California Hill State Forest

• 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; [email protected]
  • 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 Kent and Putnam Valley, Putnam County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3N
• Map: California Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 982-acre California Hill State Forest includes the 94-acre Waywayanda Lake. The varied landscape of this unit allows for a many types of recreational activities. Target shooting is prohibited at California Hill State Forest pursuant to 6NYCRR Part 190.8 (ab).

UPDATE: DEC is working with our partners at the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference to rehabilitate illegal trails and to design and construct a more sustainable trail system that reflects an inclusive "multiple use" philosophy. We anticipate this process to be completed by November 2022. Mountain bikes will remain prohibited on the property until this process is complete. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

If you would like to become a volunteer and help, please feel free to contact the NYNJTC: https://www.nynjtc.org/volunteer-now.

Directions

• Gordon Road parking area, 5 car capacity (41.442719°N, 73.765199°W) Google Maps 
• Waywayanda Court parking area and boat launch, 4 car capacity (41.437222°N, 73.782889°W) Google Maps 

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 California Hill State Forest 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.
Target shooting is prohibited at California Hill State Forest pursuant to 6NYCRR Part 190.8 (ab).

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a 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 and 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 Lands and Facilities

• White Pond Multiple Use Area
• Nimham Mountain Multiple Use Area
• Big Buck Multiple Use Area
• 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 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.