Coventry State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607)-674-4017; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Coventry, Chenango County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7P
• Map: Coventry State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Long a favorite among the hunting community, Coventry State Forest offers 1,156 acres of diverse landscape, and the opportunities for recreation are abundant. Old roads and logging trails climb their way through the northern part of the forest and are ideal for hiker and hunter access. The forest offers a 0.5-mile snowmobile trail for use in the winter. Passive activities like nature viewing and photography are also possible. On the east side of the forest, a short access road and interior parking area off of Owlville Road provide access to an open fishing pond with carry-in access for canoes and small motorless boats.

Directions

From the west, travel east on Route 206 from the village of Greene. Either turn left at the four corners in the village of Coventry onto North Road, or take the next left onto Owlville Road. The forest will begin about a mile and a half up each road. From the east, take County Route 206 from the village of Bainbridge, pass through the hamlet of Coventryville and turn right onto Owlville Road, or North Road.

• Coordinates for trailheads, parking areas, boat launches, waterway access sites and other access points: (42.340014°N, 75.638201°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 Coventry 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 northern part of the forest is comprised of Norway spruce and Japanese Larch plantations, with a few hardwood stands mixed in. Following these trails, one ends up at a hardwood/hemlock swamp, which is ideal habitat for all kinds of wildlife.

In the western part of the forest one can see the results of a recent timber harvest in which the declining red pine trees were removed to make way for natural hardwoods. Deer need these young saplings for browsing in the harsh wintertime, and ruffed grouse rely on this type of cover for protection from predators. Scattered amongst the now vigorous hardwood saplings are acres of blackberry bushes.

Bisecting the center of the forest is Harvey Road. As one travels down this dead end road, beautiful stands of mixed red pine and Norway spruce tower to either side. Lush ferns and Norway spruce seedlings provide a green carpet beneath the forest canopy. One can follow Harvey Road north, at its intersection with the State Forest, and enter into a hemlock swamp reminiscent of pre-historic times. Following the property line to the south and then to the east will bring the avid adventurer to one of two small ponds located on the forest. Be sure to respect the rights of the private landowners that border our State lands and stay within the State forest boundaries.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Bobell Hill State Forest
• Beaver Flow State Forest
• Bumps Creek State Forest
• Oak Ridge State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Norwich and Greene.

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.