Mount Tom 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 to 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 White Creek, Washington County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 5S
• Map: Mount Tom State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

With over 1,700 acres, Mount Tom State Forest is the largest state forest located in Washington County. The property is filled with ample wildlife. Additionally, it is one of the few state forests that can be driven through from one side to the other.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There are 6.85 miles of public forest access roads and unmarked trails that visitors may hike on.

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: 5S

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. There are many furbearers and game species found within the property. Private properties adjoin this state forest, please respect private lands.

Wildlife

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

There is an abundance of wildlife found within Mt. Tom State Forest. In addition to the notable furbearers and game species, you can find eastern coyote, a wide variety of song birds, hawks, owls, moles, mice, raccoons and porcupines within the property.

Directions

From Hoosick Falls: Head north on Route 22 toward North Hoosick. In North Hoosick, turn left and head north on 67 & 22. After 2.5 miles, continue on Route 22 (Route 67 will turn left and continue west) for 1.3 miles, then turn right onto Center White Creek Lane for 0.17 mile and turn right onto Route 68. Continue on route 68 for 3.14 miles and turn left onto Lincoln Hill Road. Follow Lincoln Road for 2 miles and an unpaved parking area will be on the left.

• Conifer Seed Orchard Parking Lot (42.982661°N, 73.325358°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• North Notch Parking Lot (43.0127029°N, 73.3066864°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Notch Parking Lot 1 (43.009635°N, 73.307268°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Notch Parking Lot 2 (42.9997864°N, 73.3122025°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Notch Parking Lot 3 (42.9980431°N, 73.3104401°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Northern Shaker Hollow pull-off area (43.0084686°N, 73.3287582°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Shaker Hollow pull-off area (43.0035896°N, 73.3312073°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Shaker Hollow Land Parking (43.001799°N, 73.332497°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Southern Shaker Hollow Pull-Off area (42.997036°N, 73.3342667°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.

All users of Mount Tom 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

Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are currently no maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Northern Piedmont Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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 at r5.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Eldridge Swamp State Forest
• Chestnut Woods State Forest
• Batten Kill State Forest and Goose Egg 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 Village of Cambridge, Hoosick Falls and North Bennington, VT.

Washington County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) and the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council (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.