Ketchumville 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 Newark Valley, Tioga County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7R
• Map: Ketchumville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Ketchumville State Forest encompasses approximately 500 acres. Its rustic and primitive feel makes it ideal for recreational activities such as hunting, snowshoeing, bird watching, and nature viewing. There are also just over five miles of multi-use trails on the forest. The trails are open to horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. No target shooting is allowed on this state forest.

A small stream runs through the woods, reaching a particularly beautiful site surrounded by large hemlocks. Many different plant species, both common and rare, can be found mingling with the other flora, including painted trillium and wild hydrangea. Don't forget, although they are beautiful, the plants located on state property are protected; it is illegal to pick or transport them for any reason.

Directions

From Newark Valley, New York: Head north on NY Route 38 for .75 mile. Take a right on Wilson Creek Road and stay straight; the road then becomes Davis Hollow Road. Head east on Davis Hollow Road for about 1 mile and bear slightly to the right onto Bailey Hollow Road. Travel southeast on Bailey Hollow Road for about 1.75 miles until it intersects with Smokey Zimmer Road. Make a left and continue northeast on Bailey Hollow Road for about .5 mile. The Ketchumville State Forest sign and public forest access road will be on the left near the crest of the hill.

Parking is available on the shoulders and at the end of the public forest access road.

• Ketchumville Public Forest Access Road (42.237948°N, 76.1089011°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 Ketchumville 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.

Target shooting is not allowed on this property.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Tioga Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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 questions or comments about this UMP, please email ust at [email protected].

History

Ketchumville State Forest was purchased in 1941 by the State of New York from lands formerly owned by the Waite, Zimmer, Chamberlain, Bailey, and Andrews families. This area was not reforested until 1961, when more than 153,000 tree seedlings were planted. The delay in reforesting this property is due to the termination of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps and their programs as the United States entered World War II. Following the war, tree planting was resumed at a much slower rate.

Ketchumville State Forest, like many of New York's State Forests, had originally been cleared and farmed by European settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans. Unfortunately, the soils common in the area are relatively steep and acidic. As such, the ground is not fit for intensive farming. When combined with harsh winters and a short growing season, it is quite understandable that farmers abandoned these lands for more fertile lands in the Midwest. In order to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, provide forest products and recreational opportunities, the State of New York started acquiring property during the 1930ss and planted significant numbers of trees in order to reforest the land.

Existing evidence of the early settlers and the original inhabitants still remains, as stone walls, foundations, scattered quarries and even portions of the original road system can be found on Ketchumville State Forest. Even vegetative remnants of the old homesteads still exist as evidenced by the fruit trees and introduced ground cover and flowers (keep an eye out for creeping myrtle and day lilies). Today, with the land being transformed back to its original forested state, diverse ecological, economic, and recreational opportunities are provided for the many New York State residents and visitors.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Oakley Corners State Forest
• Jenksville State Forest
• Nanticoke Lake Multiple Use Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Binghamton, Owego and Whitney Point.

Tioga 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.