State Land

Peck Hill State Forest

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Map of Peck Hill State Forest

Peck Hill State Forest is a 2,868-acre property located just south of the Adirondack Blue Line. It contains an interpretive trail that crosses boardwalks and a viewing platform overlooking a marsh, as well as several accessible features. It also provides several miles of snowmobile trails.

Featured Activities

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

There are 16.23 miles of unmarked trails, multi-purpose trails and snowmobile trails that may be used to explore the state forest.

The 1.47-mile Willie Marsh Nature Trail explores a beautiful wetland habitat. There is a viewing platform, interpretive stops and boardwalks that traverse the marsh and open water, as well as some features that are accessible for people of all abilities. A trail guide and maps are available at the trailhead.

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: 5H & 5J

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

During hunting season, Canada geese and wood ducks are sought by hunters.

Wildlife Management Unit: 5H & 5J

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

Trappers set lines for beaver and other furbearers during trapping season.

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

There are roughly 11 miles of snowmobile routes that cross the state forest and join the NYS Snowmobile Network of trails. The snowmobile routes in the area are maintained and groomed by Ful-Mont Snow Travellers Inc. (leaves DEC website) 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.

The Willie Wildlife Marsh in the northwestern part of the property is alive with wildlife. Visitors often see great blue herons and painted turtles, along with a variety of frogs, dragonflies and other marsh insects.

Two people on Interpretive Trail at Peck Hill

Accessible Features

From the Willie Wildlife Marsh Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Picnic area;
  • Hiking trail with boardwalk; and
  • Privy

The trail to the boardwalk and pond is 0.4 mile one way and has a gentle grade (max. slope 5%), wide tread (min. width 5 feet), and firm crushed stone surface.

The picnic area and privy is located about three quarters of the way to the boardwalk.

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

There are three parking areas that provide access to different parts of the property.

  • Elm Road (Route 101) parking area (43.0537491°N, 74.4019241°W) Google Maps 
  • Willie Road parking area (43.0830345°N, 74.4423828°W) Google Maps 
  • Route 131 parking area (43.04789°N, 74.41232°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 Peck 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.

Specific Rules

Mountain biking and fishing are all allowed on the property, however, the unit is not maintained currently for these activities.

Picnic Table Area at Peck Hill

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a Fulton County State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF) which will describe the management activities for these lands. 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 [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilites

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food, supplies, dining, and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Gloversville and Johnstown.

Fulton and Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and the Fulton County I Love NY 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 5 - Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain
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