State Land

Maple Valley State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

The 804-acre Maple Valley State Forest features a mix of planted and natural tree species scattered across the landscape. The unit was one of many properties purchased by the State back in the 1930s in order to reforest marginal and abandoned farm land and return it to a more productive use.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no designated or marked hiking trails. However, Maple Valley State Forest does feature unofficial, unmarked trails through the property.

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

No primitive campsites exist on Maple Valley State Forest, but 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.

General information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

There is a small pond, located at the end of a short access trail, about a 0.5 miles north of the intersection of Elmore Road and Babcock Hill Road. This pond probably has some warm water fish, such as bass, sunnies and bullhead. A stream flows from that pond and empties into a classified trout stream which crosses Babcock Hill Road.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

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

Maple Valley State Forest is open to hunting during appropriate seasons. Wildlife expected to occur on this area include whitetailed deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse and turkey, along with mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

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

Maple Valley State Forest is open to trapping during appropriate seasons. Wildlife expected to occur on this area include whitetailed deer, rabbit, squirrel, grouse and turkey, along with mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.

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

There are no designated or marked cross-country skiing trails. However, Maple Valley State Forest does feature unofficial, unmarked trails through the property.

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

There are no designated or marked snowshoeing trails. However, Maple Valley State Forest does feature unofficial, unmarked trails through the property.

Directions

  • Maple Valley State Forest Parking Area is located on Elmore Road 1.3 miles north of its intersection with County Road 39. (42.077698°N, 74.610887°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 Maple Valley 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, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are all permitted activities on Maple Valley State Forest, but there are no designated trails for these activities.
  • Snowmobiles are not permitted to travel through new plantations.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a management plan 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

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill, Richmondville and Worcester.
  • Dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Cobleskill, Pleasant Brook, Richmondville, and Worcester.
  • Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cooperstown, Pleasant Brook and Sharon Springs.

Otsego 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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