Taconic Hereford 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: Towns of Pleasant Valley and LaGrange, Dutchess County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3G
- Map: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 917-acre Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area is one of the largest state forests in Dutchess County. Most trails on this property allow multiple uses, making the area very popular with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. Please be respectful of all users.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are 22.7 miles of multiple use trails and 4.4 miles of roads within the unit that can be used for hiking and other types of non-motorized recreation.
Primitive Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Camping at two designated sites is permitted on a first-come-first-serve basis. They're located on the west side of Brockway Road, south of Tyrrel Road.
At-large primitive camping is also allowed. At-large 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.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations. See map for designated uses and trails.
There are numerous trails and roads within the unit that serve as multiple use trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
This property has a volunteer stewardship agreement with Fats in the Cats Bicycle Club (leaves DEC website) for trail maintenance. The club also has regular organized rides. Check the club's website for a schedule of events.
Hunting and 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, rabbit and squirrel.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The property has 5.25 miles of snowmobile trails that loop around the property but do not connect to other trails or to any snowmobile trail system. The snowmobile trails are marked with red markers.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Some wildlife that can be seen includes white tail deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Taconic-Hereford has two roads that serve as Motorized Access Permit for People With Disabilities (MAPPWD) trails. Permit holders can use a permitted vehicle to travel beyond the reach of public roads, to areas where others must hike or bike. The 0.88-mile Brockway Road and the 1.24-mile TSP Road are both open for use with 4-wheel drive trucks and SUVs by people with disabilities to allow for wildlife viewing. This use is allowed seasonally during hunting season only, from 10/1 through 12/31. These roads are gated so users must contact the regional office in advance to get the lock combination or pick up a key for the gates.
Directions
- Tyrrel Road parking area, 4 car capacity (41.746713°N, 73.760244°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Taconic State Parkway parking area, 4 car capacity (41.741030°N, 73.773220°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Brockway Road parking area, adjacent to 2 designated campsites (41.744361°N, 73.760442°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 Taconic-Hereford 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, 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 unit management plan (UMP) 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 & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us r3.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Dining opportunities and lodging, as well as gas, food and other supplies, may be found in the nearby communities of Millbrook, Pleasant Valley, Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie.
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.
