Mariposa State Forest is located in the northwest corner of Chenango County and straddles the boundary between Chenango and Madison counties. This state forest area consists of 3,002 acres along the county line between the west edge of Chenango and Madison counties and County Route 16.

The first pioneer settlements in this area began in 1784.  The forested hills in this area were cleared for crops and pasture land. The settlers discovered that the hills in this area were well suited for sheep grazing, so sheep were common livestock on the early farms. After the Civil War, these agricultural lands were converted to dairy farms as the demand for dairy products increased.

Many of the dairy farms went out of business during the 1930's due to the poor economy and less productive soils found on the hilltops. Beginning in 1932, these lands were acquired for the establishment of Mariposa State Forest.  This state forest is located on an area of rolling hilltops that are separated by a series of streams which flow south to the Otselic River.

You'll find the remains from the old farms that once graced this state forest.  There are some remnants of an old circus stable that was once located here.  Some of the old remains can be seen via the Finger Lakes Trail.

The Finger Lakes Trail following a stream in Maripossa

The Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) travels across Mariposa State Forest and is identified in the woods by white blazes. A lean to is located along the section of the FLT west of Paradise Hill Road.  A parking area for access to the FLT is located off of Chenango County Route 13, along Bamberry Road.  The southern terminus of the 40+ mile Link Trail is located in the eastern section of the state forest, which can be reached via the Finger Lakes Trail.

Paradise Garden Lean To in Mariposa State Forest

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