By:
Submission
Bucks Brook State Forest consists of 2,178 acres located between State highway 26 and County Highway 13 in the northwest corner of Chenango County. Popular recreational uses of this forest are hiking, nature observation and hunting.
Camping
At-large 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.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
A portion of the Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website) traverses the forest. The trail enters the forest on the northwest side along Ratville Road and traverses east and then south to where it exits the forest on Bucks Brook Road near its junction with Rt. 26
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules & regulations.
The Otselic River, which runs along Rt. 26, offers nearby trout fishing opportunities and is easily accessible due to the numerous DEC parking areas.
Fishing Access information is available. Fishing Easement information is available.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Bucks Brook State Forest can be accessed by either the Bucks Brook Road from State highway 26 or the Ridge Road which traverses north from South Otselic to its junction with County highway 16. These are both dirt roads that are plowed in the winter.
Ridge Road pull off, northern end near the Finger Lakes Trail (42.707672°N, 75.785836°W)
I love this place! Don't tell anyone. Great rolling hills, beautiful streams, old man made stone walls, varied forests, and a wonderful example of central New York's tremendous landscape. Onondaga chapter of the Adirondack Mountain club volunteers maintain these tails at the highest level
