State Land

Pigeon Hill State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

Pigeon Hill State Forest consists of 736 acres. There are no trails on this forest but hiking is allowed anywhere unless posted otherwise. Popular activities include fishing, hunting, trapping, nature photography/observation and primitive camping.

 

Featured Activities

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

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.

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

Nearly a mile of the East Branch of the Canasawacta Creek flows through the northeastern portion of the forest. This section of the creek is lined with alders that provide cover for native brook trout holding in the pools and riffles. An additional smaller, unnamed brook that also holds native brook trout flows for over a half mile though the southwest portion of the forest.

Fishing information for Central NY is available.

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

Some of the wildlife species that use the forest for habitat include: deer, turkey, grouse, red squirrels, coyotes, and a wide variety of forest song birds such as thrushes and warblers.

Directions

  • Access to this area is off of Chenango County Route 16 which borders the northeast side of the forest. Parking is along the side of the road. (42.6365643,-75.6255003) Google Maps
  • Cookhouse Road traverses through the middle of the forest and provides seasonal access only. Visitors should be aware that portions of Cookhouse Road are in very rough condition. Cars having low ground clearance are not recommended for travel on this road. (42.62274,-75.6369037) 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 Pigeon 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 Pharsalia Woods Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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 [email protected].

Forest Management

The forest consists of conifer plantations intermixed with native hardwoods and conifers spread across a hilltop on an area roughly 1.25 miles wide by 1.25 miles long. The plantation conifer species include red pine, Norway spruce and larch. Common native hardwoods or conifers found on the forest include: sugar and red maple, white ash, black cherry, beech and hemlock.

This forest is managed for a diversity of forest conditions that provide habitat for a wide array of wildlife species.

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 Norwich.

Chenango 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
Chenango County Tourism
Contact for this Page

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

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Region 7 - Central New York
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