State Land

Beaver Dam State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Beaver Dam State Forest location

Beaver Dam State Forest encompasses 1,151 acres. It is a popular area for recreational activities that can be enjoyed in a forest setting, such as hunting, snowmobiling, bird watching, nature viewing and fishing from the small brook. The 1.5-mile Public Forest Access Road, accessible from Sears Road, can be traveled by automobile, bike, horse, or foot.

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.

Fishing information for Central NY is available.

Wildlife Management Unit: 7R

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 7R

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.

Beaver Dam State Forest has 1.8 miles of formal snowmobile trails running through its boundaries. The snowmobile trails are maintained by DEC Volunteer Stewardship Program volunteers.

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

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

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

Primitive and wild, Beaver Dam State Forest is home to a variety of habitats that foster a diversity of plant and animal life. As the name suggests, beavers are frequently seen along the small brook that winds through the woods. In addition to the beavers, a wide variety of song birds and amphibians such as salamanders can be found here.

Directions

From I-81 Take exit # 8 toward NY RT 79 West. Travel west on NY RT 79 for about 9 miles until you reach Michigan Hill Road and take a right. If you reach the hamlet of Richford, you've gone too far. Head north on Michigan Hill Road for about 0.75 mile, then make a right on Sears Road. Follow Sears Road for about 0.75 mile and then the entrance to the Public Forest Access Road will be on your right.

  • Sears Road & Public Access Forest Road (42.38512°N, 76.14683°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 Beaver Dam 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 Rockefeller Unit Management Plan (PDF, 6.5MB). 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].

History

Most of the land encompassing what is today known as Beaver Dam State Forest was purchased between 1939 and 1942. Prior to this, the land had been cleared of natural vegetation and used for agriculture by early European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. However, because the soils common in the area are typically thin, somewhat steep and acidic, they are not fit for intensive farming. Harsh winters and short growing seasons further compounded the issue and provoked many farmers to abandon their properties in pursuit of more suitable land in the Midwest.

Fortunately, the State Reforestation Act of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment made it possible for the abandoned farmland to become productive once more through the planting of trees. Hundreds of young men found work, and the fruit of their labor is made evident by the forested landscape that now covers the land. Today, Beaver Dam State Forest provides diverse ecological, economic, and recreational services for the people of New York State.

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 Dryden, Marathon, Whitney Point and Ithaca.

The Tioga 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

Hiking Safely
Hiking and Camping Rules
Use of State Land Regulation
Tioga County Tourism Office
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Region 7 - Central New York
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