Bucks Brook State Forest

Discover

Located in the northwest corner of Chenango County, New York, Bucks Brook State Forest offers an expansive 2,178-acre retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), this state forest combines natural beauty with recreational opportunities, making it a destination open for recreation year-round.

One of the forest's highlights is the scenic Bucks Brook Road, which winds through the Bucks Brook gorge. As you ascend the gorge, you'll notice the forest's protective embrace on both sides of the road, safeguarding the steep and fragile slopes. A left turn onto Ridge Road leads to Cary Hill, a notable high point at 1,957 feet. A tornado struck this hill in 1993; DEC describes a roadside information sign explaining the event.

For hikers, the forest is intersected by a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail. This trail enters the forest near Ratville Road, meanders eastward, and exits near Bucks Brook Road's junction with Route 26. Use the current trail map to choose a walk appropriate to your experience and the conditions. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the forest's diverse vegetation, which includes native hardwoods and softwood plantations. These plantations, established in the 1930s and 1960s, are a testament to the forest's history of conservation and sustainable management.

Primitive camping requires a 150-foot setback from roads, trails and water. A Forest Ranger permit is required for stays longer than three nights or groups of ten or more.

Anglers will appreciate the nearby Otselic River, a trout-fishing option. DEC identifies several parking areas along the river; check the current fishing rules before adding it to your outing. Wildlife observation is another popular activity, as the forest's diverse habitats support a variety of species. Let actual observations shape a nature walk; the general wildlife links do not establish a specific species list for this forest.

The forest's history is as rich as its natural offerings. It features a mix of native hardwoods and softwood plantations, the latter planted on former farmland. These plantations, including red pine, white pine, and spruce, are periodically thinned through timber harvests managed by DEC foresters. The harvested wood serves various purposes, from lumber to paper production, highlighting the forest's role in timber production and sustainable resource use.

Access to Bucks Brook State Forest is straightforward. Visitors can enter via Bucks Brook Road from State Highway 26 or Ridge Road from South Otselic. Both are described as dirt roads; check current road conditions before setting out, particularly in winter. The forest's management plan emphasizes responsible recreation, encouraging visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment.

Nearby attractions include Muller Hill State Forest, Otselic State Forest, and Lincklean State Forest, offering additional opportunities for exploration. For those seeking amenities, the nearby communities of South Otselic, Cortland, and Cazenovia provide options for dining, lodging, and supplies. South Otselic is identified for gas and food; Cortland and Cazenovia are identified for dining and lodging.

Whether you're hiking the Finger Lakes Trail, fishing in the Otselic River, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the forest, Bucks Brook State Forest offers several ways to approach this woodland landscape. Its blend of recreational activities, historical significance, and natural beauty makes it a distinctive destination in New York's Chenango County.

Fun facts

1. Cary Hill in the forest was struck by a tornado in 1993, and a sign commemorates the event.
2. The forest features a mix of native hardwoods and softwood plantations, some dating back to the 1930s.
3. A portion of the Finger Lakes Trail traverses the forest, offering scenic hiking opportunities.
4. The state forest protects the fragile steep slopes of the Bucks Brook gorge on both sides of the road.
5. Timber harvested from the forest is used for lumber, furniture, and even log cabins.

Read the official sources →

Capture

1. Use the relationship between the Bucks Brook gorge slopes and woodland as a landscape subject from appropriate access.
2. Let a permitted section of the Finger Lakes Trail lead into a woodland composition.
3. Try contrasting native hardwoods and planted conifers without assuming a panoramic view from Cary Hill.

Social

Bucks Brook State Forest covers 2,178 acres in Otselic, Chenango County. Gorge slopes, hardwoods and planted conifers give it several landscape themes. #Cre8Travel

Bucks Brook Road follows the gorge, with state forest on both sides. Check the current map and choose an appropriate place to stop. #Cre8Travel

Cary Hill reaches 1,957 feet. A 1993 tornado struck the hill, and DEC describes an information sign explaining that event. #Cre8Travel

The Finger Lakes Trail enters Bucks Brook State Forest near Ratville Road, turns east and south, and exits toward Bucks Brook Road near Route 26. #Cre8Travel

Softwood plantations at Bucks Brook include red pine, white pine, spruce and larch, generally planted in the 1930s or 1960s on former farmland. #Cre8Travel

DEC-managed timber harvests at Bucks Brook provide wood for uses including lumber, furniture, utility poles, paper and log cabins. #Cre8Travel

The Otselic River along Route 26 offers a nearby trout-fishing option. Check current access and fishing requirements before adding a stop. #Cre8Travel

At Bucks Brook, compare the shapes of planted conifers and native hardwoods. Which detail would you choose to show the woodland’s land-use history? #Cre8Travel

Hashtags

1. #Cre8Travel
2. #BucksBrookStateForest
3. #ChenangoCounty
4. #NYStateForests
5. #HikingNY
6. #CampingLife
7. #FishingNY
8. #WinterAdventures

Sources & visitor information

• Source — Bucks Brook State Forest