State Land

Berlin State Forest

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The 678-acre Berlin State Forest is located in rural Rensselaer County, nestled along Cowdry Hollow. There is a 2.2-mile loop trail with some moderate elevation gain throughout the forest. The state forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and recreation.

 

Featured Activities

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

There is a 2.2-mile loop trail with some moderate gains in elevation.

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

There are no designated campsites; however, 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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4L

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

Hunting is allowed in Berlin State Forest during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4L

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

Trapping is allowed in Berlin State Forest during appropriate seasons.

 

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

Directions

From Berlin, head south on Route 22 for .44-mile and turn left onto SE Hollow Rd. Continue on SE Hollow Rd. for approximately 1-mile and turn left onto Cowdry Hollow Rd. Follow Cowdry Hollow Rd. Continue on Cowdry Hollow Rd for 1.65-miles and the parking lot will be on the right.

  • Cowdry Hollow Road parking area (42.6927414°N, 73.3221436°W) Google Maps 
  • Cowdry Hollow access road parking area (42.6913414°N, 73.3188019°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 Berlin 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, snowmobiling and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
  • Please be aware that the only public access to the adjacent conservation easements is limited to the designated and marked trails. Please do not leave the trails and respect private property.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a recreation management plan which will describe the management activities for public recreation on these lands.

If you have questions about this UMP, please email us [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Stephentown, Berlin and Hoosick.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Hoosick Falls.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Stephentown and Hoosick Falls.

Rensselaer County Tourism Office 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 4 - Capital Region/Northern Catskills
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