Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area
icon key- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:45PM), (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 Patterson, Putnam County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3G
- Map: Cranberry Mountain WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The primary purposes of Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is among the region's most popular destinations for hunters, trappers, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. This 1085-acre WMA has been managed for wildlife for almost 50 years and has good habitat diversity.
The rolling topography of Cranberry Mountain WMA is dominated by upland forested communities. Oak species, including red, white, black, scarlet, and chestnut oaks are dominant throughout the WMA's forests, with red maple, sugar maple, black birch, and tulip tree also being abundant in some parts of the WMA. Additionally, 25 acres of fields and early successional habitat and six small ponds constructed in the 1960s are maintained to promote a diverse mix of habitat types and improve opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
A network of old woods roads serve as excellent walking trails, providing access to much of the area. Please stay on the designated trails to protect the diversity and richness of the plant communities found within this area.
Hunting and Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping include how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules, and regulations.
An assortment of game species inhabit the WMA including white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, fox, raccoon, and opossum. Please be sure to abide by all game laws (view hunting seasons and trapping seasons).
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Fish species that can be found in the ponds at Cranberry Mountain including largemouth bass, sunfish, bullheads, and chain pickerel.
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 diversity of habitats and wildlife species found at Cranberry Mountain provide unique opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Nest boxes for wood ducks and bluebirds have been placed in appropriate locations by volunteer groups. Use the Wildlife Management Area Vertebrate Checklist (PDF) and the Wildlife Management Area Bird Checklist (PDF) as wildlife viewing guides.
Directions
Field and forest at Cranberry Mountain WMA.
Cranberry Mountain WMA is located in the Town of Patterson east of Route 22 approximately 63 miles north of New York City.
All Google links leave DEC website.
- Stagecoach Road, Northern Parking Area (41.50853°N, 73.55053°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
- Stagecoach Road, Southern Parking Area (41.50533°N, 73.55006°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
- Haviland Hollow Road (41.49058°N, 73.55620°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
- Brimstone Road (41.49047°N, 73.54652°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions
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 Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area must follow all Wildlife Management Area Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Activity Rules & Regulations
- Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) - updated in 2022
- Hunting Regulations
- Trapping Regulations
- Fishing Regulations
Outdoor Safety Tips
NOTE: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health (leaves DEC website).
Pond at Cranberry Mountain WMA.
How We Manage Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Cranberry Mountain WMA is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and photography). Funding to maintain and manage this site is provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration or "Pittman-Robertson" Act, which is acquired through excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment.
Mowing is used annually to manage field vegetation, and when necessary, fields are replanted to improve cover and foraging opportunities for wildlife. Efforts to control nuisance invasive plant species have been undertaken, including the release of a Mile-a-Minute vine (Polygonum perfoliatum) biocontrol agent. Management of shoreline vegetation and maintenance of a variety of aquatic and wetland types is used to encourage a diversity of wildlife species.
View the Habitat Management Plan for Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in September 2016, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area
- Putnam County Tourism (leaves DEC website)
State Lands and Facilities
- Big Buck Mountain State Forest
- Bog Brook Unique Area
- Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area
- Nimham Mountain Multiple Use Area
- White Pond Multiple Use Area
Numerous guide books 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.
