soon after was reforested.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cazenovia and Cortland.
Madison 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.
