Roosa Gap State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3076; r3admin@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 Mamakating, Sullivan County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3M
• Map: Roosa Gap State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 680-acre Roosa Gap State Forest features one marked hiking trail that offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley. These features, in addition to its proximity to the village of Wurtsboro and neighboring state lands, make it an ideal destination for people looking for outdoor recreation.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

Roosa Gap State Forest features a section of trail that serves as a part of both the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (leaves DEC website) and the Long Path (leaves DEC website). In addition to this section, there are about 1.7 miles of unmarked multiple use trails that branch off from the Shawangunk Ridge Trail.

Camping

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

There are no designated campsites on this state forest; however, 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

Wildlife Management Unit: 3M

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

Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include small game (especially squirrels), turkey, deer, and bear. There are trapping opportunities for wide‐ranging predator species such as fisher, bobcat, and coyote, but trappers won't find very many aquatic furbearers such as beaver or muskrat.

Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing

General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Roosa Gap State Forest is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. There are no groomed or maintained trails, however cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.

Fire Tower

General information on fire towers includes historic and current uses of fire towers and links to other locations with fire towers.

The fire tower at Roosa Gap is a 35' standard Aermotor tower, erected by the Conservation Department in 1948 and closed in 1971. It is now used for communications equipment and is not open to the public.

Wildlife

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

A variety of wildlife can be found within the unit. In addition to the notable game species such as small game, turkey, deer, bear, fisher, bobcat, and coyote, various birds may be found. These include common raven, bald eagle, osprey, warblers, owls, flycatchers, hawks, and other songbirds, plus at-risk species such as peregrine falcon, Cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, and golden-winged warbler. Reptiles and amphibians that may be found include a variety of turtles, snakes, salamanders, frogs and toads, plus the at-risk timber rattlesnake, marbled salamander, Jefferson salamander, wood turtle and eastern box turtle.

Directions

• Plank Road (Fire Tower Road) Parking Area, at the end of Plank Road: (41.616728°N, 74.425445°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Ferguson Road Parking Area: (41.6181218°N, 74.4342883°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) 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 Roosa Gap 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 and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed the Shawangunk Ridge Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF, 10MB) which describes the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains 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 r3.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest
• Shawangunk Ridge State Forest
• Stewart State Forest
• Witch's Hole Multiple Use Area
• Neversink River Unique Area
• Wolf Brook Multiple Use Area
• Oak Ridge Multiple Use Area
• Painter Hill Multiple Use Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Lodging, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Wurtsboro and Ellenville.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Wurtsboro, Ellenville and Cragsmoor.

Sullivan County Visitors Association (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.