The best walks and hikes in Svend O. Heiberg Memorial Forest

Yes, dogs are generally permitted in Svend O. Heiberg Memorial Forest, but they must be kept on a leash and under your control at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the forest clean for everyone.

Absolutely. The forest has several accessible trails suitable for beginners and families. A great option is the Spruce Pond – Fellows Hill loop from Tully, which is a relatively flat and manageable walk. The Heiberg Nature Trail is another excellent choice, offering a short 0.7-mile loop with a waterfall to see along the way.

The trail system consists of over 20 miles of unplowed roads and fire lanes. While some routes are clear, many trails are not consistently maintained or marked. It is highly recommended to bring a map and compass, or use a GPS device or app like komoot, to navigate effectively and avoid getting lost.

Yes, the forest is open year-round and offers a beautiful setting for winter activities. The unplowed roads and trails are popular for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Always check weather conditions and dress in appropriate layers for cold temperatures.

The main access and parking area is located at the SUNY ESF Heiberg Memorial Forest entrance at 7393 Maple Ridge Rd, Tully, NY. From here, you can access the network of trails and forest roads.

Yes, there is a notable waterfall located along the Heiberg Nature Trail. You can see it about 0.2 miles into the hike if you follow the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. It's a scenic highlight on one of the forest's shorter trails.

The terrain is characterized by rolling, hilly landscapes, with the highest point reaching over 2,000 feet on Truxton Hill. Hikes can range from gentle walks around the ponds to more challenging climbs with significant elevation gain. For a moderately challenging route with varied terrain, consider the Spruce Pond loop from Morgan Hill State Forest.

Yes, the network of forest roads and fire lanes makes it easy to create circular or loop hikes of various lengths. Many of the popular routes, including those around the ponds and hills, are designed as loops so you can start and end in the same location without backtracking.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful and diverse forests, and the great views from the higher elevations. The mix of easy-to-follow forest roads and more rustic trails is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, the Kubrick Overlook is a key scenic point within the forest. It offers rewarding, sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape and is a great destination to include in a longer hike.

The diverse habitats, including ponds, wetlands, and managed forest plots, support a variety of wildlife. Visitors may spot deer, beavers (especially near the ponds), various bird species, and other small forest animals. The area's focus on ecological restoration helps create a rich environment for wildlife viewing.

Yes, Heiberg Memorial Forest is adjacent to Labrador Hollow Unique Area, and the Skyline Trail connects the two. Nearby Morgan Hill State Forest also offers an extensive network of trails for hiking and other outdoor activities.