Orton Hollow State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Altmar Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (315) 298-7467; [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: Towns of Williamstown and Amboy, Oswego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Orton Hollow State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Orton Hollow State Forest encompasses 507 acres. Rugged and rustic, this forest is a good place for activities such as hunting and trapping. There is only one short trail on the forest which allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments and a DEC issued permit.

A combination of black cherry, red maple, white ash, sugar maple and hemlock cover the landscape here. These stands, along with the confer plantations, provide a perfect habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals.

Accessible Features

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

A portion of the abandoned town road is designated for ATV use for individuals with mobility impairments and a DEC permit through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). The trail is about ½ mile in length going southerly following the old roadway. Parking is provided at the log landing at the gate.

Directions

Orton Hollow State Forest may be accessed by taking NY Route 13 to County Route 17, off of which a fishing access site is located. Continue on County Route 17 until Finnerty Road and turn left, then turn again onto Finnerty Road Spur. There is also access directly off of NY 13 at the intersection with Miller Road.

Parking from either road will be limited, but available from the shoulder.

• Orton Hollow Road parking area (43.411069°N, 75.862024°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 Orton Hollow 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 accepted comments on the draft Fish Creek Unit Management Plan (UMP) through Sunday, July 31, 2022. For questions and comments about this UMP, please email [email protected].

History

Orton Hollow State Forest was once used by early European farmers and Revolutionary War Veterans for crop and pasture land. Unfortunately, the soils located within the Tug Hill Plateau Region of New York State consist largely of shale and sandstone deposits from receding glaciers. They are typically rocky and highly acidic. When combined with long and harsh winters, the conditions prevented most agricultural attempts from achieving significant success.

The State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931 authorized the Conservation Department (now DEC) to acquire land, by gift or purchase, for reforestation areas. These State Forests, consisting of no less than 500 acres of contiguous land, were to be "forever devoted to reforestation and the establishment and maintenance thereon of forests for watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, recreation and kindred purposes" (Article 9, Title 5, Environmental Conservation Law).

As a result of these provisions, the majority of Orton Hollow State Forest was purchased in the 1930s by New York State. Lands like Orton Hollow, which had once been cleared for timber and farm land, were gradually restored to forests. Reforestation reduced the problem of soil erosion, protected water quality and provided forest products and recreational opportunities. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted thousands of conifer seedlings on the newly acquired lands. Their hard work and diligence can still be seen today as evidenced by the tall pine, spruce, and larch that decorate the landscape. The transformation that occurred on the land in Orton Hollow State Forest provides hundreds of people with ecological, economic and recreational opportunities each year.

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

• Florence Hill State Forest
• Stone Hill State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas and food may be found in the nearby communities of Williamstown and Camden.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Pulaski.

Oswego County Tourism Office 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.