Middle Grove 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: Middle Grove State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 573-acre Middle Grove State Forest does not have any designated or marked trails; however, there are several former, unmaintained logging roads. These roads are open to multiple recreational uses, including hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding.

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 150 feet away from a water body, road, or trail. Camping for more than three nights or with 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 hunting species found on the property include red fox, cottontail rabbit and woodcock.

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 Middle Grove State Forest in addition to the notable hunting and trapping species. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and eastern coyote have also been reported in the area. A beaver dam is visible a short walk from the entrance on Middle Grove Road and can be seen from the logging road.

Directions

• Barney Road Parking Lot (there is an additional parking area further south on Barney Rd.) (43.096705°N, 73.96306°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Clark Road Parking Lot (43.092813°N, 73.974404°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Young Road Parking Lot (43.080753°N, 73.961548°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Middle Grove Road Parking Lot (there are an additional 2 parking lots further to the east on Middle Grove Rd.) (43.081647°N, 73.95549°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 Middle Grove 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 & 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

• Daketown State Forest
• Lake Desolation State Forest
• Saratoga Spa State Park (leaves DEC website)

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.