State Land

Mount Hunger State Forest

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

The 598-acre Mount Hunger State Forest was acquired in 1947. The state forest was created for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection.

Whalen Road and Whalen Road Extension are not plowed in winter. Bailey Lake Road and Beaver Creek Road are plowed in winter.

Featured Activities

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

There are no formal hiking trails but the old town roads and utility lines provide excellent opportunities for people to get out and enjoy the state forest. There is about a mile of unpaved roadways and snowmobile routes that provide access to the forest.

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

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: 7M

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 7M

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

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

There is more than a mile of trails that traverse the property and are open to snowmobiling. The CNY Snow Travelers maintain and groom the routes in this area through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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

Directions

At the intersection of NYS Routes 12 and 20 (Sangerfield), take Route 12 south. On Route 12, go about 0.6 mile and take a left on Craigfoot Road. On Craigfoot Road, continue on for 0.9 mile to an intersection where Craigfoot Road changes to Tubbs Road. After about 1.4 miles, go left on to Bailey Lake Road. Go about 0.5 mile and the access road to the state forest will be on the left.

  • Tennessee Gas right-of-way road pull-off area (42.881878°N, 75.319068°W) Google Maps
  • Whalen Road pull-off area (off Bailey Lake rd.) (42.880154°N, 75.347108°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 Mount Hunger 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

Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property, however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.

Planning and Management

This state forest falls under the Mohawk Vista Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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 [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Waterville, Sangerfield, Bridgewater, West Winfield and Hamilton.

Oneida County Tourism website 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 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
Icon