Cowee State Forest
State Land

Cowee State Forest

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The 3,700-acre Cowee State Forest is located in the center of the Rensselaer Plateau. The property features a vast wetland complex. The property is managed for multiple uses, including watershed protection, wildlife habitat, public recreation, and timber production.

Featured Activities

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

There are no designated campsites; however, 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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4L

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

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4L

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

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons.

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

Two snowmobile trails pass through Cowee State Forest. These trails are maintained by the Black River Raiders and Grafton Trailblazers Clubs through a volunteer stewardship agreements.

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

Directions

Cowee State Forest is accessed from Plank Road and Dutch Church Road

  • Plank Road parking area (6 cars): (42.69819°N, 73.40875°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 Cowee 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

Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a unit management plan (UMP) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain 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 [email protected]

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Dining opportunities, gas, food, and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Berlin, Averill Park, and Troy.
  • Lodging opportunities may be found in the nearby community Troy.

Rensselaer 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.

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Region 4 - Capital Region/Northern Catskills
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