Arnold Lake State Forest

Arnold Lake State Forest is a stretch of public woods around a lake in Hartwick, in Otsego County, with trails for hiking and cross-country skiing and a spot for fishing. The main trail is a 5.5-mile loop on state and county land surrounding Arnold Lake.

The loop crosses public highways in three places, and each has parking, so hikers can shorten the trip by using two vehicles. A few short, steep pitches add some effort, but cross-country skiers of modest ability can manage it comfortably.

What to Know

• The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club maintains the trails.
• Arnold Lake is stocked each year with rainbow and brown trout and offers fishing year-round.
• Other fish include chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch.
• A boat launch sits at the northwest corner of the lake, at the outlet.
• Parking at each highway crossing lets you plan hikes of different lengths.