Arnold Lake State Forest and Harry Bilderbeck County Forest
Activities: hiking, winter sports, mountain biking
Location: Arnold Lake State Forest, Joe Cornell Road parking lot (42.600681°N, 75.015771°W) Google Maps
Difficulty: easy-moderate
Distance: 1-5 miles (variable)
Elevation Gain: >500 feet (variable)
Fee: No
Arnold Lake State Forest (1,266-acres) and adjacent Harry F. Bilderbeck County Forest wrap around the private property surrounding Arnold Lake, a small, shallow, high elevation body of water. Though this publicly accessible forestland has a variety trails, including some for snowmobiles, running through it.
DEC and OCCA and their volunteers are working to improve the trails. From the parking lot on Joe Cornell Road, you can do out and back hikes on either side of County 46. It is suitable for hiking and cross country skiing.
Mountain biking and horseback riding are also allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities. Forests are both deciduous and coniferous with lagged areas creating open fields that provide some nice views.
For Cross Country Skiers:
With good snow cover, 8 inches or more, trails offer mainly intermediate-level skiing. However, the old fire road on the east side of Arnold Lake offers a wide safe place for a beginner to practice hill skiing. In icy or damp conditions, one might choose a different location as the trails often follow seasonal drainages. The terrain is variable so snow conditions can make it easy or nearly impossible.
Designated cross country ski trail has yellow DEC markers. Other markers are red circular plastic markers and small metal disks with letters that key to a map no longer available.
Parking is available at multiple trailheads marked Milford Nordic Ski Trail, pictured above. One parking area is on Arnold Lake Rd (42.615348,-74.998176) and one at the intersection of County Route 46 and Joe Cornell Rd (42.60693,-75.015904).
Other Amenities, Features, and Activities: Parking, dogs allowed, running, horseback riding
What’s Nearby:Â Mandy’s Bar & Grill, 2015 NY 205 Mount Vision, NYÂ Â 607.432.9596
Site maintained by the New York State Department of Conservation
