Montrose Point 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: Town of Cortlandt, Westchester County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3S
- Map: Montrose Point State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 51-acre Montrose Point State Forest is managed cooperatively with Westchester County Parks, which oversees the maintenance on the property. A brick factory was once on the site and the area was heavily mined for the raw materials for this industry, leading to the rolling nature of the topography. Walk the trails to visit the "brick beach," where hundreds of bricks were discarded, and take in scenic vistas of the Hudson River Valley.
Featured Activities
Hiking
Brick Beach
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are 1.25 miles of trails that loop around the property. A trail splits off the loop, crosses a brick arch bridge and leads down to a "brick beach" and a scenic viewing area. Along the way there are exceptional scenic views of the Hudson River.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to, safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Shore fishing is allowed on the Hudson River. A great variety of fish species can be found in the Hudson River Estuary.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Wildlife abounds in this small niche of greenery. Cormorants have been seen sunning themselves on trees near the small pond, deer and turkeys wander through, and tree frogs can be heard in the spring and summer months.
Directions
- Montrose Point Parking area (41.249122°N, 73.948660°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 Montrose Point 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
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 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 and 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
- Croton Gorge Unique Area
- Salt Hill State Forest
- Harriman State Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Montrose, Peekskill, Croton-on-Hudson and Ossining.
- Dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Peekskill, Verplanck, Montrose and Ossining.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Croton-on-Hudson and Peekskill.
Westchester 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.
