Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest, spanning an impressive 10,588 acres, proudly holds the distinction of being Schoharie County’s largest state forest. This natural haven has garnered immense popularity among enthusiasts of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, and various recreational activities.
Traversing a segment of this expansive landscape is the Long Path, a trail adorned with aqua blazes, stretching over 350 miles. Within this forest, the Eminence Lean To stands as a notable point of interest along the Long Path, positioned roughly 0.5 miles to the east of Old Cemetery Road. A crossing of Old Cemetery Road can be spotted just to the south of an ancient burial ground.
Among the captivating features of the forest are the campsites discreetly nestled along Betty Brook Road, as well as the inviting spots found at Duck Pond, situated along Burnt Hill Road.
For those with a penchant for angling and boating, Looking Glass Pond, located along Rossman Hill Road, offers an inviting prospect. This charming pond not only facilitates fishing and boating but also boasts well-maintained fishing platforms courtesy of the Fulton Fish and Game Club.
The largest parcel of state lands in Schoharie County Burnt-Rossman State Forest. While containing some inholdings, consisting of hunting camps and other rural residents, this 10,588 acre parcel is massive, rural, and consists of nearly 20 miles of unimproved roads and truck trails.
Here is Burnt and Rossman Hills, the rolling flat hills in the distance on the right, as seen from Leonard Hill.
Consisting of a portion of Burnt Hill and most of Rossman Hill, it has many interesting forest tracts, with roads winding through them. The roads are dirt and rough in many places, but they take you to secretive little campsites like my favorite two sites on Betty Brook Road, the well hidden informal campsite, 100 feet CC Truck Trail, and the campsite on Duck Pond. There are also other places where people have camped in the past that are quite delightful, such as informal sites along lower Betty Brook Road.
For those who like to explore the woods, there are few lands as wild and underused as these lands. Some locals come to camp, hunt, and fish these lands, but there are many days when you can be up here are not ever run into another single person. You might see one old pickup truck or somebody riding horseback over a weekend, or you might be totally alone in complete solitude. It is a wonderful place.
Down at my favorite old campsite on Betty Brook Road. I spent the night here, as by the time I got out here on Friday, it already was late, and didn't want to try out the new camp site I found up on Rossman Pond.
The Betty Brook Campsite remains one of my favorite in NY State, especially because it’s a quick hour drive from downtown Albany out there, over the Thruway and the Warren Andersen Expressway. It almost never disappoints, and it was a great night.
Morning Sun. The valley being so deep around Betty Brook the sun sets early, and rises late this time of year. Looking at the sun through the trees, a little after 9 AM.
Betty Brook Road. Just looking at this road brings me home, back to my favorite camping area.
The Campsite. And yes, I of course have my trademark Christmas lights that I always use for ambiance.
I headed from here, in my truck, up to explore the Mallet Pond State Forest-area just to the north. I probably will camp up at Rossman Pond the next time I am here, because the pond is so pretty and I can paddle around with my kayak there.
Here is a map of the Betty Brook Campsites. There is a larger one to the south, but I generally prefer the one to the north, as its smaller and the firepit and stone table is much nicer.
