State Land

Decatur State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Decatur State Forest location

The 582-acre Decatur State Forest features a forested ecosystem with both natural and planted forest species on the property. The area was purchased by the state in the 1930s with the goal of reforesting marginal or abandoned farmland and returning it to more productive use.

There are no designated or marked trails in Decatur State Forest, however hiking is allowed and there are unmaintained herd paths in the southwestern section of the property.

 

Featured Activities

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are no designated primitive camping areas on Decatur State Forest, however 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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Decatur State Forest is open to hunting in appropriate seasons. The unit property features a number of young spruce plantations, which provide good habitat for rabbits. Other wildlife to expect in this area include whitetail deer, squirrel, grouse and turkey along with mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

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

Decatur State Forest is open to trapping in appropriate seasons. The unit property features a number of young spruce plantations, which provide good habitat for rabbits. Other wildlife to expect in this area include whitetail deer, squirrel, grouse and turkey along with mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.

General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Two NYS snowmobile trails cross Decatur State Forest. These trails run north to south along Lum Hill and Skinner Hill Roads. Another snowmobile trail runs along Lease Lot Road along the northwest boundary of the park. The trails are signed and maintained by the Sharon Pathfinders Snowmobile Club.

Directions

There are no specific parking areas within Decatur State Forest, however roadside parking is available throughout the property.

  • Decatur State Forest Entrance is located on Duck Farm Road 1.4 miles north of its intersection with West Hill Road. (42.642107°N, 74.698506°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 Decatur 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.

Specific Rules

  • Hiking, biking, cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are permitted activities on Decatur State Forest, but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
  • Snowmobiles are not permitted to travel through new plantations.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Food, gas and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill, Richmondville and Worcester.
  • Dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill, Pleasant Brook, Richmondville and Worcester.
  • Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill and Pleasant Brook.

Cooperstown/Otsego County Tourism Office and Schoharie County Tourism Office can provide more information about other recreation, amenities, and attractions in the 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 for information on outdoor guides.

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Region 4 - Capital Region/Northern Catskills
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