Ashland Pinnacle State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F 8:30AM - 4:30PM): (607) 652-7365; email: 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: Town of Conesville, Schoharie County and Towns of Ashland and Windham, Greene County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4R
- Map: Ashland Pinnacle State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 948-acre Ashland Pinnacle State Forest consists of three separate pieces of land that are located near each other and are adjacent to South Mountain State Forest. Elevation ranges from 1,900 feet to approximately 3,100 feet near the summit of Richmond Mountain. Most of the forests on Ashland Pinnacle are comprised of northern hardwoods.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
The Long Path (leaves DEC website) is a long distance trail that extends from the George Washington Bridge to Altamont, NY. Approximately 2 miles of the Long Path Hiking Trail is located on Ashland Pinnacle State Forest. The trail may be accessed from South Mountain Road or from Bluebird Road on South Mountain State Forest. A spur trail off the Long Path runs westerly from Haul Road #1 on Ashland Pinnacle approximately 2.6 miles to a lean-to on Huntersfield State Forest.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
At-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.
Ashland Pinnacle State Forest is open to hunting and trapping in appropriate seasons.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
To access the easternmost piece of Ashland Pinnacle, from Windham take NYS Route 23 west to County Route 19. Take County Route 19 approximately 1.5 miles to Steinmetz Road. Take Steinmetz Road to a 4-way intersection with County Route 10. Proceed straight across the intersection onto County Route 32C. Take County Route 32C approximately 2 miles to Ashland Pinnacle State Forest. 42.356498°N, 74.291928°W Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
To access the westernmost piece of Ashland Pinnacle, from Windham take NYS Route 23 west to County Route 15 in Ashland. Take County Route 15 to a 4-way intersection with County Route 10. Process straight across the intersection onto Partridge Road. Take Partridge Road approximately 1.5 miles to Ashland Pinnacle State Forest. From Conesville, take Potter Mountain Road east approximately 0.7 mile to South Mountain Road. Turn right onto South Mountain Road and proceed approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Haul Road #1 on Ashland Pinnacle State Forest. 42.373244°N, 74.315375°W Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Rules, Regulations & Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace (leaves DEC website) principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
All users of Ashland Pinnacle 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.
Specific Rules
- Mountain biking, snowmobiling and horseback riding area allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
How We Manage Ashland Pinnacle State Forest
DEC is developing a unit 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 & 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
DEC Lands & Facilities
Lodging and dining opportunities, as well as food, gas and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Prattsville and Windham.
Greene County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.
Numerous guide books 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.