Beaver Flow 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 and Town of Colesville, Broome County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Beaver Flow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Beaver Flow State Forest contains 1,028 acres. Hunting and winter snowmobiling are the most common activities. A designated snowmobile trail crosses the forest and county line along seasonal portions of Glendenning Road. An old cemetery dating back to the early 1800s is located about 0.1 mile east of Glendenning Road. A designated hiking trail provides access to the historic cemetery.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The forest offers a 0.1-mile hiking trail from Glendenning Road to a historic cemetery.
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 one-mile snowmobile trail connects to the statewide trail system.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing & 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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
As one would expect from the forest's name, beaver have had influences on the habitat in at least three different locations on the forest. As beaver activity routinely changes, the beaver pond sites will likely be at variable water levels. These beaver activity sites add great diversity to this forest, as many wildlife species are attracted to the ponds and meadows. Many species of ducks, herons, muskrats, raccoons, mink and deer are frequent visitors to the water sites of the beaver dams.
Directions
Access to this forest is not easy from main roads as it is located in a remote area.
- South of Coventry off State Route 235 is Seymour Hill Road. Go west on Seymour Hill Road, bear left at the Y, then take a left (south) onto Glendenning Road. This poorly maintained dead end road leads into the heart of the forest. (42.240185°N, 75.658428°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Another access route on the eastern side of the forest is to take Mendenhall Road off Route 235. Access from the south end of the forest is about one mile up Skellett Road from State Route 79. (42.240387°N, 75.637882°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
The southern tip of the forest abuts on Glendenning Road. However the property immediately drops off down a hill to the north and there are no good pull offs or parking areas.
An old abandoned town road heads north off the intersection of Skellett and Glendenning Road. This road is a property boundary line until just north of the stream.
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 Beaver Flow 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
Beaver Flow State Forest is a blend of cultivated stands of red pine, white pine, larch and Norway spruce and natural forests consisting mostly of red maple, American beech, sugar maple, black cherry, white ash, white pine and eastern hemlock. The forest is characterized as middle aged because the elevations of the land is relatively gentle and was historically cleared for agriculture and pastureland.
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 Chenango Bridge.
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.
