Lyon Brook 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: Towns of Oxford and Guilford, Chenango County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Lyon Brook State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The forest is named after the nearby Lyon Brook, a tributary of the Chenango River. Lyon Brook State Forest covers a total of 528 acres. A Public Forest Access Road runs through the center of the forest and serves as a multiple use trail for cross country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling.
Look for a historic marker at the intersection of Route 32 and Lyon Brook Road marking a railroad bridge that previously crossed over Lyon Brook. Some remnants of the bridge supports are still visible as you pass through the "notch" on Lyon Brook Road.
A unique geological feature of this forest is the outcropping of large rocks near the higher elevations along the northern boundary. The highest elevation on the forest is approximately 1,600 feet and is located in the far west section of the forest. The lowest elevation is about 1,200 feet and is found in the northeast corner of the forest, at the point where the tributary of Lyon brook flows past the north boundary of the forest. If you are walking through this forest, you should be prepared to encounter areas of wet ground.
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.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
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.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.
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 mammals that are common residents of Lyon Brook State Forest include deer, raccoons, squirrels, porcupines, chipmunks, and opossum. Coyotes and foxes are also present, but less common. There is also a large variety of birds, including songbirds and hawks. Herons and other waterfowl are not usually present on the forest.
One unique attribute of this forest seems to be its relatively large population of woodpeckers. It is quite common to walk along the Public Forest Access Road and hear numerous woodpeckers sounding on trees, especially during the springtime. The pileated woodpecker is often seen on this forest.
Directions
Lyon Brook State Forest is bordered by privately owned forest lands and agricultural lands. To gain access to the Forest, take County Road 32 (Black River Road) South from Norwich or North from Oxford. Turn on Lyon Brook Road, and follow Lyon Brook Road East to the entrance of the Forest.
The public forest access road is a good quality, shaled-surface road, which may be traveled with any passenger car. The 1.1 mile road is gated and there is no outlet. The gate is kept open from spring until early winter (approximately April 15 to December 15), and as long as the weather is not too severe during the deer hunting season to allow access. This road is not plowed in the winter, and is often traveled by cross country skiers and Snowmobilers, so the gate is closed to prevent motor vehicle access. There are several areas where there is enough room to pull-off and park a car, and the end of the road has a turn-around area, with room to park several cars. One section of this road is relatively steep with some sharp turns, and drivers should be alert for deer, as they are commonly encountered along the road during the summer months.
- Eastern parking lot (42.45432°N, 75.518775°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 Lyon Brook 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
The forest cover types on Lyon Brook State Forest include pure northern hardwoods (beech, birch, maple, oak, cherry, ash, and basswood), and mixtures of northern hardwoods with several species of conifers. Conifer types include red pine, white pine, Norway spruce, hemlock, and Scotch pine. On this forest, all of the red pine, Scotch pine, and Norway spruce trees where planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s. For example, the Norway spruce in the northeast section of the forest was planted by the CCC in 1937. Approximately 50% of the acreage of this forest has a forest cover type of pure northern hardwoods while the other 50% is a mixture of hardwoods and conifers.
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 Oxford and Norwich.
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.
