Vernooy Kill 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: Towns of Wawarsing and Rochester in Ulster County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3C
• Map: Vernooy Kill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 3,686-acre Vernooy Kill State Forest is located immediately outside the Catskill Park "Blue Line" boundary which directly abuts the Sundown Wild Forest. Hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Featured Activities

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 3C

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

Hunting is the main recreational use for this state forest. Pheasants are stocked in the fall to increase the small game opportunities, which also include rabbits, squirrels, grouse and turkeys. Big game using the area include both white-tailed deer and black bear. Furbearers, including coyote, bobcat, raccoon, fox, mink, and fisher are also in the area.

Camping

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

There are no designated campsites; 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.

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

• There are no designated parking lots on the Vernooy Kill State Forest. The Forest can be accessed from Lundy Road. (41.779294°N, 74.372712°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 Vernooy Kill 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

Hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC currently manages these lands in accordance with the 2019 Vernooy Kill State Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF, 10 MB). 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

• Sundown Wild Forest
• Shawangunk Ridge State Forest
• Painter Hill Multiple Use Area
• Oak Ridge Multiple Use Area
• Witch's Hole State Forest
• Roosa Gap State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Ellenville and Kerhonkson.
• Lodging and dining opportunities along with food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Naponoch, Ellenville, and Kerhokson.

Ulster County Tourism (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.