Hawkins Pond 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 Windsor, Broome County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7S
- Map: Hawkins Pond State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Hawkins Pond State Forest covers 539 acres in Broome County. There is an extensive cross country ski trail on the forest, which continues into the adjoining Hawkins Pond County Park. The forest is named after Hawkins Pond, located on the adjacent county park.
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.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
While there is no place to fish in Hawkins Pond State Forest, the adjoining Hawkins Pond County Park (leaves DEC website) offers fishing at Hawkins Pond. 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.
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 numerous cross country skiing trails on the forest. They connect to cross-county skiing and snowshoeing at Hawkins Pond County Park (leaves DEC website).
Beginning at the sharp bend in McAllister Road, an old town road heads downhill to the north. After a short 100-yard walk down this road, look for the old stone foundation of a large dairy barn on the left. The ski trail runs next to the foundation.
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 property is home to a 10-acre wetland. This remote area is a good place to spot hawks, herons, and many other wetland wildlife species.
Directions
Access to the forest is gained by traveling Route 79 South from the village of Windsor. After three miles, turn right onto Edson Road, go two miles and turn left onto Scouten Hill Road. At the top of the hill, turn right onto McAllister Road and find a parking area on your left.
The parking area is a trailhead for a cross-country ski trail located on both state and county land, and is about six miles in length. Another trailhead is located to the south along Scouten Hill Road on the county park land.
- Parking: (42.0141769, -75.6567758) 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 principles 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 Hawkins 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.
Planning and Management
The Broome State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) covers Cat Hollow, Tracy Creek, Beaver Pond, Whitaker Swamp, Hawkins Pond, Marsh Pond, Skyline Drive, and Cascade Valley State Forests, constituting 5,371 acres in Broome and Tioga counties.
DEC developed a Broome State Forest Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Cat Hollow State Forest.
For more information, email DEC Foresters with the subject line "Broome Unit" at R7.UMP@dec.ny.gov or call (607) 674-4017.
History
The forest was acquired in three purchases. The first, in 1932, was the largest purchase with the acquisition of 506 acres of land. In 1997, DEC acquired another 30 acres, and in 1998 three additional acres were added to the forest. The forest contains a wide array of different forest cover types, including northern hardwood, northern hardwood-hemlock, northern hardwood-white pine, oak, red pine and Norway Spruce. The elevation of the forest ranges from 1,350 to 1,750 feet above sea level.
Scouten Hill Road crosses through the northeastern section of the forest. Here one can see a plantation of mixed red pine and Norway spruce timber. DEC's plantation management activities made this 44-acre stand of 70 year-old evergreens one of the most impressive in the county.
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 Binghamton.
Broome 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.
