State Land

Pitcher Springs State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

Pitcher Springs State Forest consists of 1,835 acres. Popular activities include fishing, hunting, trapping, primitive camping, and nature photography/observation. The diversity of forest conditions in this area support an abundance of forest bird species.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no formal trails in this state forest but hiking is allowed anywhere on the property unless posted otherwise.

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.

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 common wildlife species found on the forest include deer, turkey, red squirrels and coyotes. The diversity of forest conditions in this area also support a great variety of forest birds such as: broad-winged hawk, Cooper's hawk, hermit thrush, wood thrush, black-throated blue warbler, chestnut-sided warbler, mourning warbler, Canada warbler, and golden crowned-kinglet. Many of these birds can be seen or heard singing in the forest. The 4.5 miles of town roads through the forest provide easy access for stop-and-go roadside birding.

Directions

The forest is located between State Route 26 to the north and State Route 23 to the south. Hakes-Calhoun Road, Kenney Road and Pitcher Springs Road are the primary town roads that provide easy access to the forest from the State highways. These are all gravel surfaced roads that are in suitable condition for travel by car or truck.

  • Pitcher Springs Road (42.5963825°N, 75.8092144°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 Pitcher Springs 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

This forest consists of conifer plantations intermixed with native hardwoods. Conifer plantations comprise over half of the forest cover and sprawl across rolling hills in an area approximately two miles wide by three miles long. These extensive plantations indicate the prevalence of land that was previously cleared for agricultural purposes. These farms were abandoned in the 1930s due to poor soil conditions. Foundation sites from the homes and barns of this era can still be found on the forest.

Conifer species include: red pine, white pine, Norway and white spruce, and larch. These plantations are now maturing and periodically harvested. New, young seedlings of native hardwoods typically regenerate after harvests. Common native hardwoods or conifers growing on the forest include: sugar and red maple, white ash, black cherry, beech, aspen, and hemlock.

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 communities of Cazenovia or Cortland.

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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