Red Brook 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 German, Chenango County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Red Brook State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Red Brook State Forest consists of 601 acres. The forest is named after the stream and its tributaries that pass through the western portion of the forest. Another stream, Strong's Brook, crosses through the eastern section of the forest. Both Red Brook and Strong's Brook are tributaries to Genegantslet Creek. Nearby hamlets include McDonough and Smithville Flats.

There is ample deer habitat in the area. Popular activities at Red Brook include primitive camping, fishing, hiking, trapping, and nature photography/observation. Please be aware that the state forest is bordered by privately owned forests and agricultural lands.

A small cemetery is located on the forest, off the east side of Ridge Road. Inscriptions on some of the markers are still visible. The highest elevation in the forest is approximately 1,592 feet, located on a peak midway between Ridge Road and Hollow Road. The lowest elevation is about 1,300 feet and is found along Strong's Brook. The forest has a mixture of well-drained and poorly-drained ground. If you are walking through this forest, you should be prepared to encounter areas of wet ground.

Directions

Take State highway 41, travel north on County Route 2 (Ridge Road). The State forest is found on both sides of County Route 2, beginning at the intersection of Willet Line Road. Although roadside parking is difficult along Route 2, places can be found to park along the side roads, including Willet Line Road, Cross Road, and Hollow Road.

• County Route 2 (42.4627375°N, 75.844315°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 Red Brook 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 Five Streams Unit Management Plan (UMP) that covers Red Brook, Five Streams, and Balsam Swamp State Forests. 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.

DEC developed a draft update to the Five Streams UMP that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Red Brook State Forest. DEC accepted comments on the draft until July 31, 2021. Questions can be emailed with the subject line "Five Streams Unit" to [email protected].

Forest Management

The forest cover types in Red Brook 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, hemlock and larch. Large portions of this forest (over 50%) were planted with conifer species. All of the red pine, Norway spruce, and larch trees on the forest where planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) in the late 1930s.

Another 30% of the forest is comprised of hemlock and hemlock-hardwood mixtures. Eastern hemlock is a native conifer, and it occurs naturally on the forest. Scenic stands can be found along the stream corridors of Strong's Brook and Red Brook.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Long Pond State Forest
• Five Streams State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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