Coventry 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 Coventry, Chenango County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Coventry State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Long a favorite among the hunting community, Coventry State Forest offers 1,156 acres of diverse landscape, and the opportunities for recreation are abundant. Old roads and logging trails climb their way through the northern part of the forest and are ideal for hiker and hunter access. The forest offers a 0.5-mile snowmobile trail for use in the winter. Passive activities like nature viewing and photography are also possible. On the east side of the forest, a short access road and interior parking area off of Owlville Road provide access to an open fishing pond with carry-in access for canoes and small motorless boats.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no individual hiking trails on the forest but hiking use of the snowmobile trail is common.
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.
The 0.5-mile snowmobile trail connects to the statewide trail system.
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.
An open marsh can be found just off the North Road, along with all the waterfowl that inhabit it.
Beavers have been busy creating a marshland in the southeast corner of the forest and are sure to be seen hard at work.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Coventry State Forest features two trails that allow motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People With Disabilities (MAPPWD).
Directions
From the west, travel east on Route 206 from the village of Greene. Either turn left at the four corners in the village of Coventry onto North Road, or take the next left onto Owlville Road. The forest will begin about a mile and a half up each road. From the east, take County Route 206 from the village of Bainbridge, pass through the hamlet of Coventryville and turn right onto Owlville Road, or North Road.
- Coordinates for trailheads, parking areas, boat launches, waterway access sites and other access points: (42.340014°N, 75.638201°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 Coventry 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 is accepting comments on the draft Chenango Trail Unit Management Plan (UMP) through July 23, 2023. The draft plan and contact information to provide comments are available on DEC's website. We look forward to hearing from you!
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Chenango Trail 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.
Timber Management
The northern part of the forest is comprised of Norway spruce and Japanese Larch plantations, with a few hardwood stands mixed in. Following these trails, one ends up at a hardwood/hemlock swamp, which is ideal habitat for all kinds of wildlife.
In the western part of the forest one can see the results of a recent timber harvest in which the declining red pine trees were removed to make way for natural hardwoods. Deer need these young saplings for browsing in the harsh wintertime, and ruffed grouse rely on this type of cover for protection from predators. Scattered amongst the now vigorous hardwood saplings are acres of blackberry bushes.
Bisecting the center of the forest is Harvey Road. As one travels down this dead end road, beautiful stands of mixed red pine and Norway spruce tower to either side. Lush ferns and Norway spruce seedlings provide a green carpet beneath the forest canopy. One can follow Harvey Road north, at its intersection with the State Forest, and enter into a hemlock swamp reminiscent of pre-historic times. Following the property line to the south and then to the east will bring the avid adventurer to one of two small ponds located on the forest. Be sure to respect the rights of the private landowners that border our State lands and stay within the State forest boundaries.
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 Greene.
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.
