Lincoln Mountain State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
• • DEC Region 5 Warrensburg Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (518) 623-1200; info.r5@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 Greenfield, Saratoga County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 5J
• Map: Lincoln Mountain State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 982-acre Lincoln Mountain State Forest does not have any marked hiking trails. Several old unmarked logging roads throughout the property are open to recreation. Additionally there is a major "truck trail" which connects with Cohen Road and crosses state land for about one mile toward the southern boundary. This is classified for motor vehicle use; high clearance four wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended.

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; but primitive camping is allowed. Camping must be at least 150 feet away from a water body, road, or trail. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 5J

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. The main furbearers and game species found on the property include fisher, cottontail rabbit, wild turkey, and whitetail deer.

Snowmobiling

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

Lincoln Mountain State Forest is open to snowmobiling in the winter. The S82A and C8A snowmobile corridors pass through the property. These trails are maintained by the Lincoln Mountain - Gansevoort Snowmobile Club.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Saratoga County has a variety of wildlife. An assortment of birds (including song birds, owls, and hawks) as well as mammals (including moles, mice, squirrels, and chipmunks) can be found within Lincoln Mountain State Forest in addition to the notable hunting and trapping species. Ruffed grouse and eastern coyote have also been reported in the area.

Directions

Lincoln Mountain State Forest is accessed from Cohen Road.

From Saratoga Springs: Drive northwest on Route 9N. Continue over the railroad tracks to the first traffic light. Make a right onto Locust Grove Road. Continue to the end of Locust Grove Road past Greene Road to Greenfield Road (extension of Spier Falls Road). Turn right onto Greenfield Road and continue 1/2 mile to Cohen Road on the right. Drive south on Cohen Road to the trailhead on the left just before the large gate. Parking is limited. Be careful not to block the private driveway off to the right.

• Cohen Road Parking Lot (43.1828426°N, 73.81591727°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website), there are 3 additional parking areas further down Cohen Rd.
• Lincoln Mountain Road Parking Area (43.190781°N, 73.798235°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 Lincoln Mountain 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 has developed a Saratoga Warren Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF) which describes the proposed management activities for this lands. 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 r5.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Moreau Lake State Park (leaves DEC website)
• Ralph Road State Forest
• Daketown State Forest
• Middle Grove State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Lodging and dining opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga County Tourism Webpage (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.