State Land

Gobbler's Knob State Forest

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Map of Gobbler's Knob State Forest

The 303-acre Gobbler's Knob State Forest is a great destination for outdoor recreation. The State Forest features two classified trout streams and a trail that coincides with a section of the 71-mile Shawangunk Ridge Trail and the 356-mile Long Path.

 

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

There is one marked and maintained trail on Gobbler's Knob State Forest. The trail extends approximately 2 miles from north to south through the length of the forest.

The trail extends beyond the state forest in both directions and is part of both the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (leaves DEC website) and the Long Path (leaves DEC website).

General information on backcountry camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

There are no designated campsites on this state forest 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.

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules & regulations.

Gobbler's Knob State Forest features two unnamed tributaries of the Basher Kill that are classified as trout streams and likely contain self-sustaining trout populations.

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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 3M

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include small game (especially squirrels), turkey, deer, and bear.

Wildlife Management Unit: 3M

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons. There are trapping opportunities for wide‐ranging predator species such as fisher, bobcat, and coyote, but trappers won't find very many aquatic furbearers such as beaver or muskrat.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

A variety of wildlife can be found within the unit. In addition to the notable game species such as small game, turkey, deer, bear, fisher, bobcat, and coyote, various birds may be found. These include common raven, bald eagle, osprey, warblers, owls, flycatchers, hawks, and other songbirds, plus at-risk species such as peregrine falcon, Cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, and golden-winged warbler. Reptiles and amphibians that may be found include a variety of turtles, snakes, salamanders, frogs and toads, plus the at-risk timber rattlesnake, marbled salamander, Jefferson salamander, wood turtle and eastern box turtle.

Directions

  • Gobbler's Knob State Forest is accessed from Otisville Road (County Route 61) off of NYS Route 211, west of Otisville. (41.478961°N, 74.554984°W) Google Maps. There are no designated parking areas at Gobbler's Knob State Forest. Roadside parking is available.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 Gobbler's Knob State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, 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 & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Land and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Dining opportunities, as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Otisville and Middletown.
  • Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Middletown.

Orange County Tourism 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 for information on outdoor guides.

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Region 3 - Lower Hudson Valley
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