Castle Rock Unique Area
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3000; R3admin@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 Philipstown, Putnam County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3N
- Map: Castle Rock Unique Area Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Castle Rock Unique Area consists of 129 acres of gently sloping fields and much steeper woodlands. An old carriage road runs along the inside edge of the woodlands, near the fields. This carriage road leads to a beautiful gazebo with a great view of the Hudson Highlands. Please stay off the private driveway that leads to the castle on the hilltop. The drive and castle are private property and trespassing is prohibited. You may cross the drive, but not walk along it.
Of the additional buildings, one is a residence for law enforcement staff and the other is private property and gated. Please respect our neighbors on either side by not trespassing.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The unit has a 0.7-mile Gazebo Trail that runs along the inside edge of woodlands, near the fields. It leads to a beautiful gazebo with a great view of the Hudson Highlands. Please respect the private property along parts of the trail.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no designated campsites; however, at-large 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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
• Parking lot off Wing and Wind Roadd (41.370319°N, 73.944954°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 Castle Rock 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 no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
- Please stay off the private driveway that leads to the castle on the hilltop. The drive and castle are private property and trespassing is prohibited. You may cross the drive, but not walk along it.
- In regards to the additional buildings on-site, one is a residence for law enforcement staff and the other is private property and gated. Please respect our neighbors on either side by not trespassing.
- No hunting is allowed here due to the proximity of residential areas.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain 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 r3.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- California Hill State Forest
- Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park (leaves DEC website)
- Hudson Highlands State Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Dining and lodging opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Cold Spring, West Point, Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery, Garrison.
Putnam County Tourism (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.
