Hunts Pond State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round, camping in the former Hunts Pond State Park area is only allowed at designated campsites and requires a permit between May 1 and Sept. 30 (please use DEC contact information below).
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 674-4017; [email protected]
- 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 New Berlin, Chenango County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Hunts Pond State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator || Hunts Pond Camping Brochure (PDF)
Acquired during the 1960s, Hunts Pond State Forest is the most recently established State Forest in Chenango County. Its 1,397 acres traverse the valley of a feeder stream to the Unadilla River, giving way to a very diverse landscape of open fields, softwood plantations, hardwood forests and beaver meadows.
Views of the Unadilla River valley are spectacular from the large open field on the western part of the forest. For those who want to see a beaver family hard at work, be sure to visit the beaver meadow in the south central area, just off of Buttermilk Falls Road.
Various unmarked trails and logging lanes crisscross the forest; they can be used for hiking and cross-country skiing. Whether you are a hunter, hiker, camper, skier or just a general outdoor enthusiast, Hunts Pond State Forest is sure to provide the recreational opportunity you are looking for.
Featured Activities
Boating
General information on boating includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Hunts Pond is open to boating and has a hand launch on the northeastern side of the pond. Electric motors only, no gas motors.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Hunts Pond is open to paddling and has a hand launch on the northeastern side of the pond.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Primitive camping is available anywhere in the forest throughout the year except for the previous Hunts Pond State Park area (see map).
Camping in the previous Hunts Pond State Park area is only allowed at the 12 designated campsites around the perimeter of Hunts Pond. May 1 to September 30, campers must get a free permit from the DEC Sherburne office. Call (607) 674-4017 to reserve a site. Sites generally are booked two weeks or more in advance, so it's important to call early for a site.
Each site contains a fire pit. There is no potable water source. Two portable toilets are available for campers. See the Hunts Pond camping brochure for more information.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no formal trails on the property, but cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed anywhere in the forest.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Hunts Pond contains largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, chain pickerel and rock bass.
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Hunting and trapping are allowed in the forest with the proper licenses from the State.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
When driving through Hunts Pond State Forest, one will see a number of open grassy fields. These fields are maintained as such to provide habitat for numerous wildlife species that inhabit grass and open lands. Other animals rely on the shelter of wooded areas and use neighboring open areas in which to graze, forage or hunt. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, bluebirds and many varieties of hawks are commonly seen throughout the forest.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes hot-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Nearly two miles of a formal snowmobile trail runs from south to north on the state forest.
Directions
From the North: Take NY State Route 8 south, through the village of New Berlin. Continue on Route 8 for 4.1 miles and take a right onto Buttermilk Falls Road (there is a sign pointing to Hunts Pond State Park at the intersection). The state forest begins less than one mile up the road. Take a right onto Hunts Pond Road to continue up to the northern end of the forest.
- Hunts Pond Road: 42.594337°N, 75.369561°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.
All users of Hunts Pond 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.
Camping in the former Hunts Pond State Park area is only allowed at designated campsites and requires a permit May 1 through September 30.
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 us at [email protected].
In 2011, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (leaves DEC website) transferred all of the lands formerly administered as Hunts Pond State Park to DEC to be managed as part of Hunts Pond State Forest.
A special characteristic of this forest is the relatively young softwood plantations that dot the land. These were planted during the late 1960s, after the State acquired the land. Observing the differing growth rates of European larch, red pine and Norway spruce, one will discover how different tree species adapt to the soils in which they are planted.
Nearby State Lands, Amenities, & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and dining can be found in the nearby community of New Berlin.
- Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Norwich or Oneonta.
Chenango County Tourism Office (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.
