Tibbitts 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 Hoosick, Rensselaer County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4L & 4C
• Map: Tibbitts State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 846-acre Tibbitts State Forest is divided into two sections by NYS Route 7. The property 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 are approximately 1.6 miles of trail on the north side of Route 7 and 6.3 miles on the south side.

Camping

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

There are no designated campsites; but 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.

Fishing

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Shingle Hollow is a NYS classified trout stream with a trout spawning designation.

Nearby fishing opportunities are also available on the nearby Hoosic River. A pamphlet is available with maps of state lands and public fishing rights that depicts the Public Access for Fishing the Hoosic River (PDF).

East-Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 4L & 4C

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.

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 3.1-mile trail in a portion of the forest south of NYS Route 7, which allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

Tibbitts State Forest is access from NYS Route 7, which runs through the property from east to west.

• NYS Route 7 Parking Lot East (42.847849°N, 73.350188°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• NY Route 7 Parking Lot West (42.841841°N, 73.369281°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• NY Route. 7 parking for access to northern portion of property (42.84642434°N, 73.36416595°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• MAPPWD parking area off Route 7 (42.8475201°N, 73.34953853°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Hoosac School Access Trail Parking Lot (42.853474°N, 73.352833°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• NYS Route 22 Parking Lot (42.849733°N, 73.344703°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 Tibbitts 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, 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 is developing a unit management plan (UMP) 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 and 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

State Lands and Facilities

• Cherry Plain State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Capital District WMA
• Grafton Lakes State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Pittstown State Forest
• Taconic Ridge State Forest
• Berlin 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.