Shandaken Wild 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; R3Forestry@dec.ny.gov
- Enforcement Matters: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) or 911
- Location: Hamlet of Shandaken, Ulster County and Town of Lexington, Greene County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3A & 4R
- Map: Shandaken Wild Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Shandaken Wild Forest contains six different parcels, each with its own distinctive character. The many remnants of past industries found here including farms, sawmills, bluestone mining and tanneries, will intrigue those interested in Catskill history. The Lower Birch Creek Road parcel is a historic Catskill mountain farmstead. The Allaben parcel is largely undeveloped forest with primitive campsites. The Rochester Hollow area contains ruins of a former estate and a spruce plantation that is the John Burroughs Memorial Forest.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The John Burroughs memorial plaque
Rochester Hollow Update: Access to the Rochester Hollow Trailhead on Matyas Road in Shandaken Wild Forest is currently limited to 4-wheel drive vehicles due to damage sustained from the recent flooding events in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Please use caution when attempting to access the Rochester Hollow Trailhead- 2wd vehicles should not attempt access at this time.
The Rochester Hollow parcel has three marked trails. The longest is the Colonel Rochester Trail (blue blaze - 2.7 miles). There are two loops off the blue trail. The Burrough's Memorial Forest Trail (yellow blaze -0.7 miles) leads to the John Burroughs Memorial Forest, a plantation of white and Norway spruce on an abandoned farm site. The Eignor Farm Trail (red blaze- 1.4 miles) continues from the end of the Blue trail and loops back to meet it.
Camping
General information on backcountry camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Allaben parcel contains eight designated campsites, two of which are accessible with accessible picnic tables and fire rings. The first campsite is located next to a small pond with a hardened area near the edge of the water for fishing. Continue past this campsite to the end of the road where a second accessible campsite can be found. There is an accessible seasonal port-a-john located at the cul-de-sac, adjacent to this campsite. An accessible informational kiosk is located at the first intersection, near the first accessible campsite.
Rochester Hollow has an accessible lean-to campsite (with hardened surfaces, accessible picnic table, fireplace and privy) and two designated campsites. This site is near the end of a three-mile-long gated road (Rochester Hollow Road). Access by ATV is granted only to Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) permit holders.
Additionally, 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.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
A view of the Lower Birch Creek Road
Parcel and accessible fishing platform
A small pond with a fishing platform is featured at the Lower Birch Creek Road Picnic Site. The site offers Brook Trout fishing opportunities.
Additionally, there are public fishing rights on nearby private land. For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on Esopus Creek, Woodland Valley Creek, and Stony Clove Creek, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map.)
East-Central NY Fishing and Southeastern NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the Catskills and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.
Hunting & Trapping
Wildlife Management Unit: 3A & 4R
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, except where specifically prohibited by posted notice. The main game species found on the property include white tailed deer, black bear, snowshoe hare, wild turkey and grey squirrel. The main furbearers found on the property include beaver, bobcat, coyote, and fisher.
Mountain Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Shandaken sugar shack at the end of Lower
Birch Creek Road
The Rochester Hollow Trails are open to mountain biking.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no groomed or maintained ski trails, however cross-country skiers and snowshoers utilize the Rochester Hollow Trails in the winter. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Rochester Hollow Trails are open to horseback riding. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
The Catskills are home to an abundance of wildlife. With both larger mammals (including deer, bear, and bobcat) as well as smaller mammals (including porcupine and fisher) the Catskills have several unique habitats. In addition to the many mammals found in the Catskills, hundreds of species of birds can also be found here.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
An accessible campsite at the Allaben parcel.
Lower Birch Creek Road Picnic Site
The Lower Birch Creek Road parcel features a small pond with an accessible trail about 3/4 of the way around it. There are two accessible picnic tables on one side of the pond and an accessible fishing platform with a bench on the other side. Fishing opportunities at this site are for Brook Trout. The entrance to the path is next to the informational kiosk. A seasonal accessible port-a-john is available.
Rochester Hollow Lean-to
At Rochester Hollow, there is an accessible lean-to campsite (with hardened surfaces, accessible picnic table, fireplace and privy). This site is near the end of a three-mile-long gated road (Rochester Hollow Road). Access by ATV is granted only to Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) permit holders.
Allaben Campsites
At Allaben, there are two accessible campsites with accessible picnic tables and fire rings. The first campsite is located next to a small pond with a hardened area near the edge of the water for fishing. Continue past this campsite to the end of the road where a second accessible campsite can be found. There is an accessible seasonal port-a-john located at the cul-de-sac, adjacent to this campsite. An accessible informational kiosk is located at the first intersection, near the first accessible campsite.
Directions
Shandaken Wild Forest offers 4 parking areas off of NYS Route 28.
- Rochester Hollow Parking Area is located at the end of Matyas Road 0.2 miles northeast of its intersection with NYS Route 28. (42.116493°N, 74.452440°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Peck Hollow Road Parking Area is located at the end of Peck Hollow Road 1.7 miles north of its intersection with NYS Route 28. (42.139805°N, 74.369057°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Lower Birch Creek Road Parking Area is located near the hamlet of Pine Hill. From Kingston, take Route 28. Turn right on Birch Creek Road located just past the Mobil Mini Mart, but prior to the Route 28 bridge where the road turns to three lanes. Follow Birch Creek Road for about a mile then turn right onto Lower Birch Creek Road. Follow to the end. (42.158753°N, 74.445256°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Route 28 East of the Allaben Cemetery Parking Area is located off of NYS Route 28 across from the Allaben Cemetery. (42.107976°N, 74.348217°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Planning and Management
DEC manages this land in accordance with the 2021 Shandaken Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreation, geology, natural and human history, wildlife, fish and much more.
In support of the UMP, a consultant was hired to develop the Shandaken-Belleayre Mountain Bike and Cross Country Ski Trail System Concept Plan (PDF, 7 MB).
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at R3Forestry@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information
State Land and Facilities
- Hunter-West Kill Wilderness
- Slide Mountain Wilderness
- Woodland Valley Campground
- Kenneth Wilson Campground
- Catskill Interpretive Center
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Lodging and dining, as well as gas, food and other supplies opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Margaretville, Woodstock and Phoenicia.
Catskill Regional Tourism Office (leaves DEC website), Ulster County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) and Greene 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.
