Cold Brook Wildlife Management Area

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• Open for Recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 8 Avon Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (585) 226-5380; region8@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 Urbana, Steuben County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 8P
• Map: Cold Brook WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of the Cold Brook Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA covers 116 acres and is located at the southern end of Keuka Lake. There are two separate parcels located north of Route 54 and south of the Keuka Lake Inlet/Cold Brook in the village of Hammondsport.

Featured Activities

Hunting and Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 8P

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 be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons and trapping seasons).

Fishing

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules, and regulations.

There are public fishing rights (PFR) on the Keuka Lake Inlet/Cold Brook which runs to the north of both parts of the WMA. The spring runs of wild rainbow trout and fall runs of brown trout offer some of the best seasonal trout fishing in New York State. See the Keuka Lake Inlet PFR map (PDF) for more information.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

A variety of wildlife species can be found on the property. Look for white-tailed deer, rabbits, beaver, and songbirds. Eagles nest nearby as well. Use both the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Directions

Cold Brook WMA is located in the village of Hammondsport in the Town of Urbana. There are two separate parcels located north of Route 54 and south of the Keuka Lake Inlet/Cold Brook.

• South Valley Road parking area (42.3939018°N, 77.2468033°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Route 54 parking area (42.3950005°N, 77.240097°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 Cold Brook Wildlife Management Area must follow all Wildlife Management Area Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Activity Rules & Regulations

• Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) - updated in 2022
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Outdoor Safety Tips

• Hunting Safety Tips
• Hiking Safety Tips

NOTE: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health (leaves DEC website).

Planning and Management

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Cold Brook WMA is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and photography). Funding to maintain and manage this site is provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration or "Pittman-Robertson" Act, which is acquired through excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment.

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Keuka Lowlands Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

• Steuben County Tourism (leaves DEC website)
• Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (leaves DEC website)

State Lands and Facilities

• Birdseye Hollow State Forest
• Moss Hill State Forest
• Pigtail Hollow State Forest
• Urbana State Forest
• Bath Fish Hatchery
• Mount Washington State Forest

Numerous guide books 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.