Berlin State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Schenectady Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (518) 357-2155; 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 Berlin, Rensselaer County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4L
• Map: Berlin State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 678-acre Berlin State Forest is located in rural Rensselaer County, nestled along Cowdry Hollow. There is a 2.2-mile loop trail with some moderate elevation gain throughout the forest. The state forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and recreation.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There is a 2.2-mile loop trail with some moderate gains in elevation.

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.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 4L

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 in Berlin State Forest during appropriate 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.

Accessible Features

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

There is a trail from Comstock Hollow Road, running south through the forest, that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

From Berlin, head south on Route 22 for .44-mile and turn left onto SE Hollow Rd. Continue on SE Hollow Rd. for approximately 1-mile and turn left onto Cowdry Hollow Rd. Follow Cowdry Hollow Rd. Continue on Cowdry Hollow Rd for 1.65-miles and the parking lot will be on the right.

• Cowdry Hollow Road parking area (42.6927414°N, 73.3221436°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Cowdry Hollow access road parking area (42.6913414°N, 73.3188019°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 Berlin 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

• Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
• Please be aware that the only public access to the adjacent conservation easements is limited to the designated and marked trails. Please do not leave the trails and respect private property.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a recreation management plan which will describe the management activities for public recreation on these lands.

If you have questions about this UMP, please email us r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Cherry Plain State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Grafton Lakes State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Pittstown State Forest
• Tibbitts State Forest
• Taconic Ridge State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Stephentown, Berlin and Hoosick.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Hoosick Falls.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Stephentown and Hoosick Falls.

Rensselaer 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.