State Land

Black Creek State Forest

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The 595-acre Black Creek State Forest is part of a network of public and private conservation lands surrounding the John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary along Black Creek, an important tributary of the Hudson River.

There are no designated or marked trails in Black Creek State Forest, however there are unmarked and unmaintained herd paths throughout the State Forest.

 

Featured Activities

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

Black Creek State Forest features fishing opportunities on Black Creek.

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.

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

There are no designated campsites; 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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 3J

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and 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: 3J

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

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons. The main game species and furbearers found on the property include small game (especially squirrels), turkey, deer, and bear. There are trapping opportunities for wide‐ranging predator species such as fisher, bobcat, and coyote.

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

Directions

Black Creek State Forest is accessed from Timber Line Trail. Take NYS Route 9W to Burroughs Drive, Timber Line Trail will be on the left.

  • Timberline Parking Lot is located on Timber Line Trail off of Burroughs Drive. (41.790552°N, 73.972407°W) Google Maps. There is a legal right of way along Timberline Trail to access the Black Creek State Forest parking lot. Please respect the rights of adjoining property owners and park only in the DEC parking lot.

All coordinates 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 Black Creek 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

Hiking, 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.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a West of Hudson Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF, 8.9MB) which describes the proposed management activities for this land. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains 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 [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands & Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Kingston, New Paltz and Highland.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of New Paltz and Kingston.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Kingston, New Paltz, Highland and Esopus.
  • Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Kingston, New Paltz and Highland.

Ulster 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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