Skyline Drive 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: Towns of Kirkwood and Windsor, Broome County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7S
- Map: Skyline Drive State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Skyline Drive State Forest covers 533 acres and is ideal for hunting, trapping and fishing. No formal trails exist on the forest, however, a 2.3-mile public forest access road winds across the ridge top of the forest, providing dramatic views of the Susquehanna River valley.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no designated hiking trails but hiking is allowed anywhere on the property, including the 2.3-mile public forest access road.
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.
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 anywhere on the property.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Many species of wildlife can be found on the Skyline Drive State Forest. White-tail deer and wild turkey are the two most popular game species. The forest provides excellent habitat for a wide variety of birds. Although fairly uncommon, black bears are occasionally sighted in southern Broome County and are believed to visit the forest periodically.
Directions
Skyline Drive State Forest Skyline Drive State Forest can be accessed by traveling from NYS Route 11 to Grange Hall Road to Skyline Drive Public Forest Access Road. The Village of Kirkwood is only about 2 miles from the forest and the City of Binghamton is less than 10 miles away.
There are five parking areas off of Skyline Drive, which is the access road through the forest.
- Grange Hall Road intersection with public forest access road (42.0093783°N, 75.7421209°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 Skyline Drive 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
The Broome State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) covers Cat Hollow, Tracy Creek, Beaver Pond, Whitaker Swamp, Hawkins Pond, Marsh Pond, Skyline Drive, and Cascade Valley State Forests, constituting 5,371 acres in Broome and Tioga counties.
DEC developed a Broome State Forest Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Cat Hollow State Forest.
For more information, email DEC Foresters with the subject line "Broome Unit" at R7.UMP@dec.ny.gov or call (607) 674-4017.
Forest Management
The topography on this forest is generally quite steep. Although the northernmost section of forest has rather gentle topography, most of the forest has many steep slopes. Slopes of 35% are not uncommon, and slopes of 50% or more may be encountered while traversing this land. The highest elevation on the forest is 1,729 feet, on a peak just off the east side of Skyline Drive. The lowest elevation is 1,150 feet, along the south boundary in the western portion of the forest.
The forest cover on Skyline Drive State Forest is predominantly oak species. Red oak, black oak, chestnut oak, and white oak can all be found on this forest. These trees are well adapted to the drier soils on the high elevations of the forest. The northern section of the forest, where more water is available, has a northern hardwood - hemlock mixture. There is also a wetland in this portion of the forest and a tributary to Trowbridge Creek. Several sections of the property have also been planted with conifer species such as red pine and Norway spruce. These plantations were established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
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 Windsor and 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.
