Basswood Pond State Forest

Basswood Pond State Forest offers varied outdoor recreational opportunities. The pond site is handicapped accessible with a paved path to the water's edge. A pit toilet is available.

Recreational Activities at Basswood Pond State Forest

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Picnicking
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Fishing on Basswood Pond

Basswood Pond is managed for both warm and cold water species, with trout fishing the most popular. It is stocked annually with approximately 350 brown trout (8-15" in length) and 100 rainbow trout (8-10" in length). A fishing dock is located on the southwest corner of the pond.  Ice fishing and the use of baitfish is prohibited.

Fish Species

• Rainbow Trout
• Brown Trout
• Goldfish
• Golden Shiner
• Bluntnose Minnow
• Fathead Minnow
• Brown Bullhead
• Pumpkinseed
• Largemouth Bass

Hiking Access

From the village of Burlington on State Highway 80, take County Highway 16 north 1.4 miles to Basswood Road and turn left. The southern trailhead parking area is 1.5 miles on the right. For the picnic area and pond, continue on Basswood Road to Conservation Road and turn right. Basswood Pond and the trailhead parking area are on the right at 2.9 miles.

In the winter, Jacobs Road may be the only access. From State Highway 80, continue on County Highway 16 past Basswood Road and turn left on Jacobs Road at 2 miles. The trailhead parking area is on the north side of Jacobs Road, 1.2 miles from County Highway 16.

Hiking Trails

The trails in Basswood Pond State Forest are maintained by the Otsego County Conservation Association.  The ones around Basswood Pond are relatively easy hiking, on level and gentle grades.  Those north of Jacobs Road are somewhat steeper, but none are of more than moderate ability.

• A loop hike of about 2 miles can be made beginning at the picnic area.  From the kiosk at the lower end of the pond, cross the earthen dam.  Bear left and enter a stand of Norway spruce trees, following blue trailmarkers.  The trail soon comes to an intersection where the yellow-marked trail to Jacobs Road goes to the left.  Bear right onto an old road and continue to follow the blue trailmarkers. The trail soon bears right again onto a path, while the road continues straight ahead.  Near the southern trailhead parking area, the blue trail makes a very sharp right turn back toward Basswood Pond.  It descends and crosses the outlet of the pond on a footbridge.  Turning north and paralleling the stream, the trail passes a number of beaver dams and eventually reaches a beaver bond on the right.  It then continues north to the trailhead parking area at Basswood Pond.  
• In winter, the blue trail can be reached from Jacobs Road via the yellow-marked trail that leaves the south side of the road across from the parking area.  The trail descends steeply and crosses a brook.  At the intersection with an alternative side trail to Jacobs Road, bear right. The trail soon connects with the blue-marked loop trail.