Muller 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: Town of Georgetown, Madison County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
- Map: Muller Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Muller Hill State Forest is comprised of 3,090-acres of diverse terrain and habitats. More than 7.5 miles of forest access roads provide seasonal access for snowmobilers and cross country skiers in winter.
A 0.25-mile accessible trail leads to a wildlife viewing area on Muller Pond and also to the Muller Hill Historic Site where the mansion of Louis Muller was located.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
A section of the Link Trail (leaves DEC website) passes through the western part of the forest and is used by hikers. The Link Trail is a marked hiking trail that links to the Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website) and with the Erie Canalway Trail (leaves DEC website).
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.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
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 hiking 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.
Large areas of seedling/saplings are present, contributing to habitat preferred by ruffed grouse.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
The 0.25-mile accessible trail provides access to the former mansion site of Louis Muller and to a wildlife viewing site on Muller Pond.
Directions
From State Highway 26, turn west onto Chenango County Highway 16. Drive approximately one mile to the entrance to the State Forest access road. Alternatively one can start from Georgetown and turn west onto Muller Hill Road north of the Otselic Valley School (which is located along Route 80 in the hamlet of Georgetown).
- Muller Hill Road (42.7700681°N, 75.7876202°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 Muller 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 Muller Hill Unit Management Plan. 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.
History
The forest contains the historical site of the home of Louis A. Muller, a French nobleman who settled here in 1808 when he fled the wrath of Napoleon. Upon arriving in America, Muller purchased 2,700 acres of hilltop land in the sparsely populated New York frontier. In addition to a large amount of gold, he is thought to have arrived with a retinue of French servants and a corps of artisans. Workmen cleared 300 acres of forest, constructed a mansion of native cherry timbers, and built the self-sufficient community of Bronder Hollow. Fruit trees were planted, water was diverted to a constructed trout pond, and a high fence was erected to keep game in and intruders out.
In 1907, almost 100 years from rising high atop Muller Hill, the mansion was consumed by fire and burned to the ground. Not much remains of the home. An interpretive site is planned for the forest to acknowledge the cultural and natural history.
The forest has a mixture of well-drained and poorly-drained soil. The forest cover types on Muller Hill State Forest include pure northern hardwoods (beech, birch, maple, oak, cherry, ash, and basswood), and mixtures of northern hardwoods with several species of conifers. The conifers include red pine, Norway spruce and hemlock. Large portions of this forest were planted with conifer species. All of the red pine and Norway spruce trees on the forest where planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) in the late 1930s. About 30% of the forest is comprised of hemlock and hemlock-hardwood mixtures. Eastern hemlock is a native conifer and occurs naturally on 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 community of Cazenovia.
Madison County Tourism (leaves DEC website) can provide information on 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.
