State Land

Murphy Hill State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Murphy Hill State Forest location

The 599-acre Murphy Hill State Forest is located near the Pepaction Reservoir. Murphy Hill State Forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and recreation.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no designated campsites; however, at-large 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: 4P

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

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Mangement Unit: 4P

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

Trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.

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

Accessible Features

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

There are approximately 3-miles of trails throughout the forest that allow motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

There is no designated parking lot on Murphy Hill State Forest, but roadside parking is available.

  • Access the state forest from West Murphy Hill Road off of NYC Road No. 6: (42.120485°N, 74.863806°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 Murphy 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.

Specific Rules

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a recreation management plan which will describe the management activities for public recreation on these lands.

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

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Lodging and dining opportunities as well as gas food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Margaretville and Downsville.

Delaware County Tourism 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 for information on outdoor guides.

This Page Covers
Region 4 - Capital Region/Northern Catskills
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