Gorton Lake State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Cortland Office (M-F, 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM), (607) 753-3095; [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 Brookfield, Madison County; Town of Sangerfield, Oneida County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Gorton Lake State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 500-acre Gorton Lake State Forest is open to recreational pursuits such as hunting, informal hiking or other informal uses that require no designated facilities. There are conifer plantations occupying former agriculture or pasture lands, rolling hills of native hardwood forests and stream courses flowing down to the valleys below. The state forest was created for the purpose of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection.

Directions

From Sangerfield take State Highway 12 south approximately 3 miles to Gorton Lake Road. Turn left onto Gorton Lake Road and proceed approximately 2 miles east. Look for a state forest sign on your left and a small parking pull-off across the road on your right.

• Gorton Lake Road pull-off (42.866839°N, 75.353905°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 Gorton Lake 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 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 at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Albert J. Woodford State Forest
• Beaver Creek State Forest
• Brookfield Railroad State Forest
• Mount Hunger State Forest
• Charles E. Baker State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Waterville, Sangerfield, Bridgewater, West Winfield and Hamilton.

Oneida County Tourism website and the Madison County Tourism website 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.