Bear Swamp State Forest
Buttermilk Hill Road and Roseboom Public Forest Access Road
Decatur, NY
Bear Swamp State Forest includes 1750 acres in the Towns of Roseboom and Decatur, NY. There are no restrooms or water sources here.
 DEC Map
To paddle:
Bear Swamp Parking Area is located on Roseboom Public Forest Access Road between Buttermilk Hill Road and Joe Chamberlain Road. The parking area provides access to the hand launch for Bear Swamp Pond. (42.6914°N, 74.674867°W) Google Maps
To hike:
Park on the side of the road at the intersection of Buttermilk Hill Road and Roseboom Public Forest Access Road (Roseboom PFAR). The sign for Bear Swamp State Forest is missing, though you can see the pole where the sign used to be. See map .
The Roseboom Public Forest Access Road provides an easy path for walking. After 1.4 miles, on the right there is a short path to view Bear Swamp Pond. Look for birds and other wildlife, then head back to the Access Road. Walk up hill until you see the expansive view on the left, look for a rough short path on left which will take you to a big log which provides an excellent way to see the valley and hills beyond. Head back the way you came, about 3.9 miles total.
Before you go:
You may want to print out or screenshot the map, as cell coverage is spotty in the State Forest.
Bring water and a snack as well as bug spray and sunscreen.
What Octet-ers are saying:
- 5/10/23 “Bear Swamp State Forest was a great combination of hills, woods, and water and the trail was well groomed and easy on the ankles and knees. Loved it!”
- 9/3/22 “We tried to do this but never found it, lots of seasonal roads. Decided to hike at Star Field instead.”
- 9/3/22 “I’m not sure if I would do this hike again.”
- 8/7/22 “Paddled, what a pleasant surprise.”
- Tom Walsh, who completed a 208 mile continuous thru-hike to all Otsego County’s 21 state forests and 4 state parks in June 2022, recommends Bear Swamp State Forest. The view is great, and the access road makes for easy walking.
Managed by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
