Balsam Swamp State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 674-4017; [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 Pharsalia, Pitcher, McDonough and German, Chenango County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Balsam Swamp State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Balsam Swamp State Forest totals 2,679 acres. It is a sprawling state forest that stretches almost 5.5 miles east-west across four towns. The area is very rural, and the landscape surrounding Balsam Swamp is mostly forested. There are two short multiple-use trails in the forest. There is also ample opportunity for self-guided day hikes to explore the diversity of habitats present in this State Forest.

The main attraction of this forest is Balsam Pond. The pond is approximately 152 acres and is a popular destination for fishing and paddling.

Accessible Features

From the Balsam Pond Camping Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Fishing/viewing platform;
• Primitive campsite; and
• Portable toilet (seasonal)

The campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. A portable toilet is in the camping 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

Balsam Swamp State Forest can be accessed from numerous town roads off of County Routes 23, 7, and 10. Balsam Pond is located on Balsam-Tyler Road.

• Balsam-Tyler Road (42.549064°N, 75.758419°W) Google Maps 
• North End Road (42.530423°N, 75.824057°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 Balsam Swamp 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 Five Streams Unit Management Plan (UMP) that covers Balsam Swamp, Five Streams, and Red Brook State Forests. 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.

DEC developed a draft update to the Five Streams UMP that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Balsam Swamp State Forest. DEC accepted comments on the draft until July 31, 2021. Questions can be emailed with the subject line "Five Streams Unit" to [email protected].

Timber Management

Balsam Swamp State Forest is comprised of a mix of native hardwood forests, hemlock swamps, and conifer plantations. Additionally, the western section of Balsam Swamp State Forest is adjacent to Five Streams State Forest to the south.

As with all state forests, Balsam Swamp is actively managed for timber production. Forest management in this area focuses on maintaining the natural character of the native hardwood stands, retaining and regenerating some of the spruce plantations, and converting the pine plantations to hardwoods.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Pharsalia Woods State Forest
• Five Streams State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

Chenango 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 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.