State Land

Whitaker Swamp State Forest

On this page
  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Whittaker Swamp State Forest location

Whitaker Swamp State Forest covers 812 acres in Broome County. A 2.2-mile multiple-use trail runs through the forest and connects the two main access points; there is a place to pull off the road at both ends of the trail. The multiple-use trail is open for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

 

Featured Activities

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

A 2.2-mile multiple-use trail runs through the forest and connects the two main access points; there is a place to pull off the road at both ends of the trail.

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 biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

A 2.2-mile multiple-use trail runs through the forest and connects the two main access points; there is a place to pull off the road at both ends of the trail.

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: 4O

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4O

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons.

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Cross-country skiing is permitted on all hiking trails.

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

Snowshoeing is permitted on all hiking trails.

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

A 2.2-mile multiple -se trail runs through the forest and connects the two main access points; there is a place to pull off the road at both ends of the trail. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

The multiple use trail passes by Whitaker Swamp and two smaller ponds. These water bodies are good places to see beaver, geese, ducks, herons and other wetland wildlife species.

Directions

Access to the forest is gained by traveling south from the village of Deposit on Oquaga Lake Road. The Public Forest Access Road entrance begins on the left side of the road about a half mile from Deposit. A second access point is off of the next left turn, Gillette Road.

Both entrances to the forest have parking areas.

  • Oquaga Lake Road access (42.044463°N, 75.441962°W) Google Maps
  • Gillette Road (42.022888°N, 75.434933°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 Whitaker 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

The Broome State Forests Unit Management Plan (UMP) covers Cat Hollow, Tracy Creek, Beaver Pond, Whitaker Swamp, Hawkins Pond, Marsh Pond, Skyline Drive, and Cascade Valley State Forests, constituting 5,371 acres in Broome and Tioga counties.

DEC developed a Broome State Forest Draft Unit Management Plan (UMP) that describes in detail proposed management activities for public recreation on Cat Hollow State Forest.

For more information, email DEC Foresters with the subject line "Broome Unit" at [email protected] or call (607) 674-4017.

History

Whitaker Swamp was acquired in two separate sections from two different owners in 1964 and 1979. The forest is named after the 14-acre wetland located in the southwestern corner of the forest. The forest contains a wide array of different cover types, including northern hardwood, northern hardwood-hemlock, northern hardwood-white pine, oak, red pine, Norway spruce and Japanese larch.

The elevation of the forest ranges from 1,350 to 1,750 feet above sea level. A large, 154-acre stand of red oak dominates the upland, north of the swamp. This stand was the site of prescribed fire experiments in the early 1980s to learn more about the effect of fire on oak regeneration.

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 community of Deposit.

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.

Important Links

Hiking Safely
Hiking and Camping Rules
State Land Use Regulations
Greater Binghamton Convention and Visitors Bureau
Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Region 7 Sherburne Sub-office
2715 State Hwy 80
Sherburne, NY 13460

This Page Covers
Region 7 - Central New York
Icon