Pittstown State Forest

Ward Hollow Road is temporarily closed for maintenance. Please stay off of Ward Hollow Road and be aware parking is only available at the first parking area off Edelman Lane until the maintenance project is complete.

icon key

• 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: Towns of Pittstown and Grafton, Rensselaer County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4L
• Map: Pittstown State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,167-acre Pittstown State Forest is located on the northern edge of the Rensselaer Plateau. The forest features several miles of trails maintained for mountain biking. 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 9.5 miles of multiple use trails. The trails on the south side of the road (State Fire Lane) are wide, steep and rocky. The trails on the north side are more moderate, but narrow and winding.

Camping

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

There are no designated campsites; however, at-large 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.

Biking

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

There are many miles of challenging single-track trails on the property. The trails go over a lot of elevation changes and diverse terrain. The trails are maintained by the Saratoga Mountain Bike Association (leaves DEC website) through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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.

Snowmobiling

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

Three snowmobile trails pass through Pittstown State Forest. These trails are maintained by the Rensselaser Co Snowriders Club through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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

Pittstown State Forest is accessed from Ward Hollow Road off of County Rt 111.

• Ward Hollow Road parking area (3 cars): (42.817256°N, 73.470963°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• State Fire Lane (west) parking area (3 cars): (42.81104492°N, 73.46037301°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• State Fire Lane pull-off (1 car): (42.81043153°N, 73.45728618°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• State Fire Lane (east) parking area (2 cars): (42.81589595°N, 73.44319146°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 Pittstown 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 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

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

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

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

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.