Slader Creek and Klipnocky State Forests

Slader Creek State Forest covers a total of 1,229 acres and contains a mixture of native hardwood species and planted conifers. The area gets its name from the picturesque stream touches the northern portion of the state forest with several tributaries flowing through the forest. Much of the streambed is bedrock, with many cascades and small waterfalls.

Klipnocky State Forest covers 2,634 acres and borders both Slader Creek State Forest and Gas Springs State Forest. The origin of the name "Klipnocky" is uncertain. Local folklore includes stories about a race of Bigfoot-like creatures known as "The Hairy Women of Klipnocky". What is certain is that Klipnocky State Forest occupies extremely rocky and remote country. Several old stone quarries can be found on the area. The most recent quarrying was during the construction of the Almond Dam in the 1940s. Several of the old quarries have been converted to wildlife ponds.

Stone walls run through the woods with sizeable rocks cleared in the days before motorized equipment in an attempt to bring the land under cultivation. Almost half of the acreage was cleared and farmed prior to state acquisition.

The forest includes a mixture of native hardwoods, native conifers and planted conifers. The upland slopes are primarily hardwood species such as sugar maple, white ash, red maple, red oak and beech. Occasional stands of native eastern hemlock are present. The old fields were planted during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps, with a variety of conifer species including red pine, Scotch pine, white pine, larch and spruce.

• Info on Slader Creek and Klipnocky from NYS DEC
• Learn more about the history of New York's state forests

FLT Map M9