Oakley Corners State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; 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 Newark Valley and Owego, Tioga County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7S
- Map: Oakley Corners State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Oakley Corners State Forest is located in eastern Tioga County. Popular activities on this forest include: hunting, boating, hiking, fishing, bird watching, primitive camping, cross-county skiing and snowshoeing. There are two ponds on the forest that are popular for fishing, camping and boating. Target shooting is prohibited on this forest.
The Oakley Corners State Forest Multiple-Use Trail System has been designed to offer family-based recreation for hiking, mountain biking and cross-county skiing. Trails are available for all skill levels. The 15.3-mile Oakley Corners Multiple-Use Trail System is a cooperative effort between DEC's Division of Lands and Forests, and volunteers from the Volunteer Stewardship Program.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
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.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are two ponds on the forest that can be used for fishing and non-motorized boats (no boat launch).
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The multiple use trail on the forest is open for biking. Mountain bikes are prohibited on trails when snow covered.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Oakley Corners Pond is known to contain tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, white sucker, golden shiner.
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.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There is a north/south snowmobile trail on the state forest. Snowmobiling is not permitted on multiple use trails.
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 on all multiple use trails.
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 habitat diversity on the Unit allows for a moderate diversity of wildlife species including many game species. Deer, turkey, song birds, grouse, and squirrels are numerous. Black bear are becoming more common.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
There are two sections of trails that can be accessed with an ATV if one has a mobility impairment and has a permit from the DEC. One trail is in the north part of the forest and a shorter trail is in the southern portion of the forest along the western shore of the northern pond. ATV use is prohibited on State forests except on designated ATV routes with a DEC issued permit for individuals with qualifying mobility impairments through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD).
Directions
Oakley Corners can be accessed via Dutch town Road which runs east and west across the middle of the forest. Another access road is the Hullsville Road which approaches the forest from the south and intersects with Dutchtown Road at about the mid-point of the forest.
- Hullsville Road north of Dutchtown Road parking area (42.176303°N, 76.155571°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Hullsville Road south of Dutchtown Road parking area (42.168927°N, 76.161763°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 Oakley Corners State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Horseback riding and snowmobiling are not permitted on the Multiple Use Trails. Mountain bikes are prohibited from snow covered trails.
Trail Etiquette
- Pass only in flat areas. A faster trail user should vocally indicate the desire to pass. The slower trail user should yield by moving to the right where possible.
- Try not to pass on a downhill. Save passing for the flat areas where the slower trail user can maneuver more easily.
- The user going downhill has the right-of-way, since he or she is moving faster and may have less control. Do not descend a hill until the trail is clear.
- Move off the trail as quickly as possible after a fall. This will prevent possible collisions and allow other trail users to pass. When skiing, fill in sitzmarks before proceeding.
- Don't hike, bike or ski alone. Long tours should not be attempted alone. Serious injury can occur when using the trails.
- Do not hike or bike in the ski tracks.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Tioga Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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
DEC foresters are charged with the responsibility of managing State forests. The goal of management is to provide recreational opportunities, to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem, and to improve the forest for future generations. This is a work in progress that started in 1933 with poorly used and/or abandoned farmland. We now have a rich and diverse forest. Future forest management will be aimed at converting the even-aged softwood plantations to more natural mixed hardwood and softwood forests.
History
The forest was established between 1933 and 1947 in an effort to reduce soil erosion problems, produce forest products, and provide future recreational opportunities. Most of the property was former pasture or tilled acreage that was suffering from poor agricultural practices. The DEC immediately planted this land with 837,000 pine, spruce, cedar and larch seedlings. The planting was accomplished in 1936 using Civilian Conservation Corps labor. Today, Oakley Corners State Forest is fulfilling the vision that started in 1933; almost 100% of the area is forested, the soils have improved, and harvesting of forest products supports all management activities including recreation.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food, dining and lodging can be found in the nearby community of Owego.
Tioga 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.
