State Land

Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest location

The Albert J. Woodford Memorial Forest contains 2,664 acres, and as with most state forests, the majority of this land was pasture and cropland at one time. Tassel Hill, located in the northern portion of the property, is the point of highest elevation in Oneida County. The state forest was created for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection. The portions of the roads that pass through this state forest are not plowed in winter.

Featured Activities

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

There are 2 miles of unnamed trails that are hiking only and run from north to south, bisecting the property. There are an additional 1.75 miles of snowmobile routes that may be hiked when seasonally appropriate. There are also multi-use trails and old skid trails from past timber harvesting operations and old farm lanes from long ago that make for an enjoyable walk.

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

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.

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

Chittning Pond and two smaller unnamed ponds provide great opportunities to get out on the water. There is a gravel hand launch located in the southwest corner of Chittning Pond.

General information on boating includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations and lists of DEC boat launches by county.

Gas powered motor boats are not allowed on Chittning Pond. Electric motors or self-propelled boats are allowed.

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

The Chittning Pond Fishing Access Site is a popular area for anglers of all levels. A newly built accessible fishing pier, with nearby parking, allows visitors of all abilities to enjoy the experience. Warm water species such as bass and sunfish are known to inhabit this pond.

There are 2 other ponds in this forest and are located on the north side of White Street in almost the center of the state forest. There is a small pull off and a short path leads to the eastern pond.

North Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6S

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

The busiest time of year for this forest is big game season. Deer hunters and grouse hunters also enjoy this area.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6S

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

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

There is a 0.53-mile snowmobile trail that crosses the property. There is also a portion of the NYS Snowmobile Trail network that crosses the northern most portion of the property. The snowmobile trails in the area are groomed and maintained by the CNY Snow Travelers (leaves DEC website) through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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

From the Chittning Pond Fishing Access Site Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Fishing/viewing platform; and
  • Picnic area

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

The Chittning Pond Fishing Access Site is located on the north side of NYS Route 20, roughly half way between Bridgewater and Sangerfield.

From Bridgewater go north on NYS Route 8, veer left on to Mapledale Road at the fork. Take the first left onto Donley Road, then take the first right onto White Street. Proceed north, northwest 1.4 miles to the beginning of state land.

From Waterville, pick up White Street on the south edge of town. Proceed east 2.8 miles to the beginning of state land.

Parking Areas:

  • White Street Pond parking area (42.9187°N, 75.30052°W) Google Maps
  • Tassell Hill parking area (42.94125°N, 75.31643°W) Google Maps
  • Upper White Street parking area (42.9256°N, 75.31565°W) Google Maps
  • Truck Trail parking area (42.927°N, 75.3008°W) Google Maps

Fishing Access Site:

  • Chittning Pond parking area, fishing pier and boat launch (42.90902°N, 75.31544°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 Albert J. Woodford Memorial 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

Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property, however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities. Snowmobiling is prohibited outside of the dedicated trails on the property.

Planning and Management

This state forest falls under the Mohawk Vista Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Bridgewater, Sangerfield and Waterville.

Oneida County Tourism website 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.

Important Links

Oneida County Tourism
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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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