Forests in New York
Forest Guide
New York is home to more than 100 forests, with woodlands covering approximately 62% of the state's total land area. These forested landscapes range from the vast, mountainous wilderness of the Adirondack and Catskill Parks to the glacial valleys of the Finger Lakes region and the unique pine barrens of Long Island. This overview of New York forests provides access to a wide variety of routes for activities including hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Forests in New York
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Last updated: April 23, 2026
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#1.
Texas Hollow State Forest
Texas Hollow State Forest features a unique glacial valley, dense woodlands, and ponds, offering diverse hiking routes including a segment of the Finger Lakes Trail.
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1,173
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#2.
Witch'S Hole State Forest
Witch'S Hole State Forest offers 451 acres of rugged Shawangunk Ridge terrain, dense hemlock forests, and historic carriage roads for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
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#3.
Montrose Point State Forest
Montrose Point State Forest offers diverse landscapes, Hudson River views, and a unique "brick beach" for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking.
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#4.
Black Creek State Forest
Black Creek State Forest offers over 1,500 acres of diverse woodlands, wetlands, and hilly terrain across two New York counties, ideal for hiking and cycling.
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736
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#5.
Danby State Forest
Danby State Forest in the Finger Lakes Region offers diverse terrain for hiking, road cycling, and jogging through woodlands, hills, and streams.
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578
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#6.
Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest
Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest offers nearly 6,000 acres of unique pine and scrub oak forests with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
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#7.
East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest
East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest offers undeveloped pine barrens and wetlands for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling.
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#8.
Panamoka Pine Barrens State Forest
Panamoka Pine Barrens State Forest offers diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling through its unique pine and oak woodlands.
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512
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#9.
Salt Hill State Forest
Salt Hill State Forest offers 270 acres of diverse terrain, including rocky ridgelines, forests, and wetlands, with routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling.
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#10.
Brookhaven Pine Barrens State Forest
Brookhaven Pine Barrens State Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes through its unique pine barrens habitat in Suffolk County, New York.
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481
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#11.
Longwood Pine Barrens State Forest
Longwood Pine Barrens State Forest features unique pine and oak woodlands, wetlands, and glacial formations, offering diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling.
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479
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#12.
Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest
Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, and cycling routes through its unique pine and oak woodlands, glacial topography, and wetlands.
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4.5
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465
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#13.
Patriot'S Hollow State Forest
Patriot'S Hollow State Forest offers 42.4 acres of diverse terrain, including mature forests and varied elevation, ideal for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking.
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#14.
Daniels Road State Forest
Daniels Road State Forest offers rugged, natural terrain with rocky and rooty paths through dense woodlands, ideal for hiking and technical mountain biking.
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#15.
Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest
Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest offers diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling through its unique pine barrens habitat on Long Island, New York.
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#16.
Taconic Ridge State Forest
Taconic Ridge State Forest in eastern New York offers hiking, cycling, and jogging across mixed woodlands and rocky terrain, including portions of the Taconic Crest Trail.
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#17.
Big Buck State Forest
Big Buck State Forest offers 2,178 acres of diverse terrain in Chenango County, New York, perfect for hiking and cycling routes through woodlands and along Bucks Brook gorge.
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385
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#18.
Berlin State Forest
Berlin State Forest offers 678 acres in rural New York for hiking, road cycling, and jogging through diverse woodland environments and red pine plantations.
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376
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#19.
Stewart State Forest
Stewart State Forest offers 6,700 acres of diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling, with extensive trails through wetlands, fields, and forests.
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#20.
Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest
Eastport Pine Barrens State Forest offers 647 acres of undeveloped pine barrens habitat with diverse terrain for hiking, jogging, road cycling, and mountain biking.
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Most popular routes in New York
Nature to explore in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the forests in New York?
Forests in New York are extensive wooded areas covering approximately 63% of the state. This page aggregates over 120 of these forests, from large wilderness areas like the Adirondack and Catskill Parks to numerous state forests. It provides access to over 2,300 routes for outdoor activities.
What are some major forests in New York State?
New York's most significant forested areas include the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park and the 700,000-acre Catskill Park. Other notable areas with extensive trail networks include Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest on Long Island and Texas Hollow State Forest in the Finger Lakes region.
What activities are available in New York's forests?
The primary activities in New York's forests are hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. Across the state, there are thousands of designated routes, including over 2,000 miles of hiking trails in Adirondack Park alone. Many state forests also offer trails for jogging and horseback riding.
Are there hiking trails in New York's forests?
Yes, there are thousands of hiking trails available across New York's forests. These range from challenging ascents in the Adirondack High Peaks to gentle paths in forests like Danby State Forest. Many routes explore diverse landscapes, including glacial valleys, riverbanks, and dense woodlands.
What are the mountain biking opportunities in New York forests?
New York forests provide numerous mountain biking trails. For example, Witch'S Hole State Forest features routes along historic carriage roads on the Shawangunk Ridge. The pine barrens of Long Island, such as in East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest, also contain a network of trails suitable for mountain biking.
Are there family-friendly trails in New York's forests?
Yes, many forests in New York offer trails suitable for families and beginners. For instance, Montrose Point State Forest provides routes with views of the Hudson River that are accessible for various skill levels. Urban forests within New York City, such as in Van Cortlandt Park, also have easy-to-navigate paths.
What is the terrain like in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks?
The Adirondack Park features mountains, 3,000 lakes and ponds, and 30,000 miles of rivers, with elevations reaching 5,344 feet (1,629 meters) at Mount Marcy. The Catskill Park is characterized by rounded, forested mountains and narrow valleys, with over 300 miles of multi-use trails.
What is the best time to visit New York's forests for fall foliage?
The timing for peak fall foliage varies by region and elevation. Generally, colors appear first in the higher elevations of the Adirondacks and Catskills in late September to early October. The phenomenon then progresses to lower elevations and southern regions, such as the Hudson Valley and Long Island, through mid-to-late October.
What are pine barrens in New York?
Pine barrens are unique ecosystems characterized by sandy, nutrient-poor soils that support forests of pine and scrub oak. On Long Island, several state forests protect this habitat, including Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest. These areas offer distinct landscapes and trail networks for hiking and cycling.
Are there forests for hiking in the Finger Lakes region?
Yes, the Finger Lakes region contains numerous state forests with extensive hiking opportunities. Sugar Hill State Forest covers over 9,000 acres of rolling hardwood forests, while Texas Hollow State Forest includes a segment of the Finger Lakes Trail within its glacial valley.
What kind of routes are in Montrose Point State Forest?
Montrose Point State Forest offers a variety of routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. The trails navigate diverse landscapes, including woodlands and a unique 'brick beach' along the shore. Many routes provide views of the Hudson River.
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