State Land

Milford State Forest

On this page
  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Milford State Forest location

The 512-acre Milford State Forest is a mostly forested area with one small pond. The area's only amenity is a snowmobile trail that connects to a larger network of trails.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no designated campsites; however, 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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

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

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, rabbits, squirrels, and coyotes.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

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

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, rabbits, squirrels, and coyotes.

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

Milford State Forest features one snowmobile trail. This trail is maintained by the Milford Snow Trekkers and connects to a larger network of snowmobile trails.

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

Otsego County lies on the eastern end of the Central Appalachian ecozone which hosts a plethora of wildlife. In addition to the notable game species and furbearers, a variety of songbirds as well as birds of prey can be found within the property.

Milford State Forest features a lot of young forest habitat, created after a 1998 tornado blew down much of the forest.

Directions

There are no designated parking areas. Roadside parking is available.

Milford State Forest can be accessed from Dutch Hill Road, located off of NYS Route 205 in the town of Laurens.

  • Dutch Hill Road: 42.559039°N, 75.048441°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 Milford 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, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a recreation management plan which will describe the management activities for public recreation on these lands.

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

  • Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Cooperstown, Milford and Oneonta.

Otsego County and Cooperstown 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.

This Page Covers
Region 4 - Capital Region/Northern Catskills
Icon