Perkins Pond 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; [email protected]
  • 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 Otselic, Chenango County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Perkins Pond State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Perkins Pond State Forest features a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail, a primitive campsite with a lean-to, and a section of snowmobile connector trail. The forest offers ample deer hunting opportunities and abuts Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area.

This state forest is named for Perkins Pond, a private inholding in the forest that can be viewed from County Route 42. The outlet from Perkins Pond flows downstream through a scenic gorge. Visitors who wish to view the gorge can best see it by hiking along Plank Road. The west portion of the gorge is privately owned, but it is visible from the hiking trail on the abandoned road.

Directions

From the hamlet of South Otselic, take Plank Road south to where it intersects with County Route 42. At the intersection, state forest land is present on both sides of the road. The forest can also be reached by traveling southwest on Route 26 from the hamlet of South Otselic. At the intersection of County Routes 26 and 42, take 42 east directly into the heart of the state forest.

• Route 42 (42.6346483,-75.7481438) Google Maps

Plank Road (Gorge Road) follows this gorge from its intersection with Route 42 near Perkins Pond and leads to the hamlet of South Otselic. This road is an unplowed, narrow dirt road which is closed to motor vehicles west of the intersection with Purse Road. Access to this area is from the hamlet of South Otselic at the Plank Road trail head. Parking is also available at the intersection with Route 42 for accessing the upper end of the gorge on the State forest. To view this end of the gorge, one needs to bushwhack a short distance off the road.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 Perkins Pond 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 Pharsalia Woods Unit Management (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 [email protected].

Forest Management

This forest consists of conifer plantations intermixed with native hardwoods and conifers spread across a hilltop on an area approximately two miles wide and three miles long. The plantation conifer species include: red pine, Norway and white spruce, larch and scotch pine. Common native hardwoods or conifers found on the forest include: sugar and red maple, white ash, black cherry and hemlock.

This forest is managed for a diversity of forest conditions that provide habitat for a wide array of wildlife species. Some common wildlife found on the forest include deer, turkey, red squirrels, and a variety of forest song birds.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Pitcher Springs State Forest
• Pharsalia State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cazenovia and Norwich.

Chenango County Tourism Webpage 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 for information on outdoor guides.