Arnold Lake State Forest and Harry Bilderbeck County Forest
Activities: hiking, winter sports, mountain biking
Location: Arnold Lake State Forest, Joe Cornell Rd entrance
Difficulty: easy-moderate
Distance: 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 looping through it there are no longer published maps of the terrain. The main trail through the Arnold Lake State Forest is an old road closed to traffic, the Fire Road Trail/Arnold Lake Road/Hartwick Public Forest Access Road. This trail can be done as a 5.5-mile loop by crossing County Route 46 and following trails into the Bilderbeck County Forest. It can also be done with two vehicles parked at either entrance. 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
