State Land

Battle Hill State Forest

On this page
  • Open for recreation: Year-round

Battle Hill State Forest encompasses 1,738 acres. There are no trails or amenities on this state forest. It is best used for hunting, fishing, trapping and nature observation.

 

Featured Activities

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

The Mad River and the North Branch of the Salmon River wind through the forest providing good fishing opportunities along the banks.

Fishing information for Central NY is available.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

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.

Snowmobilers make use of the road sides and seasonal public road through much of the forest.

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

The dense wooded area in this state forest provides excellent habitat for many game species such as raccoon, beaver, snowshoe hare, turkey and grouse. There are also sections that serve as deer wintering areas; thus, deer are frequently seen here during winter months.

Directions

Battle Hill State Forest is located along County Route 17 north of Redfield. The forest may be accessed from County Route 17, Old State Road and Otto Mills Drive.

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 Battle 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.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Upper Salmon River Unit Management Plan (PDF) with Maps Part 1 (PDF) and Part 2 (PDF). 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].

Timber Management

Battle Hill State Forest is predominantly comprised of northern hardwood-hemlock cover types, including maple, pine, spruce, beech and basswood.

DEC foresters are charged with the responsibility of managing state forests to enhance and maintain a diverse and healthy forest ecosystem for society and wildlife. Therefore, forest management is strategically employed to develop a balanced mix of young, middle-aged, and old (late successional) forest types that will continue to be a strong asset for the communities of New York State for generations to come.

History

The forest is named for a battle which took place nearby during the Revolutionary War and is a great place to experience activities that are enjoyed within a wild forest setting. A majority of the land that now makes up Battle Hill State Forest was originally purchased during the 1930s. Prior to this, the landscape had been comprised of crop lands, open fields, forest, meadows and homesteads. However, the soils that are commonly found in this area are thin, highly acidic, and filled with stones. Together with the long, harsh winters which typically ravage the area, it is easy to understand why many of the early farms were unsuccessful.

The Roosevelt Administration developed the State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931. This new legislation 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, and kindred purposes" (Article 9, Titles 5 and 7, Environmental Conservation Law). Since that time, Battle Hill State Forest has been intensely managed to promote forest health, timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food, dining, and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Redfield and 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.

Important Links

Oswego County Tourism Office
Contact for this Page

Lands and Forests Region 7
1285 Fisher Ave
Cortland, NY 13045

This Page Covers
Region 7 - Central New York
Icon