State Land

Marsh Pond State Forest

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While there are 893 beautiful acres of forest land in Marsh Pond, most people stick to the water's edge. Marsh Pond delights all visitors, especially those who love to paddle, with populations of several carnivorous plant species, including sundew. More information about carnivorous plant species can be found in the April 2015 issue of New York State Conservationist magazine (PDF).

There are no formal trails on this state forest but hiking is allowed anywhere unless posted otherwise.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are two primitive campsites near Marsh Pond from which campers can look out at turtles, warblers, water lilies and blue flag irises.

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 paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

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

Marsh Pond, which supports a large mat of floating sphagnum moss, provides anglers with an excellent opportunity to catch small fish, primarily brown bullhead.

Fishing information for Central NY is available.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4O

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 4O

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

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

Directions

Access to the forest is gained by traveling south on Marsh Road or by traveling north on Bryce Road. These two roads meet at the north end of Marsh Pond. There are three parking areas along Marsh Pond Road and two parking areas along Bryce Road.

  • Intersection of Marsh Pond Road and Bryce Road (42.1216667°N, 75.5403902°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 Marsh Pond 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

The Broome State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) covers Cat Hollow, Tracy Creek, Beaver Pond, Whitaker Swamp, Hawkins Pond, Marsh Pond, Skyline Drive, and Cascade Valley State Forests, constituting 5,371 acres in Broome and Tioga counties.

DEC developed a Broome State Forest Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Cat Hollow State Forest.

For more information, email DEC Foresters with the subject line "Broome Unit" at [email protected] or call (607) 674-4017.

Forest Management

The forest contains a wide array of different cover types. The types include northern hardwood, northern hardwood-hemlock, and oak. One hundred and nine acres of the forest were logged for timber in 2005. The elevation of the forest ranges from 1500 to more than 1800 feet above sea level.

Marsh Pond State Forest was acquired in two separate land purchases in 1932 and 1933. The southeastern section of the forest contains a stream and mixed stands of hardwood and hemlock, but the highlights of the woods at Marsh Pond State Forest are on the western side of Bryce Road. Roadside and at the top of the steep slope are impressive stands of mature white ash and hemlock which will be protected as natural areas. Since there has been no timber harvesting in recent decades, these areas are beginning to acquire many old growth characteristics. Such stands are becoming increasingly rare in the landscape.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

Broome 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.

Important Links

Hiking Safely
Hiking and Camping Rules
State Land Use Regulations
Greater Binghamton Convention and Visitors Bureau
Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Region 7 Sherburne Sub-office
2715 State Hwy 80
Sherburne, NY 13460

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