Brookfield Railroad 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 Brookfield, Madison County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
- Map: Brookfield Railroad State Forest Map (GeoPDF) || Brookfield Trail System Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Originally purchased in the 1930s, like most of the State Reforestation Areas throughout New York, the 848-acre Brookfield Railroad State Forest is part of the highly acclaimed Brookfield Trail System which is located in southeast Madison County. The majority of the horse trails, including the assembly area, are located on the nearby Charles E. Baker State Forest.
A multiple-use trail system on Brookfield Railroad State Forest provides miles of enjoyment for hiking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding.
Entering Brookfield Railroad State Forest
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Several multiple-use trails on the state forest can be used for hiking and other recreational 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.
Trout stream on the state forest
Several streams on the state forest can be used for trout fishing.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Several multiple-use trails on the state forest can be used for biking and other recreational activities.
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 throughout the property. Please abide by all state game laws.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
In addition to forest roads, Trail 34 and Trail 36 can be used for snowmobiling.
New vista from Vidler Road after cleanup
from the 2014 storm
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.
Several multiple-use trails on the state forest can be used for horseback riding and other recreational activities. Horse owners must have a current Coggins certificate in accordance with Agriculture and Markets Rules and Regulations, Part 64.
Enjoy horseback riding on the multiple use trails
Organized trail rides or events need a temporary revocable permit (TRP) that can be obtained through DEC's Lands and Forests Office in Sherburne at (607) 674-4017. Plan on two to three weeks for processing of your permit prior to the event. An application fee for the TRP is also required. 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.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Significant portions of the trail system are accessible for those with mobility impairments through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). Those with a MAPPWD permit can use ATVs on Trail 33 and on the Will Mason Loop (which includes Trail 35 and Will Mason Road) for hunting, wildlife viewing and camping.
Directions
From the south: Take State Route 8 north to County Route 99 north which goes into the hamlet of Brookfield. In the hamlet turn left onto County Rt. 80, then right onto Hibbard Road. Hibbard runs through the heart of the forest.
- Vidler Road Parking Lot (42.830681°N, 75.364686°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 Brookfield Railroad 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.
Special Regulations for Brookfield Railroad State Forest
- Off road trails are closed to horse and mountain bike travel from October 31 to May 1.
- Horse owners must have a current negative Coggins certificate in accordance with Agriculture and Markets Rules and Regulations, Part 64 and carry such with them.
- Out-of-state horse owners may be required to produce a 30 day health certificate.
- Horses may not be run, galloped or cantered in the assembly area.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Brookfield 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.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at R7Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
History
This state forest is named for the railroad line that was designed to connect the Villages of Brookfield to North Brookfield and the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in the late 1800s. The area still holds evidence today of the historic attempt by immigrant workers to build a spur line over four miles of rugged terrain with continual elevation challenges. Construction was started in 1886 with $100,000 worth of capital stock funded to a local charter company. The workers nearly completed the grade for the spur line before financial hardship doomed the project's completion without a single rail ever being laid. Even today, much of the original rail bed is still evident throughout parts of the state forest.
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 Sherburne and Hamilton.
Madison County Tourism (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.
