Oak 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 Bainbridge, Chenango County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Oak Ridge State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Oak Ridge State Forest encompasses 576 acres. Stumptown Road bisects and provides access to the area. There are no maintained trails in the forest, but hiking is allowed unless posted otherwise. Popular activities include hunting, fishing, trapping, primitive camping, and nature photography and observation.
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.
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.
It is easy to find oaks in the forest, as well as the wildlife that prefer acorns food source: turkeys, deer, squirrels, and other small mammals.
Directions
Take State Highway 206 west from Bainbridge. While still within the village limits, take Mt. Pleasant Road south to Stumptown Road. Follow Stumptown Road to the State Forest.
- Stumptown Road: (42.2675393°N, 75.5202333°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 Oak 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 is accepting comments on the draft Chenango Trail Unit Management Plan (UMP) through July 23, 2023. The draft plan and contact information to provide comments are available on DEC's website. We look forward to hearing from you!
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Chenango Trail 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.
History
Oak Ridge State Forest is located northeast of the village of Afton. It is a hilltop forest, except on the eastern side, where there is a 300 foot deep ravine carved out by a small stream flowing off the hilltop. Purchased with Hewitt Amendment funds in the 1930s, the Oak Ridge State Forest is a blend of planted forests of red pine, larch and Norway spruce, and natural forest stands consisting mostly of red maple, red oak, chestnut oak, white oak, American beech, white ash, hickories, white pine and eastern hemlock. The plantations were mostly planted by Civil Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
This oak forest was well stocked with American chestnut before the chestnut blight passed through the area in the early part of the 1900s. Sprouts from the root systems of those long gone chestnut trees are still common; however, few, if any, reach nut bearing stage before the blight again takes its toll.
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 Sidney.
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.
