Norwich Weather Forecast, NY

Hiking in Chenango County New York State Lands McDonough State Forest

McDonough State Forest is located only ten miles west of Norwich in Chenango County.  From the fire tower atop Berry Hill you can take in a view of most of the forest as well as the foothills of the Catskills in the distance.  Plantations of spruce and pine define the boundaries of long abandoned farm fields and natural woods in this large state forest.  On closer inspection you will discover that the forest offers a diversity of habitats and histories ranging from the graveyards and stone fences of Roger's Street to ancient hemlocks and ice age formations along the Finger Lake's Trail.

McDonough State Forest has the distinction of being the first reforestation area in Chenango County, and soon after acquisition, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) were dispatched to plant millions of trees, construct bridges, roads and ponds and conduct other forest improvement activities.

The first Chenango County CCC camp was a tent barracks located near Steers Pond that provided temporary accommodation for 180 African American enrollees. A more permanent camp was established in McDonough in June 1933 and could accommodate 200 men. Camp # 3 was active through 1941 and during its eight year history 1,500 men passed through its gates. A stone chimney located southeast of Bliven Pond along NY 220 marks the site where Camp # 3 once stood. The chimney is a historical site and there is a day use area to recall the camp and the efforts of the CCC.

A number of recreational opportunities are available in McDonough State Forest.  Both the Finger Lakes Trail and the New York State Corridor Snowmobile Trail pass through the forest, and many of the unpaved town roads are ideal for mountain biking and horseback riding. Whaley's Pond, Bowman Creek, Mill Brook and some of their smaller tributaries offer good fishing opportunities, and the upland woods support diverse wildlife populations.

For good food, drink and local news, make a stop in the hamlets of McDonough and East McDonough. Bowman Lake State Park is centrally located within the McDonough State Forest and provides camping, swimming and other developed recreational facilities.

Kopac Pond Picnic Area and accessible trail

The Kopac Pond Picnic Area is located within the historic remains of a Civilian Conservation Corps encampment in McDonough State Forest. The site includes an accessible picnic table and a large interpretive sign with a map of the state forest that shows the way to Kopac Pond accessible trail.

Located on Bliven-Sherman Road, just west of the main entrance to Bowman Lake State Park, this site features a smooth, hard-packed 0.2 mile accessible trail that loops through the hemlock forest. The trail is very shaded and cool on a hot summer day. The trail maintains interest as it crosses level but rolling ground that is broken by very small, rounded hillocks, originally lifted by tree roots. At the end of the trail, there is an accessible observation deck that overlooks the pond.

Directions

To gain access to this historic State Forest, from Oxford, take NY 220 heading West. The entrance to the Forest will be located to the North. Look for the historic chimney and the State Forest sign.