Montrose Point State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3076; [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 Cortlandt, Westchester County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3S
• Map: Montrose Point State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 51-acre Montrose Point State Forest is managed cooperatively with Westchester County Parks, which oversees the maintenance on the property. A brick factory was once on the site and the area was heavily mined for the raw materials for this industry, leading to the rolling nature of the topography. Walk the trails to visit the "brick beach," where hundreds of bricks were discarded, and take in scenic vistas of the Hudson River Valley.

Directions

• Montrose Point Parking area (41.249122°N, 73.948660°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 Montrose Point 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

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.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain 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

• Croton Gorge Unique Area
• Salt Hill State Forest
• Harriman State Park

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Montrose, Peekskill, Croton-on-Hudson and Ossining.
• Dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Peekskill, Verplanck, Montrose and Ossining.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Croton-on-Hudson and Peekskill.

Westchester 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.