South Mountain 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
- Emergency Law Enforcement & Rangers: (518) 408-5850 or 911
- Location: Town of Conesville, Schoharie County and Towns of Ashland and Windham, Greene County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4R
- Map: South Mountain State Forest Map || South Mountain State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,498-acre South Mountain State Forest is located adjacent to both Ashland Pinnacle and Mount Pisgah State Forests with the 356-mile long path passing through it.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
The Long Path is a long distance trail that extends from the George Washington Bridge to Altamont, NY. Approximately 4.5 miles of the Long Path Hiking Trail passes through South Mountain State Forest, extending from County Road 10 in the east to private property in the west. The trail may be accessed from Bluebird Road or County Road 10.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
There are no designated campsites; however, 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.
South Mountain State Forest is open to hunting and trapping in appropriate seasons. Big game hunting, especially for white-tailed deer, is a popular activity on this unit. The unit and the surrounding landscape also support populations of turkey, squirrels, rabbits, grouse, and various furbearers such as beaver and coyote. Hunting opportunities vary with habitat conditions, which is why these lands are managed to provide as wide a variety of habitat conditions as possible.
Furbearing species such as beaver, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, mink, and others are present on this unit.
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.
Durham Road (42.391905°N, 74.269230°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Bluebird Road (42.372420°N, 74.288471°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Mount Pisgah Road (42.368712°N, 74.249880°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
County Road 10 (42.375899°N, 74.232819°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 South Mountain 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
Snowmobiling, 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 South Mountain 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.