Discover Charles Baker State Forest

Looking for a premier outdoor escape in Central New York just 30 miles south of Utica and 40 miles south-east of Syracuse? Charles Baker State Forest offers over 9,000 acres of rugged beauty, multi-use trails, and diverse camping options. Whether you explore on foot, horseback, bike, or kayak, this hidden gem has something for every season.

Many things to do

The forest features an intricate network of pathways, including extensive gravel truck trails and dedicated horseback riding paths.

Horseback Riding: A premier destination for equestrians. Note that some shared paths can become muddy from horse hooves.
Hiking & Mountain Biking: Explore miles of varied terrain.
Seasonal Trail Restrictions: To protect trail integrity, off-road use of mountain bikes and horses is not allowed from November to May. They remain allowed on gravel roads.
Auto Touring: Cruise the gravel truck trails for scenic forest views.
Hunting, Trapping & Fishing: Popular seasonal wilderness sports throughout the acreage.

Primative Campgrounds

Moscow Hill Horse Camp: Rustic camping equipped with horse stalls for equestrian campers. N 42.79369 W 75.40622
Cherry Ridge Camping Area: A dedicated, peaceful zone strictly for campers without horses. N 42.77502 W 75.38041

Quiet Dispersed Camping

Old Fire Tower Site: Historical landmark featuring quiet, primitive campsite. N 42.76405 W 75.38652
Lost Pond: Quiet campsite a short distance form the pond. N 42.75983 W 75.39652
Woodland Pond Lean-To and Campsite: Hike-in-only shelter and campsite on Wooodland Pond. N 42.76231 W 75.37983

Scenic Vistas

The Ledges Trail: Follow an abandoned old woods road along a rock ledge and outcropping. N 42.75664 W 75.39993
Elmer Place: Old homestead site and clearing along an abandoned woods road. N 42.78514 W 75.39601
Lost Pond: A marshy, smaller pond with scenic views. N 42.75887 W 75.39622
Woodland Pond: Larger pond with a lean-to and campsite farther away from roads for more of a wilderness experience. N 42.76169 W 75.38002

When the snow falls, Charles Baker State Forest transforms into a winter wonderland.

Activities: Excellent terrain for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Important Winter Notice: The gravel truck trails are not plowed during winter. Plan vehicles and routes accordingly.
- Brown Road is plowed but not sanded. Cherry Rige Campground is not plowed. Depending on snow depth it may be possible to access Cherry Ridge Campground in winter.
- Moscow Hill Assembly Area is on a plowed and sanded county highway, however the Assembly Area roads are not plowed.

Expand your itinerary with these nearby outdoor destinations:

1. Beaver Creek State Forest (Just North)

Paddling: Park along Fairground Road at Horse Trail 66.
Launch: Hand-carry your kayak to Beaver Creek for a scenic half-mile paddle.

2. Albert J. Woodford Memorial State Forest (North of US-20)

Chitting Pond: Perfect waters for fishing and paddling.
Biking: Experience several miles of dedicated single-track mountain bike trails.
Tassel Hill: Hike to the highest point in Oneida County for sweeping views of the Mohawk Valley.

3. Nine Mile Swamp & Rogers Environmental Education Center

Nine Mile Swamp: Exceptional flatwater paddling and fishing.
Rogers Environmental Education Center: Top-tier location for wildlife viewing and vistas of the Chenango Valley.

Where to stock up when you need something

Charles Baker is in a fairly rural part of the state. Nearest Walmart is North Utica. However, nearby towns have some small grocery and convience shops which maybe of use if you forgot to pack something.

Hamilton: Stop here for a Price Chopper grocery store, Big Lots, and multiple gas stations.
Sangerfield: Features a large convenience market for quick road-trip snacks.
Sherburne: Grab regional favorites at Stewart’s Shops or stock up at Dollar General.