Lebanon 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 Lebanon, Madison County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
- Map: Lebanon State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Lebanon State Forest is 779 acres and is located on the border of Madison and Chenango counties between the villages of Earlville and Georgetown. There are no trails or facilities in this state forest but hiking is allowed anywhere on the property unless posted otherwise.
The forest is situated on ridges with varying terrain to an elevation of 2000 feet. The eastern boundary of the forest has a waterfall of about eight feet. There are two parking areas on Bisby Road, and two parking areas on Carncross Road. Bisby is a plowed road, and Carncross is plowed in Chenango County to the south boundary line of the forest.
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.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Turkey hunting is a popular activity at this site.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
From State Highway 80 east of Smyrna, take County Route 14 to County Route 22. Travel west on Route 22 six miles to Carncross Road and turn left up the hill to the State Forest. An alternate route is to take Route 80 west of Smyrna, turn right and go north on Bisby Road.
- Bisby Road North Parking (42.741667°N, 75.652565°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Carncross Road North Parking (42.745654,-75.637851) 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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon Hills 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 us R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
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 Norwich and Cazenovia.
Madison 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.
