State Land

Cottrell State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

In the mid-1990s, the original 273-acre parcel was donated to the state as a gift and subsequently named in honor of the donor's family. An additional 200 plus adjacent acres have since been acquired and added to this state forest. The state forest is managed for the purpose of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no official trails on this property; however, the undeveloped nature of the state forest allows for recreating in a pristine natural setting.

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.

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

Directions

From Boonville, take Route 294 west to State Route 26 in West Leyden turn left then a quick right onto County Route 46. Go 2.3 miles and turn left onto the Kirk Road. Proceed 1.5 miles. There are no maintained parking areas on this unit, please be careful with any roadside parking.

  • Kirk Road pull-off area (43.431725°N, 75.522997°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 Cottrell 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 developed the Tug Hill East Unit Management Plan (PDF), which describes the management activities for these lands. If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining, lodging, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Boonville, Constableville, Camden and Rome.

Lewis County Tourism and 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 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 (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.

Important Links

Lewis County Tourism
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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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