Big Buck Mountain Multiple Use Area
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3000, 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: Town of Kent, Putnam County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3N
- Map: Big Buck Mountain State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 146-acre Big Buck Mountain Multiple Use Area does not feature any formal trails but it is ideal habitat for small game species and the entire area is open to non-motorized recreation.
Featured Activities
Primitive Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to, safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no designated campsites; however, 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, rabbits and squirrels.
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 two small parking areas within the unit on Ressique Street.
- Laurel Road parking lot (41.498778°N, 73.712768°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Ressique Road parking lot (41.497960°N, 73.710148°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All coordinates 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 Big Buck Mountain 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.
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 Stand Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- White Pond Multiple Use Area
- Nimham Mountain Multiple Use Area
- California Hill State Forest
- Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Dining and lodging opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Fishkill, Mahopac, Hopewell Junction and Carmel.
Putnam 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.
