State Land

Bumps Creek State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

Bumps Creek State Forest is located to the northwest of the village of Afton. Bumps Creek, a tributary in the southern portion of the forest, is the namesake for the forest. This is a long and narrow hillside property, with springs and streams that flow south and east into the Susquehanna River.

Three town roads, Tracy, Sprague, and Buckley Hill, provide easy access to the forest. Fishing, hunting and nature observation are the most popular activities. Although there are no formal trails on this property, hiking is allowed anywhere unless otherwise posted.

 

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: 7P

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 7P

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

Several types of raptors have been observed on the forest including northern goshawk, merlin, and the more common red-tailed hawk. Goshawks prefer the edges of mixed or coniferous forests, hunting medium-size birds in ambush attacks. By contrast the red-tailed hawk hunts mainly small mammals from a perch or by kiting. The small and very fast merlin catches insects and small birds in midair by level sprints, finishing with abrupt turns as the prey attempts escape. Each of these winged predators nests in and around the Bumps Creek area. Other common forest inhabitants include deer, grouse, bats, squirrels and other small mammals. Frogs, snakes, salamanders, toads, and many small birds including chickadees, wrens, jays, and various types of woodpeckers, can also be observed throughout the forest.

Directions

Take State Highway 206, east from Greene, or west from Bainbridge to Coventryville. Take State Highway 41 south a short distance to Buckley Hill Road, continue southward on Buckley Hill Road to intersections with Tracy Road and Sprague Road and the forest.

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 Bumps Creek 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 is accepting comments on the draft Chenango Trail Unit Management Plan (UMP) through July 23, 2023. The draft plan and contact information to provide comments are available on DEC's website. We look forward to hearing from you!

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Chenango Trail Unit Management Plan. 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.

Timber Management

The forest is dominated by planted forests of largely red pine, but also includes larch, Jack pine, white pine, and Norway spruce. These forest cover types comprise about seventy percent of the forest area and were largely planted by Civil Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Natural forest stands which consist mainly of red maple, red oak, American beech, black cherry, white ash, sugar maple, and eastern hemlock cover the rest of the area.

Large areas of this forest were heavily impacted by weather events in the winter of 2003-2004. About 100 acres of forest was downed or damaged. Although most of the trees were salvaged for timber, these areas will show the effects far into the future, including young forest habitat.

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 Sidney or Binghamton.

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 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
Chenango County Tourism
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Region 7 - Central New York
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