Stewart State Forest

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

Be sure to visit the new Great Swamp boardwalk and trail on the island. The new boardwalk connects the east and west sides of the Great Swamp and makes some nice hiking loops possible.

Directions to the new boardwalk: From Ridge Road parking lot: Head south on Maple Ave., after about 1.4 miles, there will be a sign on the right for the Great Swamp walkway. Turn right and continue a half mile to the boardwalk. Horseback riders will find a place to tie up their horses before the entrance to the boardwalk.

You can also reach the west side of the boardwalk via the Schofield Lane Trail, head south on the trail, there will be a spur trail heading off to the left. Total distance is less than three miles. There is a hitching post on the west side of the boardwalk as well.

Note: Those who need to drive to the parking lot at the east end of the boardwalk will need a permit through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). The permit is free. When your permit application is approved, you will receive the combination to the locked gate on Maple Rd.

Unless specifically posted as foot trails, all trails on the property are multiple use trails.

Purchase a Trail Supporter Patch to provide funding for maintenance of trails and related facilities.

Recreational Trails

The trails on the map are identified by letter.

• Maple Avenue to Weed Road travels through meadows, old farm woodlands and fields. (1.3 miles)
• New Road to Barron Road South travels through farm fields, woods and 2 ponds. (2.9 miles)
• New Road to Barron Road North travels through dry woods, cedars, pines and under power lines. (1.3 miles)
• Orlando to Barron Road travels through wetlands, moist woods and under power lines. (1.3 miles)
• Pittman-Robertson Pond Road travels along a one-lane farm road, fields, a pond and through woods. (1.0 miles)
• Windsor Woods to Ridge Road travels along an old road through woods. Seasonal flooding. (1.2 miles)
• Windsor Woods to New Road travels through deep woods and hemlocks. (2.0 miles)
• Scofield Lane Trail travels through disturbed woods and on a ridge above a swamp. (2.0 miles)
• Raincoat Factory/Lindsay Road Loop travels through woods, fields and near 2 ponds. (1.4 miles)
• Restoration Pond and Beaver Pond Farm Lane is for vehicles by permit. (0.8 mile)
• Buchanan Hill Trail includes the highest point in this forest at 658 feet and travels through fields and forest with views and a pond. (1.8 miles)
• Armstrong Lane wetland and farm trail travels through a wetland and former farm woods. (0.5 mile)

General information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Stewart State Forest features seven larger ponds and many smaller ones for fishing. The deepest are 6-acre Whalenburgh Pond, 3-acre Wilkens Pond, and 2-acre Rowes Pond. The smaller ponds offer warm water fishing for bass, sunfish, shiner, bullhead and perch, with a larger selection at Tenny's, including eel, carp, crappie and pickerel. New York State fishing regulations apply. Electric or non-motorized vessels only.

Wildlife Management Unit: 3M

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

Stewart State Forest is one of the most popular hunting destinations in the state. Each year, thousands of sportsmen and women flock to Stewart to take advantage of its diverse habitats and abundant game populations. White-tailed deer and ringnecked pheasants are the most commonly pursued game species at Stewart. However, the area also provides high-quality turkey, waterfowl, rabbit, squirrel, and furbearer hunting.

Please be aware from September 14-22, Stewart State Forest will be open for the Antlerless Firearms Deer Season. Please review our deer hunting season webpage for the latest information on season dates.

During this time hunters are limited to parking at one of the exterior parking areas, the interior road system remains closed to motor vehicle access. Hunters are reminded that shooting from or across any of the interior motor vehicle roads on Stewart State Forest is prohibited. Rifles are not allowed on Stewart. Only licensed trappers may possess a 22 caliber handgun, otherwise the possession of handguns is prohibited on Stewart State Forest. Dog training and trial events are scheduled during this time. All hunters are strongly encouraged to review posted map locations for scheduled dog events at one of the following parking area kiosks: Ridge Road, Weed Road, North and South Barron roads.

View Hunting Information in brochure format (PDF)

Access to Stewart State Forest for the Fall Hunting Seasons

Stewart State Forest is open to the public during the small game and special big game (archery and muzzleloader) hunting seasons. However, access during the Regular Big Game Season is restricted to licensed hunters and trappers for the purpose of hunting and trapping. Licensed hunters and trappers can gain vehicular access to the interior road network and internal parking areas through the Weed Road gate from October 1 through December 31 between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset (road and weather conditions permitting). Vehicle access to the interior of the area is also permitted for participants in the statewide youth pheasant hunting weekend (the weekend immediately preceding October 1). All other users are prohibited from accessing the property by motor vehicle unless permitted by the Department and must park in an exterior parking area.

The Department and Orange County Federation of Sportsmen host an annual Youth Hunting Day on the Saturday of the statewide youth pheasant hunting weekend in September. Youth participants must be 12-15 years old.

Reservations for the Regular Big Game Hunting Season

Reservations are required for the first two days (Saturday and Sunday) of the Regular Big Game season. To make a reservation, call Tuesday, 11 days before opening day, beginning at 8:30 AM. Only one reservation will be accepted per phone call. The telephone number to make a reservation is (845) 256-3095.

DEC staff will be at the hunter check station on Weed Road one hour before sunrise to check in hunters on mornings when reservations are required. Hunters must claim their reservations by 7:00 AM. Unclaimed reservations may be reassigned after that time. Vacating a parking area after 8:00 AM will result in forfeiture of a party's reservation for the remainder of the day.

Special Hunting Regulations for Stewart State Forest

Certain regulations pertain specifically to Stewart State Forest (§190.34 Stewart State Forest) (leaves DEC website).

1. No person shall possess or discharge a rifle or handgun on the property, with the exception of .22 caliber rimfire handguns. (Muzzleloading firearms are not defined as rifles and may be used during the Regular Big Game and Muzzleloading hunting seasons.)
2. Camping is by permit only and limited to designated sites. The permit must be obtained prior to set-up. Camping is prohibited from the first day of the early bowhunting season in the Southern Zone to the last day of the late muzzleloading and bowhunting season in the Southern Zone.
3. No person shall kindle, build, maintain or use a fire except by permit from the Department.
4. No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the property, except:
   1. Persons possessing a permit for such use from the Department; or
   2. Licensed hunters and trappers entering the area between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset for the purpose of hunting or trapping from October 1 to December 31, except when unsafe conditions prohibit such access; or
   3. Adults accompanying youth pheasant hunters participating in the statewide youth pheasant hunt.
5. From October 1 to December 31:
   1. Any person hunting must park their motor vehicle in a designated parking area and only then if the parking quota for that parking area is not filled. (The parking quota for all designated hunter parking areas is one (1) vehicle. Designated hunter parking areas are numbered on the Hunting Map (reverse side) and are marked in the field with orange signs and number discs.)
   2. Hunters shall hunt only on the same side of the road as their vehicles are parked.
   3. Crossing of roads while hunting is prohibited.
   4. No person shall hunt or trespass in areas posted as restricted areas, except as permitted by the Department. (These areas are reserved for hunters with disabilities who have been issued a "Non-Ambulatory Hunter Permit.")
6. No person shall enter Stewart State Forest during the Regular Hunting Season for deer as provided by Environmental Conservation Law section 11-0907, except for licensed hunters and trappers for the purpose of hunting or trapping or by permit from the Department.
7. No person shall enter Stewart State Forest during the first two days of the Regular Hunting Season for deer without obtaining a reservation from the Department prior to entrance.

Nighttime Furbearer Hunting

Nighttime furbearer hunting is allowed in season. Night hunters, however, are prohibited from accessing the interior of the area by motor vehicle and must park in one of the peripheral parking areas.

Hunting Opportunities from January 1 to September 30

Hunting for all species is allowed in season; however, vehicle access to the interior area is prohibited. Hunters and trappers must park in one of the peripheral parking areas and access the area on foot, bicycle, horse or snowmobile. Special permits are available for people with disabilities to access the area with a motor vehicle. See Rules and Regulations section for more information.

Wildlife Management Unit: 3M

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

Stewart State Forest is one of the most popular hunting destinations in the state. Each year, thousands of sportsmen and women flock to Stewart to take advantage of its diverse habitats and abundant game populations. White-tailed deer and ringnecked pheasants are the most commonly pursued game species at Stewart. However, the area also provides high-quality turkey, waterfowl, rabbit, squirrel, and furbearer hunting.

Please be aware from September 9-17th, Stewart State Forest will be open for the Antlerless Firearms Deer Season. Please review our deer hunting season webpage for the latest information on season dates.

During this time hunters are limited to parking at one of the exterior parking areas, the interior road system remains closed to motor vehicle access. Hunters are reminded that shooting from or across any of the interior motor vehicle roads on Stewart State Forest is prohibited. Rifles are not allowed on Stewart. Only licensed trappers may possess a 22 caliber handgun, otherwise the possession of handguns is prohibited on Stewart State Forest. Dog training and trial events are scheduled during this time. All hunters are strongly encouraged to review posted map locations for scheduled dog events at one of the following parking area kiosks: Ridge Road, Weed Road, North and South Barron roads.

Trapping is allowed in season. Trappers may access the area by motor vehicle from October 1 to December 31 between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset. Trappers must not park in designated hunter parking areas.

View Hunting Information in brochure format (PDF)

Access to Stewart State Forest for the Fall Hunting Seasons

Stewart State Forest is open to the public during the small game and special big game (archery and muzzleloader) hunting seasons. However, access during the Regular Big Game Season is restricted to licensed hunters and trappers for the purpose of hunting and trapping. Licensed hunters and trappers can gain vehicular access to the interior road network and internal parking areas through the Weed Road gate from October 1 through December 31 between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset (road and weather conditions permitting). Vehicle access to the interior of the area is also permitted for participants in the statewide youth pheasant hunting weekend (the weekend immediately preceding October 1). All other users are prohibited from accessing the property by motor vehicle unless permitted by the Department and must park in an exterior parking area.

The Department and Orange County Federation of Sportsmen host an annual Youth Hunting Day on the Saturday of the statewide youth pheasant hunting weekend in September. Youth participants must be 12-15 years old.

Reservations for the Regular Big Game Hunting Season

Reservations are required for the first two days (Saturday and Sunday) of the Regular Big Game season. To make a reservation, call Tuesday, 11 days before opening day, beginning at 8:30 AM. Only one reservation will be accepted per phone call. The telephone number to make a reservation is (845) 256-3095.

DEC staff will be at the hunter check station on Weed Road one hour before sunrise to check in hunters on mornings when reservations are required. Hunters must claim their reservations by 7:00 AM. Unclaimed reservations may be reassigned after that time. Vacating a parking area after 8:00 AM will result in forfeiture of a party's reservation for the remainder of the day.

Special Hunting Regulations for Stewart State Forest

Certain regulations pertain specifically to Stewart State Forest (§190.34 Stewart State Forest) (leaves DEC website).

1. No person shall possess or discharge a rifle or handgun on the property, with the exception of .22 caliber rimfire handguns. (Muzzleloading firearms are not defined as rifles and may be used during the Regular Big Game and Muzzleloading hunting seasons.)
2. Camping is by permit only and limited to designated sites. The permit must be obtained prior to set-up. Camping is prohibited from the first day of the early bowhunting season in the Southern Zone to the last day of the late muzzleloading and bowhunting season in the Southern Zone.
3. No person shall kindle, build, maintain or use a fire except by permit from the Department.
4. No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the property, except:
   1. Persons possessing a permit for such use from the Department; or
   2. Licensed hunters and trappers entering the area between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset for the purpose of hunting or trapping from October 1 to December 31, except when unsafe conditions prohibit such access; or
   3. Adults accompanying youth pheasant hunters participating in the statewide youth pheasant hunt.
5. From October 1 to December 31:
   1. Any person hunting must park their motor vehicle in a designated parking area and only then if the parking quota for that parking area is not filled. (The parking quota for all designated hunter parking areas is one (1) vehicle. Designated hunter parking areas are numbered on the Hunting Map (reverse side) and are marked in the field with orange signs and number discs.)
   2. Hunters shall hunt only on the same side of the road as their vehicles are parked.
   3. Crossing of roads while hunting is prohibited.
   4. No person shall hunt or trespass in areas posted as restricted areas, except as permitted by the Department. (These areas are reserved for hunters with disabilities who have been issued a "Non-Ambulatory Hunter Permit.")
6. No person shall enter Stewart State Forest during the Regular Hunting Season for deer as provided by Environmental Conservation Law section 11-0907, except for licensed hunters and trappers for the purpose of hunting or trapping or by permit from the Department.
7. No person shall enter Stewart State Forest during the first two days of the Regular Hunting Season for deer without obtaining a reservation from the Department prior to entrance.

Nighttime Furbearer Hunting

Nighttime furbearer hunting is allowed in season. Night hunters, however, are prohibited from accessing the interior of the area by motor vehicle and must park in one of the peripheral parking areas.

Hunting Opportunities from January 1 to September 30

Hunting for all species is allowed in season; however, vehicle access to the interior area is prohibited. Hunters and trappers must park in one of the peripheral parking areas and access the area on foot, bicycle, horse or snowmobile. Special permits are available for people with disabilities to access the area with a motor vehicle. See Rules and Regulations section for more information.

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

Camping is only allowed by permit in specially designated group camping areas. Required camping permits are issued by Forest Rangers: (845) 256-3026. The permit must be obtained at least two weeks prior to set-up. Camping is prohibited from the first day of the early bowhunting season in the Southern Zone to the last day of the late muzzleloading and bowhunting season in the Southern Zone.

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

Horses are allowed on all public roads and trails except the Orchard Trail, Beaver Pond Trail, Rock Wall Trail and the boardwalk over Great Swamp. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.

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

Cross-county skiing is permitted on the more than 22 miles of major trails that allow hiking.

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

Snowshoeing is permitted on the more than 22 miles of major trails that allow hiking.

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

Snowmobiles are only permitted on trails designated and marked by the department as a "Snowmobile Trail" and only when the trail is completely covered with snow and/or ice; and on frozen lakes and ponds when access to same may be gained by public highways lawfully designated for snowmobile use, or by trails designated and marked by the department as a "Snowmobile Trail".

General information on watchable wildlife includes tips for viewing wildlife and links to other watchable wildlife locations.

Stewart State Forest is a New York State Watchable Wildlife site and is a one-of-a-kind place for animals needing transitional habitats - birds and butterflies that love grasslands and bushes, turtles and snakes that love open sandy fields, and frogs and salamanders that love small wetlands surrounded by woods and fields.

Wildlife to Watch

• Wild turkeys
• White-tailed deer
• Coyotes
• Bobcats
• Great blue herons
• Pied-billed grebes
• Blue-winged warblers
• American woodcock
• Hawks
• Jefferson, blue-spotted and marbled salamanders

Where to Watch

• 18 miles of trails and gravel roads
• Fields and meadows attract many songbirds
• Seven larger ponds and many smaller ones, including the 6-acre Whalenburgh Pond, 3-acre Wilkens Pond, and 2-acre Rowes Pond