Point Rock State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Herkimer Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (315) 866-6330; [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: Towns of Ava and Lee, Oneida County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Point Rock State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Point Rock State Forest encompasses 1,202 acres of land along the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. The majority of the land that makes up Point Rock State Forest was purchased by New York State during the 1930s and 1940s. One piece was acquired in the 1990s. The state land is used for water quality protection, recreation, wildlife habitat and timber production.

Point Rock is comprised of natural hardwoods and natural hardwood-hemlock stands, as well as, plantations and wetlands. The main species in the natural stands are red maple, black cherry, sugar maple, hemlock and red spruce. Most of the plantations were established in the 1940s and can still be seen today. Species in these areas include red pine, white pine, Scotch pine and spruce.

Directions

From Rome take State Route 26 North for 11 miles. Turn left (west) on to Tuffy Road. In about 1.3 miles, you will reach Point Rock State Forest. People can access the state forest by the access roads (Camp Kingsley Road and Brown's Rock Road) that go south off of Tuffy Road.

• Public forest access road parking area off Tuffy Road (43.38085°N, 75.51218°W) Google Maps.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules and 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 Point Rock State Forest must follow all State Land 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

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Oneida Hills 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 us at [email protected]

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Fall Brook State Forest
• Cottrell State Forest
• West Branch State Forest
• Buck Hill State Forest
• Webster Hill State Forest
• Canada Creek State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Rome, Camden, Stokes, Taberg and Boonville.

Oneida 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.