State Land

Keyserkill State Forest Complex

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Armlin Hill, Keyserkill and Gates Hill State Forests

  • Open for recreation: Year-round

The 2,400-acre Keyserkill State Forest Complex is a working circle of three state forests Armlin Hill State Forest, Keyserkill State Forest and Gates Hill State Forest. They were purchased for the people of New York during the 1930's for reforestation, timber production, watershed protection, recreational use and wildlife.

 

Featured Activities

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

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex's motorized access routes are also open to hikers.

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex's motorized access routes are also open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

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

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex's motorized access routes are also open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

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

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex is open to hunting during appropriate seasons. Hunting, for white tail deer, is a popular activity on the Keyserkill State Forest complex. The area also supports populations of small game such as turkey, squirrel, grouse, and rabbit.

Hunting opportunities vary with habitat conditions. By maintaining a diversity of forest types with open and brushy areas, such as those found on State Forests, many different kinds of wildlife species can thrive.

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

The Keyserkill State Forest Complex is open to trapping during appropriate seasons. Trapping is allowed for beaver, muskrat, otter, mink, raccoon, fox, and coyote according to season.

Trapping opportunities vary with habitat conditions. By maintaining a diversity of forest types with open and brushy areas, such as those found on State Forests, many different kinds of wildlife species can thrive.

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

There are two primitive campsite on the Keyserkill State Forest.

At-large primitive camping is also 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.

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

Directions

Keyserkill State Forest Complex is accessed from Woods Road, Armlin Hill Road, Coons Den Road, Camperwoman Road, Guinea Road and Campbell Road. There are no designated parking areas but road side parking is available in the state forests. All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Armlin Hill State Forest

Gates Hill State Forest

  • Camperwoman Road (42.528299°N, 74.354855°W) Google Maps
  • Coons Den Road (Northern) (42.511542°N, 74.355528°W) Google Maps
  • Coons Den Road (Southern) (42.497151°N, 74.368404°W) Google Maps

Keyserkill State Forest

  • Guinea Road (42.510719°N, 74.395132°W) Google Maps
  • Unnamed Road north of Campbell Road 42.477228°N, 74.359988°W Google Maps

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 Keyserkill State Forest Complex must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Snowmobiling, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

How We Manage Keyserkill State Forest Complex

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 & 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

DEC Lands & Facilities

Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Middleburgh.

Schoharie County Tourism Office can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books 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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