State Land

Chestnut Woods State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

Chestnut Woods State Forest is tucked along the southern border of New York and Vermont. With a little over 800 acres, the forest is teeming with wildlife. Although there are no official trails located within Chestnut Woods State Forest, there is an extensive network of former logging roads that are open to the public for hiking, skiing, biking, and horseback riding. Private properties adjoin this state forest, so please respect private lands.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no designated campsites; but primitive camping is allowed. Camping must be at least 150 feet away from a water body, road, or trail. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Wildlife Management Unit: 5S

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

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons. Many furbearers and game species are found within the property. Private properties adjoin this state forest, please respect private lands.

Wildlife Management Unit: 5S

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

Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons. Many furbearers and game species are found within the property. Private properties adjoin this state forest, please respect private lands.

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

There is an abundance of wildlife found within Chestnut Woods State Forest. In addition to the notable furbearers and game species, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and eastern coyote have been reported in the area. There is also a wide variety of song birds, hawks, owls, mice, woodchucks, and porcupine found within the state forest.

Directions

  • Heading east toward VT on Chestnut Hill Rd., take left onto access road .25-mile after McKie Hollow Rd., parking is less than .25 miles down access road (43.019908°N, 73.288145°W) Google Maps, there is another parking area further down the access road, as well
  • Located on Chestnut Hill Rd. at the southern border of the property (42.999472°N, 73.283782°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.

All users of Chestnut Woods 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 and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities at this time.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Northern Piedmont Unit Management Plan (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains 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

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Lodging and dining opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby Village of Cambridge.

Washington County Tourism Office and the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council 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 5 - Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain
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