Taconic Ridge State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 4 Schenectady Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (518) 357-2155; r4.ump@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 Petersburgh, Stephentown and Berlin, Rensselaer County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4L
- Map: Taconic Ridge State Forest - North map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Taconic Ridge State Forest - Central map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Taconic Ridge State Forest - South map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Taconic Ridge State Forest is made up of two separate reforestation areas totaling 3,834 acres. These parcels were established in the 1990s and interconnect with easements purchased on adjoining lands to increase the recreational opportunities on the Taconic Ridge. The Taconic Crest Trail is one of the main features running through the property. The state forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to, safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Trail sign to the "snow hole", which
has been known to contain snow
throughout the summer
The Taconic Crest Trail (leaves DEC website) runs 35 miles along the New York, Vermont and Massachusetts border, with a maximum elevation of almost 3,000 feet at Berlin Mountain. A popular section of the trail begins in Petersburg, New York and leads to the popular "snow hole," a cave-like crevice where snow is often found even in summer. Approximately 32 miles of trails, including the Taconic Crest Trail, run through the Taconic Ridge State Forest. There are also two miles of roads throughout the state forest.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no designated campsites; however, 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 in Taconic Ridge State Forest during appropriate seasons.
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
There are many ways to access the Taconic Ridge State Forest.
- Northern most parking area on State Route 346, east of State Route 22. (42.809585°N,73.288713°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Parking area on Prosser Hollow Road, east of State Route 22. (42.792073°N, 73.316889°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Parking area on State Route 2, east of Petersburg, provides access to the north and south. (42.723333°N, 73.277844°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Parking area at the end of Greene Hollow Road, also east of State Route 22. (42.706333°N, 73.311884°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
In summer, many of the trails
are bordered by ferns
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 Taconic Ridge 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
- Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
- Please be aware that the only public access to the adjacent conservation easements is limited to the designated and marked trails. Please do not leave the trails and respect private property.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a recreation management plan which will describe the management activities for public recreation on these lands.
If you have questions about this UMP, please email us r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Cherry Plain State Park (leaves DEC website)
- Capital District WMA
- Grafton Lakes State Park (leaves DEC website)
- Pittstown State Forest
- Tibbitts State Forest
- Berlin State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
-
Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Stephentown, Berlin and Hoosick Falls.
Trails occasionally open up to views of the
surrounding mountains - Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Hoosick Falls.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Stephentown and Hoosick Falls.
Rensselaer County Tourism Office (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.
