State Land

Lost Valley State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

The 748-acre Lost Valley State Forest features snowmobile trails, as well as hunting and trapping opportunities. The state forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation.

 

Featured Activities

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.

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

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the tributary to the Schoharie Creek, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map).

East-Central 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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4A

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

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4A

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

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons.

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

Lost Valley State Forest features two miles of snowmobile trails. These trails are maintained by the
Frontier Sno Riders through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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

Portions of the Lost Valley State Forest provide a habitat of significance as a deer wintering area. Historically, the Burtonsville area along the Schoharie Creek and valley has been an important deer wintering area.

Directions

There are no designated parking areas on Lost Valley State Forest. Roadside parking is available. The state forest can be accessed from Goewey Road.

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 Lost Valley 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.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Charleston Unit Management Plan. 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 [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 Amsterdam, Esperance, Fultonville and Sloansville.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Amsterdam and Esperance.
  • Lodging and dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Amsterdam and Fultonville.

Montgomery 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.

This Page Covers
Region 4 - Capital Region/Northern Catskills
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