Mount Hayden State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (607) 652-7365; r4.ump@dec.ny.gov
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Towns of Windham and Durham, Greene County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4R
• Map: Mount Hayden State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 844-acre Mount Hayden State Forest is located on the northeast boundary of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The Long Path traverses Mount Hayden State Forest.

Featured Activities

Hiking

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Approximately 4.5 miles of the Long Path pass through Mount Hayden State Forest, extending from private land in the southeast to Mount Pisgah State Forest in the northwest. The Long Path (leaves DEC website) is a long distance trail that extends from the George Washington Bridge to Altamont, NY.

Camping

General information on backcountry camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are no designated campsites in Mount Hayden, but primitive camping is allowed. Campsites much be at least 150 feet from the closest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 4R

General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

The area is a popular destination for hunting small game and big game. Ruffed grouse, wild turkey and woodcock are popular species pursued by upland game hunters. White-tail deer and black bear are hunted during the archery and firearms seasons.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

The Catskills are home to an abundance of wildlife including larger mammals (including deer, bear, and bobcat), smaller mammals (including porcupine and fisher), and hundreds of bird species.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating in the Catskills to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other backcountry users.

All users of Mount Hayden Wild Forest and Mount Hayden State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Elm Ridge Wild Forest
• Mount Pisgah State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Dining opportunities, gas, food and other supplies can be found in the communities of Cairo, Windham, and Palenville.
• Lodging opportunities may be found in the communities of Windham and Palenville.

Catskill Regional Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) and Greene County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.