Charles Baker State Forest

This property totals over 9,400 acres in southeast Madison County and makes up the core area of the Brookfield Trail System. Charles E. Baker, combined with Brookfield Railroad and Beaver Creek State Forests, contain 130 miles of connected trails. It is a highly acclaimed horse and snowmobile trail system. Equestrian riding has a set season -- May 1st through October 31st each year. Organized trail rides or events need a temporary revocable permit (TRP) which can be obtained through the local Lands and Forests office in Sherburne. Plan on two to three weeks for processing prior to the event. An application fee is also required for the TRP. 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. Further information on these permits can be obtained through any NYS DEC office throughout the state. The assembly area on Moscow Road is the beginning of the trail system. The assembly and camping area can accommodate campers and approximately 150 horses with covered tie stalls and stallion box stalls. There is a pavilion as well as water, picnicking, and camping facilities. Accessible portable toilets and an accessible mounting platform for people with disabilities are also available at this site. Hiking is allowed on all trails year-round in Charles Baker State Forest. Biking is allowed at Charles E. Baker State Forest on the off road trail network during the trail riding season (May 1st to October 31st). During the rest of the year, mountain biking is only allowed on the road network. Primitive campsites are located at the Moscow Hill Assembly and Camping Areas, the Cherry Ridge Camping area, and other camping areas noted on the map. In these areas, camping is at designated sites only, except in the Moscow Hill Assembly area where there is room for RVs and trailers. Campsites feature picnic tables and fire pits. The Cherry Ridge camping area has potable water. Campsites are on a first come, first served basis. Lean-tos are also available for camping. All trails on Charles E.Baker State Forest are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. However, no trails are groomed.