New Forge 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 Taghkanic, Columbia County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4L
• Map: New Forge State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 612-acre New Forge State Forest features a stream-side canoe launch on Taghkanic Creek. The property is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and recreation.

Featured Activities

Camping

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

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.

Paddling

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

A stream-side canoe launch is present on Taghkanic Creek, a tributary of Claverack Creek.

Fishing

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

Taghkanic Creek, a trout stream, passes through the property. Brown trout and brook trout may be found in the creek. For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on Taghkanic Creek, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map).

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

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 are three trails, totaling 2.6 miles, in the forest that allow motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

New Forge State Forest is accessed from County Route 10 off of the Taconic State Parkway.

• New Forge Road Parking Lot (42.105796°N, 73.672797°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Notzell Road Parking Lot (42.11963°N, 73.677556°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 New Forge 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, cross-country skiing, 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 recreation management plan which will describe the management activities for public recreation on these lands.

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

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Livingston State Forest
• Stissing Mountain Multiple Use Area
• Tivoli Bay Wildlife Management Area
• Rogers Island WMA
• Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area
• Taconic State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Lake Taghkanic State Park (leaves DEC website)

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Dining opportunities, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Ancram and Hudson.
• Lodging opportunities can be found in the nearby community of Hudson.

Columbia 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.