Muller Hill State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: 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: Town of Georgetown, Madison County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Muller Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Muller Hill State Forest is comprised of 3,090-acres of diverse terrain and habitats. More than 7.5 miles of forest access roads provide seasonal access for snowmobilers and cross country skiers in winter.

A 0.25-mile accessible trail leads to a wildlife viewing area on Muller Pond and also to the Muller Hill Historic Site where the mansion of Louis Muller was located.

Accessible Features

From the Muller Hill Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Hiking trail to viewing area

The Muller Pond Trail is 0.25 mile one way with a gentle grade (max. slope 12%), wide tread (min. width 3 feet), and firm compacted stone surface.

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

From State Highway 26, turn west onto Chenango County Highway 16. Drive approximately one mile to the entrance to the State Forest access road. Alternatively one can start from Georgetown and turn west onto Muller Hill Road north of the Otselic Valley School (which is located along Route 80 in the hamlet of Georgetown).

• Muller Hill Road (42.7700681°N, 75.7876202°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 Muller Hill 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 Muller Hill Unit Management Plan. 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 forest contains the historical site of the home of Louis A. Muller, a French nobleman who settled here in 1808 when he fled the wrath of Napoleon. Upon arriving in America, Muller purchased 2,700 acres of hilltop land in the sparsely populated New York frontier. In addition to a large amount of gold, he is thought to have arrived with a retinue of French servants and a corps of artisans. Workmen cleared 300 acres of forest, constructed a mansion of native cherry timbers, and built the self-sufficient community of Bronder Hollow. Fruit trees were planted, water was diverted to a constructed trout pond, and a high fence was erected to keep game in and intruders out.

In 1907, almost 100 years from rising high atop Muller Hill, the mansion was consumed by fire and burned to the ground. Not much remains of the home. An interpretive site is planned for the forest to acknowledge the cultural and natural history.

The forest has a mixture of well-drained and poorly-drained soil. The forest cover types on Muller Hill State Forest include pure northern hardwoods (beech, birch, maple, oak, cherry, ash, and basswood), and mixtures of northern hardwoods with several species of conifers. The conifers include red pine, Norway spruce and hemlock. Large portions of this forest were planted with conifer species. All of the red pine and Norway spruce trees on the forest where planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) in the late 1930s. About 30% of the forest is comprised of hemlock and hemlock-hardwood mixtures. Eastern hemlock is a native conifer and occurs naturally on the forest.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities, and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Three Springs State Forest
• Bucks Brook State Forest
• Morrow Mountain State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

Madison County Tourism can provide information on 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.