Three Springs 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 DeRuyter, Madison County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 7M
• Map: Three Springs State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Three Springs State Forest consists of 797 acres. It adjoins the larger Muller Hill State Forest in the town of Georgetown. The terrain is rolling to a hilltop elevation of over 2,040 feet.

Hunters, hikers and bird watchers use the area. Some cross country skiers use the access road in winter. A public snowmobile trail runs through the property and a section of the North Country Trail passes through the property. A building containing directional location devices for planes is located adjacent to the property.

Directions

Travel State Highway 80 east of the hamlet of Sheds. Take Carpenter Road south to a public forest access road.

There are two pull off sites (wide road shoulders) and a cul-de-sac at the end of the forest access road which is 1.4 miles long.

• Public forest access road: (42.78296°N, 75.82178°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 Three Springs 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 Muller Hill Unit Management Plan. 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 [email protected].

Visitors will encounter stands of spruce, pine, larch and natural hardwoods. The property was purchased in the 1930s and soon after was reforested.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Muller Hill State Forest
• Mariposa State Forest
• DeRuyter State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Cazenovia and Cortland.

Madison 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.