West Mountain State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3076; 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 Dover, Dutchess County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3G
- Map: West Mountain State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
West Mountain State Forest consists of 830 acres. There are no marked trails found on the property. However, there is a network of unmarked trails that provide for a variety of non-motorized recreation all year. Target shooting is prohibited at West Mountain State Forest pursuant to 6NYCRR Part 190.8 (ab) (leaves DEC website).
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
West Mountain State Forest features roughly 4 miles of unmarked multi-use trails that traverse the property.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
At large backcountry 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.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
West Mountain State forest is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. There are no groomed or maintained trails, however there are 4 miles of multi-use trails utilized by cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Fish the pond on the property for large and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, sunfish and shiners.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Biking is allowed on the multi-use trails that cross the property but there are no specific trails maintained for this activity.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Horseback riding is allowed on the multi-use trails that cross the property.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Some of the wildlife that can be seen includes white-tailed deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel.
Directions
- Parking area is located on the end of Gardner Hollow Rd. (41.612092°N, 73.627556°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 West Mountain 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
Target shooting is prohibited at West Mountain State Forest pursuant to 6NYCRR Part 190.8 (ab) (leaves DEC website).
Planning and Management
DEC has developed a West Mountain State Forest Final Interim Access Plan (PDF) which describes the proposed management activities for these 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 (r3.ump@dec.ny.gov)
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilites
- Depot Hill Multiple Use Area
- Taconic-Hereford Multiple Use Area
- James Baird State Park (leaves DEC website)
- Wassaic Multiple Use Area
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies, dining opportunities and lodging 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.
