Rural Grove State Forest and Yatesville Falls State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 652-7365; [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 Charleston, Glen and Root in Montgomery County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4A
• Map: Rural Grove & Yatesville Falls State Forests' Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,286-acre Rural Grove State Forest and the 712-acre Yatesville Falls State Forest were purchased by the State in the 1930s for timber production, recreational use, watershed production and wildlife habitat. One of the main features, Yatesville (Buttermilk) Falls, can be seen near the western end of the unnamed road in Yatesville Falls State Forest.

Directions

• NYS Forest Access Road entrance to Yatesville State Forest: (42.874192°N, 74.433466°W) Google Maps, Yatesville (Buttermilk) Falls can be seen near the western end of Forest Access Road, opposite the entrance off Route 106.
• Yatesville Falls State Forest parking area (42.868151°N, 74.445456°W) Google Maps
• Logtown Road entrance to Rural Grove State Forest (42.853783°N, 74.438974°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 Rural Grove and Yatesville Falls State Forests 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

State forests are managed to provide recreational opportunities and timber crops, while protecting wildlife habitat, water quality and aesthetics. The hardwoods in this area were not planted, but reseeded naturally. Thinning the forest periodically through the sale of pulpwood and timber gives the remaining trees more space to grow. This keeps the forest healthy, while providing openings for seedlings. New trees provide food for wildlife and are a source of future forest crops.

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Charleston 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 [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Featherstonhaugh State Forest
• Charleston State Forest
• Lost Valley State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Canajoharie, Fultonville and Sloansville.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Canajoharie.
• Lodging and dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Canajoharie and Fultonville.

Montgomery County Tourism Office 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 online 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.