Lafayetteville 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) 256-3076; 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 Milan, Dutchess County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3G, 4Z
- Map: Lafayetteville MUA Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 715-acre Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area (MUA) does not feature any marked trails; however, the property does provide large undeveloped areas well suited for hiking and nature viewing. It is also a popular destination for hunting because it is regularly stocked with pheasant during hunting season. Additionally, Wilbur Pond, is open to fishing and paddling.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area does not have any marked trails; however, hiking is permitted throughout the property.
Primitive Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and 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.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Lafayetteville MUA features Wilbur Pond which is open to shore fishing during appropriate seasons. It is a warm water fishery likely containing largemouth bass, yellow perch, chain pickerel, sunfish and brown bullhead.
Southeastern NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Lafayetteville MUA features the 5-acre Wilbur Pond which is open to paddling and non-motorized boats.
Hunting & Trapping
Wildlife Management Unit: 3G, 4Z
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. This unit is regularly stocked with pheasants during hunting season.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Lafayetteville MUA features an abundance of wildlife, ranging from white tail deer and turkey to much smaller animals including waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel.
Directions
- Wilbur Flats Road north parking area (41.98028°N, 73.73780°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Wilbur Flats Road south parking area (41.972946°N, 73.734740°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Wilbur Pond parking areas - they are on each side of the road, one has a 2 car capacity and the other a 3 car capacity (41.973899°N, 73.733682°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Route 199 parking area for field access (41.975442°N, 73.731897°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 Lafayetteville 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, snowmobiling 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
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Pine Plains, Rhinebeck and Red Hook.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Pine Plains, Rhinebeck and Red Hook.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Rhinebeck and Red Hook.
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.
