Newfield State Forest is a 1,552-acre state forest located in the southwest corner of Tompkins County, New York. This area features rolling, wooded hills and a broad glacial valley, creating a diverse forest ecosystem of deciduous and coniferous trees. The forest is largely undeveloped and tranquil, offering a primitive outdoor experience, and is contiguous with the expansive Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. The landscape, including features like Chaffee Creek, provides a setting for several sports like hiking.
6
Routes
5
(2)
Average rating
24
People visited

5.0
(1)
7
hikers
13.1km
03:37
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
34.2km
09:28
600m
590m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
hikers
9.09km
02:40
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
hikers
4.54km
01:19
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Newfield State Forest primarily offers opportunities for hiking. The forest's undeveloped nature allows for exploration through its hills. Unpaved roads also provide paths for walking or cross-country skiing.
Newfield State Forest does not have formal, marked trail networks within the forest itself. Hiking is permitted anywhere unless otherwise posted. A portion of the 563-mile Finger Lakes Trail, marked with white blazes, does pass through the Newfield hills.
The provided information does not specify restrictions on dogs within Newfield State Forest. Visitors should ensure dogs are under control and follow general leash laws and etiquette for state lands. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.
While there are no formal marked trails, a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail traverses the forest, offering a primary route for hikers. Unpaved roads like Chaffee Creek and Bull Hill Roads can also be used for walking. For more details, refer to the Hiking in Newfield State Forest guide.
The forest features rolling, wooded hills and a broad glacial valley known as Pony Hollow. Chaffee Creek runs through the forest, and it is contiguous with the expansive Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. The area is characterized by a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees.
The undeveloped nature of Newfield State Forest means there are no designated easy or family-friendly trails. However, unpaved roads offer less challenging walking options. Hikers should be prepared for varied terrain and navigate using maps or GPS.
Newfield State Forest and its connection to the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area are rich in wildlife. Visitors may observe birds, deer, foxes, and raccoons. Reptiles, amphibians, and various insects also inhabit the diverse forest ecosystem.
No permits are explicitly mentioned as required for hiking in Newfield State Forest. Primitive camping is allowed, but specific regulations apply regarding distance from roads, trails, or bodies of water. Always check official guidelines for camping.
More than 20 visitors have shared their experiences in Newfield State Forest on komoot. The available routes have received an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers a dedicated guide titled Hiking in Newfield State Forest. This guide provides further details and insights for exploring the area's hiking opportunities. It is a valuable resource for planning a visit.
The official website for Newfield State Forest is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. It can be found at dec.ny.gov/lands/92723.html. For inquiries, the DEC Region 7 Cortland Office can be reached at +1-607-753-3095 during business hours.
Yes, unpaved roads such as Chaffee Creek and Bull Hill Roads that traverse the forest can be used for cross-country skiing during appropriate seasonal conditions. These roads offer accessible paths for winter recreation. Biking is generally not permitted off these roads.

