Frozen Ocean State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round (unless otherwise noted)
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; [email protected]
  • 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 Niles, Cayuga County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7J
• Map: Frozen Ocean State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Frozen Ocean State Forest encompasses 753 acres of land. Situated on one of the highest points in the county, Frozen Ocean is well-known for brisk, freezing winter winds.

Two ponds glisten in the woods and attract much of the local wildlife, as well as offer opportunity for fishing. There are usually plenty of beautiful plants and wildflowers surrounding the ponds to please any nature observer's eye.

Directions

Frozen Ocean State Forest may be accessed by taking NY Route 38A to Twelve Corners Road and then turning left onto Grange Hall Road. Travel for about 0.3 miles and then turn left onto Corrigan Road. Travel about 0.8 miles on Corrigan Road to the beginning of the Forest. There is also access to the Forest by continuing on Grange Hall Road and turning left onto Quarry Road.

• Quarry Road (42.7910362°N, 76.4321148°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 Frozen Ocean 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 Hewitt-Cayuga Highlands Unit Management Plan (PDF, Part 1) (PDF, Part 2, 7MB). 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 [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Bear Swamp State Forest
• Summerhill State Forest
• Hewitt State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Auburn.

Cayuga County Tourism Webpage 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 online 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 online 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.

History

The majority of the land in Frozen Ocean State Forest was acquired by the State during the 1930s, and also as recently as the 1990s. The forest's name is said to have originated from the fact that during the winter season, extremely cold winds sweep across the land turning the woods into endless stretches of frozen forest, the way that the ocean stretches endlessly across the horizon seemingly frozen in time.

The forest's protective cover types include northern hardwood, hemlock, European and Japanese larch, Norway spruce, red pine and white spruce and provide a wide range of diverse habitats suitable for many species of wildlife.