Pine Ridge 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 Sherburne, Chenango County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Pine Ridge State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Pine Ridge is a small forest of 274 acres. A small, quarter-acre-pond is located on the western part of the forest, with a stream flowing from it to the south. The forest's terrain can be quite challenging in places, hence the name "Pine Ridge". Popular activities include fishing, hunting, trapping, nature photography/observation and primitive camping.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no formal trails in the forest, but hiking is allowed anywhere on the property unless posted otherwise.
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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
Pine Ridge State Forest can be reached by traveling east on State Route 80 out of the village of Sherburne for approximately two miles. Take a right onto New Turnpike Road, and continue for about another mile until you reach Kendricks Road, where you take another right hand turn. The state forest is immediately on your left, and will be on both sides of the road after the private land ends on the west side.
- Kendricks Road parking area (42.67564°N, 75.444685°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 Pine Ridge 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 R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
Forest Management
Pine Ridge consists of mainly red pine and larch plantations. Small pockets of northern hardwoods such as sugar maple, white ash, and red oak can be found scattered throughout the forest.
Evidence of experimental thinning methods can be found throughout the forest, representing DEC's continuing effort to best manage our forest resource. This forest was chosen as a model for these thinnings because of its many plantations. Also, close inspection of the pockets of sugar maple trees will reveal signs of historical tapping for maple syrup.
History
During the early 1940s, as the story goes, a landowner by the name of Boos in the town of Sherburne decided to plant trees on his property so when they matured he could pay for his daughters to go to college. Unfortunately, he failed to realize that trees can take a long time to mature, and by the time his daughters were of college age, the trees were still too small to be of any real monetary value. So at the beginning of the 1960s, the family sold their land to New York State, and this land became Pine Ridge State 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 community of 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.
