Lincklaen State Forest

• Open for recreation: 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: Towns of Lincklaen and Pitcher, Chenango County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Lincklaen State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Lincklaen State Forest consists of 4,655 acres in the northwest corner of Chenango County. There are no formal trails on the forest, but hiking is allowed anywhere unless posted otherwise.

The forest contains a series of parallel ridges with streams that flow south to the Otselic River. As soon as the winter snow melts, spring wildflowers push their way up through the leaf litter. By mid-May, the spring flowers are in full bloom and the trees have leafed out.

As the cooler temperatures of fall arrive, the leaves begin to change color. Peak fall foliage usually occurs around the second week of October. Vivid colors of the maples, ash and aspen contrast with the dark greens of the conifers.

Directions

Several town roads traverse the forest including: Johnson, Hyer, Upham, Murry, and Freeman. These dirt roads are likely to be muddy during wet periods and dusty during dry periods. Since many of the roads are unplowed In the winter, access is generally restricted to travel by snowmobile or on foot.

From County Route 13 in DeRuyter, take County Route 12 south through the hamlet of Lincklean. The first lefthand turn is Factory Gulf Road which will take you directly into the forest.

• Factory Gulf Road (42.6810067°N, 75.8496884°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 Lincklaen 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 manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Northern Chenango Highlands Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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 and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

History

The land on which the state forest exists was purchased by the State beginning in the 1930s. At the time of acquisition, the land contained a mix of old agricultural fields and hardwood forests. Spruce and pine trees were planted on the open lands soon after their acquisition. This mixture of conifer plantations and hardwoods are a distinguishing feature of state forests. State forests are managed for wildlife conservation, timber production, watershed protection and outdoor recreation.

Timber Harvests

New York's state forests provide a sustainable source of high quality wood products. Timber harvesting takes place on a regular basis to thin the trees or to regenerate forest areas. The trees removed from the forest provide an important source of raw materials for local and out-of-state industries which produce lumber, log cabins, utility poles, furniture, paper, and other wood products.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Pitcher Springs State Forest
• Otselic State Forest
• Bucks Brook State Forest
• Beaver Meadow State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

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.