Bobell Hill 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: Towns of Coventry and Greene, Chenango County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Bobell Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Bobell Hill State Forest is comprised of 2,156 acres. Hunting and winter snowmobiling are the most common recreational activities. The one-mile snowmobile trail crosses several portions of the forest. The various forest cover types and numerous points of access make exploring this rural area interesting and relatively easy.
Within the forest are numerous small streams which are the headwaters to Page and Wiley Brooks. Neither is big enough to support a fishery, but both can be a pleasant shady and cool spot on a hot summer day.
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.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
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 1-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.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Many wildlife species are attracted to the forest because of the nut crops produced by pockets of oak and hickory trees. Gray squirrels, turkey, and deer are common residents. There are also some thick young forests resulting from forest management harvests that have provided brood, food, and cover habitat for grouse, many song birds and other species requiring young forests.
Directions
Bowbell Hill Road, a north south travel corridor, provides the primary access to the forest. Bowbell Hill Road can be found on the south side of State Route 206 east of Greene or intersecting with County Route 9 about two miles south of its intersection with State Route 206. Numerous town roads traverse through or about the forest area, making year around access to all corners of the forest relatively easy.
- Bowbell Road Parking (42.304983°N, 75.68715°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Wylie Horton Road Parking Area (42.280483°N, 75.674464°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Palmiter Road/Babcock Road Multiple Use Trail Parking (42.261382°N, 75.701536°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 Bobell Hill 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.
History
The forest was purchased with Hewitt Amendment funds in the 1930s and most of the trees were planted by the Civil Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The forest was named after early settlers named Bobell or Bowbell. The soils proved to be somewhat poor for farming, having shallow depths to hard pan and a tendency to be seasonably wet. These soil characteristics still present challenges to some forest management and recreational activities.
This state forest is a blend of man planted forests of red pine, Scotch pine, larch and Norway spruce and natural forest stands consisting mostly of red maple, American beech, sugar maple, black cherry, red and white oaks, white ash, hickories, white pine, and eastern hemlock. The forests are characterized as middle aged or relatively young since most of the land has a relatively gentle slope and was cleared and used for agriculture crops or pasture land into the early 1900s.
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 Greene and Binghamton.
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.
