State Land

Huckleberry Ridge State Forest

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Map of Hucklebery Ridge State Forest

The 1,450-acre Huckleberry Ridge State Forest consists of 11 segmented parcels of land. It features hiking trails that cross between the different parcels and give spectacular views of the Neversink River Valley, including sections of the 71-mile Shawangunk Ridge Trail and the 356-mile Long Path. These features, in addition to its proximity to the city of Port Jervis, make this a popular destination for hikers as well as anyone looking to enjoy outdoor recreation.

Featured Activities

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

Huckleberry Ridge State Forest features portions of both the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (leaves DEC website) and the Long Path (leaves DEC website), which provide opportunities for hiking and other kinds of recreation. Several smaller trails also cross the unit. Some of the marked trails cross private land and are maintained under an agreement between the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference (leaves DEC website) and the private landowner. Please be considerate of these property owners and our neighbors.

  • Minisink Trail - 3.2 miles
  • Lenape Ridge Trail - 4.3 miles
  • White Trail - 1.4 miles
  • Shawangunk Ridge Trail - almost 7 miles cross the unit
  • Long Path - approximately 1-mile crosses the unit

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

There are no designated campsites on this state forest 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: 3M

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: 3M

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, but trappers won't find very many aquatic furbearers such as beaver or muskrat.

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is open to cross-country skiing in the winter. There are no groomed or maintained trails, however cross-country skiing is permitted on all hiking trails.

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

Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is open to snowshoeing in the winter. There are no groomed or maintained trails, however snowshoeing is permitted on all hiking trails.

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

A variety of wildlife can be found within the unit. In addition to the notable game species such as small game, turkey, deer, bear, fisher, bobcat, and coyote, various birds may be found. These include common raven, bald eagle, osprey, warblers, owls, flycatchers, hawks, and other songbirds, plus at-risk species such as peregrine falcon, Cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, and golden-winged warbler. Reptiles and amphibians that may be found include a variety of turtles, snakes, salamanders, frogs and toads, plus the at-risk timber rattlesnake, marbled salamander, Jefferson salamander, wood turtle and eastern box turtle.

Directions

  • Raymond Drive Parking Area (41.378494°N, 74.624696°W) Google Maps 
  • Greenville Turnpike Parking Area (41.359123°N, 74.647914°W) Google Maps 
  • NYS Rte 6 Parking Area (41.366°N, 74.655°W) Google Maps 
  • Old Greenville Turnpike Parking Area (41.358279°N, 74.677055°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 Huckleberry Ridge 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.

Site Specific Rules

Snowmobiling, mountain biking 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 the Shawangunk Ridge Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF, 10MB) which describes the management activities for these lands. 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

  • Dining and lodging opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby community of Port Jervis.

Orange 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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