- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 4 Schenectady Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (518) 357-2155; [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: Town of Duanesburg, Schenectady County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4A
- Map: Featherstonhaugh State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 697-acre Featherstonhaugh State Forest features designated backcountry cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails and a 38-acre warm water lake for fishing and paddling. The property is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and recreation. This state forest was named after George W. Featherstonhaugh, a British gentleman who moved to the area and married Sarah Duane, the youngest daughter of James Duane, the patron of Duanesburg. Featherstonhaugh practiced scientific farming, crop rotation, held county fairs with agricultural competitions and served as the first US geologist and agricultural commissioner. He is also considered the father of the steam railroad.