Depot Hill Multiple Use Area
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 3 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: Towns of Beekman and Pawling, Dutchess County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3G
- Map: Depot Hill MUA Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 267-acre Depot Multiple Use Area (MUA) is distinctive for hosting part of the Appalachian Trail.
Please be aware that forest management activities, such as timber thinning or harvesting, may disrupt trail use at times. The forests here are managed to produce forest crops, maintain diverse wildlife habitats, and provide recreational opportunities while protecting aesthetics and water quality.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Depot Hill Multiple Use Area features one hiking trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail.
Primitive Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
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.
Hunting & Trapping
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. Various game species and furbearers found on the unit include white tail deer, pheasant, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Depot Hill Multiple Use Area features an abundance of wildlife. Due to the largely undisturbed forest, an abundance of animals can be seen ranging from white tail deer and turkey to much smaller animals including waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel.
Directions
- North Parking Lot (41.572703°N, 73.680815°W) Google Map (Leaves DEC website)
- Middle Parking Lot (41.569479°N, 73.678831°W) Google Map (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 Depot Hill Multiple Use Area 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 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
- West Mountain State Forest
- White Pond Multiple Use Area
- Big Buck Multiple Use Area
- Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area
- Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Where to Findy Nearby Amenities
- Lodging and dining opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Pawling, Hopewell Junction, Wingdale, and Poughquag.
Dutchess 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.
