Triangle 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 Triangle, Broome County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Triangle State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Triangle State Forest encompasses 661 acres of northern Broome County and provides plentiful deer and turkey hunting opportunities. The forest is also a great place to view ruffed grouse.

Access to the forest is available from Rathbun Hill Road during dry weather conditions. During the winter, a snowmobile corridor trail follows the road.

Directions

Start in Triangle on State Highway 206 and take Ticknor Brook Road North to Rathbun Hill Road. Heading east on Rathbun Hill Road provides access into the forest. Rathbun Hill Road is not plowed for winter vehicle access into the forest.

• Rathburn Hill Road: (42.387306 -75.892914) 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 Triangle 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 Long Pond Unit Management Plan (PDF, 7.1 MB). 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].

History

The town derives its name from its geographical location. Located south of the "twenty towns" in Chenango County, and the "military tract" in Cortland County, the apex of the triangle is formed by the confluence of the Chenango and Tioughnioga Rivers.

During the War of 1812, many of the nation's capital buildings were burned, damaged or destroyed. Anson Seymour, son of one of Triangle's first settlers, capitalized on reconstruction of the capital by selling white pine logs to the Federal government. He rafted "vast" amounts of old growth white pine down the Tioughnioga River, to the Chenango River, then the Susquehanna River, and eventually to the Chesapeake Bay. To this day, some of our national buildings contain lumber grown in the town of Triangle.

The present day forests contain a mixture of plantations and natural hardwoods and conifers. Most of the white pine that can be seen today was reforested in the 1930s.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Long Pond State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food and dining may be found in the nearby community of Whitney Point.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cortland or Binghamton.

Broome 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.