Wildlife Management Area

Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area

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The primary purposes of Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA consists of over 7,000 acres of upland habitat in Delaware County acquired by the State in 1961. One of Bear Spring Mountain's unique attributes include the location of a state run campground in the middle of the property. Bear Spring Mountain contains various levels of topography from steep mountainsides to gentle valleys and everything in between. Multiple species of hardwoods dominate the forested areas including red oak, red and sugar maple, beech, birch, ash, and black cherry. There are some hemlock covered ridges and the remnants of spruce plantations as well. Many small fields are dispersed throughout the property and are often associated with old apple orchards that are still maintained by the state to provide food for wildlife. There are two streams that run southward and several small ponds that are remnants of early settlements.

 

Featured Activities

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

Please stay on the designated trails to protect the diversity and richness of the plant communities found within this area.

Wildlife Management Units: 4W and 4P

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

Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons).

Wildlife Management Units: 4W and 4P

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

Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view trapping seasons).

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

A few fish can be found in the ponds and streams. Launt Pond is stocked with trout. Russ Grey Pond has largemouth bass, sunfish, and bullheads. The two streams contain brook and brown trout.

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

Bird watching is excellent on Bear Spring Mountain WMA. Bring along your binoculars and camera for added enjoyment. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.

Directions

Bear Spring Mountain WMA is located in the towns of Colchester and Walton along Route 206. Trout Brook Road and West Trout Brook Road run through the heart of the property from Route 206 and join at the southern end of the property. Parking areas providing access can be found along each of these roads.

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 Bear Spring Mountain WMA must follow all Wildlife Management Area Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Activity Rules & Regulations

Outdoor Safety Tips

Note: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health.

How We Manage Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Bear Spring Mountain WMA is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and photography). Funding to maintain and manage this site is provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration or "Pittman-Robertson" Act, which is acquired through excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment.

Active management is ongoing at Bear Spring Mountain WMA. Forestry practices promote early successional stage forest growth to encourage specific wildlife species. Apple trees are pruned and cleared of competing overstory. Nest boxes for wood ducks have been placed in appropriate locations, and mowing is used annually to maintain fields.

View the Habitat Management Plan for Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in February 2020, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

State Lands and Facilities

Numerous guide books 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

Delaware County Tourism
NYS Department of Health
Leave No Trace
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