Charles E. Baker State Forest Mountain Biking Trails

This 9,400-acre forested property, located in southeast Madison County, makes up the core of the Brookfield Trail System. Charles E. Baker, combined with Brookfield Railroad and Beaver Creek State Forests, contain 100 miles of connected trails. These recreational trails are open for hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Several trails are open for ATV use by permit only for people with disabilities.

For those who prefer to drive through the forest, the Brookfield Auto Tour Guide (PDF) provides highlights of this state forest. The topography ranges from mild to moderate slopes with a few steep areas.

Biking is allowed at Charles E. Baker State Forest on the off road trail network during the trail riding season (May 1st to October 31st). During the rest of the year, mountain biking is only allowed on the road network.

The assembly area on Moscow Road is the beginning of the trail system. The assembly and camping area can accommodate campers and approximately 150 horses with covered tie stalls and stallion box stalls. There is a pavilion as well as water, picnicking, and camping facilities. Accessible portable toilets and an accessible mounting platform for people with disabilities are also available at this site.

Equestrian riding has a set season - May 1st through October 31st each year. Organized trail rides or events need a temporary revocable permit (TRP) which can be obtained through the local Lands and Forests office in Sherburne. Plan on two to three weeks for processing prior to the event. An application fee is also required for the TRP.

Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate. Further information on these permits can be obtained through any NYS DEC office throughout the state. See Rules and Regulation section for more information.

Hiking is allowed on all trails year-round in Charles Baker State Forest.

Hiking and equestrian trails are used for snowmobiling in the winter. The main truck trails and town roads are groomed by local clubs. Other trails are open to snowmobiling but are not groomed. The Brookfield Trail System connects to an additional 78 miles of snowmobile corridor trails through unplowed portions of town roads, public forest access roads, and woodland trails. Most corridor trails are located in state forests in Chenango, Oswego, Cortland, and Madison counties.

All trails on Charles E.Baker State Forest are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. However, no trails are groomed for cross-country skiing.

All trails on Charles E.Baker State Forest are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. However, no trails are groomed for cross-country skiing.