Skinner Hill 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 Sherburne, Columbus, New Berlin in Chenango County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Skinner Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Skinner Hill State Forest is 1,666 acres. There are no formal trails on the forest. Popular activities are limited to fishing, hunting, trapping and nature photography/observation. Due to its elongated shape, Skinner Hill is also an easily accessible forest to reach, with many local roads crisscrossing the property. A variety of old logging roads, as well as newer skid roads, provide paths for hiking, or hunting. There are two parking areas; one along Skinner Hill Road and one along Warren Road.
Across the length of the forest are remnants of the history of the area. Stone walls, old stone bridges, foundations, and even a root cellar used to hide escaped slaves during the time of the Underground Railroad can be found on the property.
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.
A lady slipper flower on the
forest floor
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
The landscape is diverse and provides an ideal opportunity for wildlife habitat, making it popular spot for hunting and wildlife viewing. Two trout streams pass through the forest, both tributaries of Great Brook. In some places, beavers have taken up residence along these streams, creating small ponds and pools. Waterfowl can be found in abundance in these locations. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse are among a few of the game species to be found here. For those people who enjoy trapping, these wetland areas are home to an abundance of small mammals.
Directions
From State Highway 8 in the Village of New Berlin, head west at the traffic light on King Settlement Road (County Route 29).
After passing a pig farm, a state forest parking area is on your right.
- Skinner Hill Road and informational kiosk: (42.645316°N, 75.425435°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Warren Road: (42.641383°N, 75.405673°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 Skinner Hill 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 Between Rivers 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 at R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov .
Forest Management
Skinner Hill State Forest is an oddly shaped forest located on old farm lands once plowed by its namesake, the Skinner family. You will find a mixture of spruce and pine plantations, natural growing hardwoods, open fields, and wetland areas growing across the forest.
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 Norwich and Sherburne.
Chenango 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.
