Ushers Road State Forest

icon key

• 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: Towns of Clifton Park and Halfmoon, Saratoga County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 5R
• Map: Ushers Road State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 118-acre Ushers Road State Forest is conveniently located in the Clifton Park/Halfmoon area and features two multi-use trails.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

There are two marked trails within Ushers Road State Forest open to non-motorized recreation. Ushers Road Trail is about 1.5 miles long and loops back around to the trailhead located near the parking area. Spur Trail is much shorter and connects to the Zim Smith Trail (leaves DEC website) which leads off of the property.

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: 5R

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 red fox, cottontail rabbit and woodcock.

Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing

General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Ushers Road State Forest is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. There are two marked multi-use trails that are used by cross-country skiers and snowshoers, as well as, other non-motorized recreation users.

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 Ushers Road 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. White pine and hemlock trees can be found within the property as well.

Directions

• Ushers Road Parking Area (42.912427°N, 73.772273°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 Ushers Road 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 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 at r5.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Saratoga Spa State Park (leaves DEC website)
• North Woods Nature Preserve (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 communities of Round Lake and Clifton Park.

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.