Lost Valley State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 652-7365; 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 Charleston, Montgomery County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4A
• Map: Lost Valley State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 748-acre Lost Valley State Forest features snowmobile trails, as well as hunting and trapping opportunities. The state forest 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.

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.

Fishing

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

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the tributary to the Schoharie 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: 4A

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.

Lost Valley State Forest features two miles of snowmobile trails. These trails are maintained by the
Frontier Sno Riders (leaves DEC website) 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.

Portions of the Lost Valley State Forest provide a habitat of significance as a deer wintering area. Historically, the Burtonsville area along the Schoharie Creek and valley has been an important deer wintering area.

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 2.18 miles of trails 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

There are no designated parking areas on Lost Valley State Forest. Roadside parking is available. The state forest can be accessed from Goewey Road.

• Goewey Road (42.832390°N, 74.292092°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 Lost Valley 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.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Charleston Unit Management Plan. 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 r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Featherstonhaugh State Forest
• Rural Grove and Yatesville Falls State Forests
• Charleston State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Amsterdam, Esperance, Fultonville and Sloansville.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Amsterdam and Esperance.
• Lodging and dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Amsterdam and Fultonville.

Montgomery 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.