State Land

Roosa Gap State Forest

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Map of Roosa Gap State Forest

The 680-acre Roosa Gap State Forest features one marked hiking trail that offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley. These features, in addition to its proximity to the village of Wurtsboro and neighboring state lands, make it an ideal destination for people looking for outdoor recreation.

Featured Activities

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

Roosa Gap State Forest features a section of trail that serves as a part of both the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (leaves DEC website) and the Long Path (leaves DEC website). In addition to this section, there are about 1.7 miles of unmarked multiple use trails that branch off from the Shawangunk Ridge Trail.

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, 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.

Roosa Gap 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.

Roosa Gap 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

  • Plank Road (Fire Tower Road) Parking Area, at the end of Plank Road: (41.616728°N, 74.425445°W) Google Maps 
  • Ferguson Road Parking Area: (41.6181218°N, 74.4342883°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 Roosa Gap 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

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

  • Lodging, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Wurtsboro and Ellenville.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Wurtsboro, Ellenville and Cragsmoor.

Sullivan County Visitors Association 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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