Ambler 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 New Berlin, Chenango County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
- Map: Ambler State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Ambler State Forest is situated on a hillside overlooking the Unadilla River valley, just west of the village of South New Berlin. The forest consists of 629 acres. There are no formal hiking trails, but there is a truck trail that extends into the forest, and hiking is allowed anywhere on the forest unless posted otherwise. Popular activities include fishing, hunting, trapping, primitive camping, bird and wildlife watching, and nature photography.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Be prepared for your next hike by reviewing our HIKE SMART NY webpage before you hit the trail.
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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Due to the diverse habitats both within the state forest, and surrounding it, this forest contains a wealth of mammals, song birds, raptors and amphibians. The cathedral-like Norway spruce stands are ideal for black capped chickadees, golden crowned kinglets and both red and grey squirrels. The large stands of mixed hardwoods and softwood trees have been known to house nesting goshawks. The open fields provide grazing areas for white tailed deer and cottontail rabbits, as well as hunting grounds for red-tailed hawks and kestrels.
Directions
To reach Ambler State Forest from the east, take State Route 8 to South New Berlin. Approximately one mile south of the intersection of State Routes 8 and 23, in the hamlet of Holmesville, turn onto Pat Farley Road, heading west. The state truck trail (formerly known as Eggart Hill Road) is roughly two miles further, on the right hand side. If approaching from the west, take County Route 34 from Norwich, for approximately six miles until you reach Pat Farley Road. The state truck trail is about a mile further on the left side of the road. When leaving Ambler State Forest, visitors are greeted with a spectacular view of the Unadilla River valley.
- Corner of Pat Farley Road and the State truck trail (42.5274719°N, 75.4328055°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 Ambler 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 manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Between Rivers Unit Management Plant. 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
The forest is a rich blend of native hardwoods and softwoods, as well as plantations of various softwood species planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1932 and 1934. Upon entering the forest, evidence of the CCC's presence can be found in the form of a man-made well used for fire suppression along the east side of the truck trail that bisects the 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 New Berlin.
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.
