State Land

Clark Hill State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

The 2,819-acre Clark Hill State Forest was purchased from 20 separate landowners between August 14, 1933 and September 21, 1950. As with most state forests, the majority of this land was pasture and cropland not so very long ago. The terrain features hilly, rocky, scenic views, with a variety of streams and small drainages. It has tranquil, rolling woodland areas and unique gorges with flowing streams at the bottom. Only Buck Hill Road is plowed all the way through in the winter. Latteiman Road and Boody Hill Road are usually only plowed up to where the state land begins.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are 2.6 miles of unpaved roads that provide access to the forest; there are no marked or maintained foot trails at this time, making it ideal for the visitor who enjoys recreating in a primitive forest setting.

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

At-large 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.

Numerous protected trout streams run through the property. Stringer Brook and Burnt Brook are the only two streams that are named and are known to have trout in them, though the access is difficult due to the very steep banks.

North Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

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.

Several miles of groomed snowmobile routes traverse this forest, mostly on the unplowed, seasonal-use roads. The Penn Mountain Snow Riders maintain and groom all of the snowmobile routes in the area through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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

Directions

From Alder Creek, turn left onto Egypt Road and follow for 2.7 miles. Take a slight right and continue on Egypt Road for another 1.3 miles until you reach Potato Hill Road. Take a left onto Potato Hill Road and then a right onto Buck Hill Road, in 1.7 miles you will reach the state forest. There are no maintained parking areas on this property.

  • Northern most trailhead on property (43.382416°N, 75.334721°W) Google Maps.
  • Southern most trailhead, Corner of Boody Road and Latteiman Road (43.353039°N, 75.303342°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 Clark 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.

Specific Rules

Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property; however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Oneida Hills Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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 any questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us [email protected].

History

The present day forest contains a mixture of plantations, natural forests and conifers. The plantations on the property were planted in the early 1940s and 1950s and are comprised primarily of Scotch pine, red pine, white pine, jack pine, white spruce and Norway spruce, black locust and white cedar. Natural forests on the property include but are not limited to black cherry, red maple, yellow birch, hemlock, hard maple, white ash, apple, striped maple, ironwood, basswood, aspen and American beech.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Alder Creek, Boonville, Utica and Rome.

Oneida County Tourism 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 of 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.

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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