Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area

• 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: Towns of Pleasant Valley and LaGrange, Dutchess County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3G
• Map: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 917-acre Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area is one of the largest state forests in Dutchess County. Most trails on this property allow multiple uses, making the area very popular with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. Please be respectful of all users.

Directions

• Tyrrel Road parking area, 4 car capacity (41.746713°N, 73.760244°W) Google Maps 
• Taconic State Parkway parking area, 4 car capacity (41.741030°N, 73.773220°W) Google Maps 
• Brockway Road parking area, adjacent to 2 designated campsites (41.744361°N, 73.760442°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 Taconic-Hereford 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, 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 unit management plan (UMP) 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 & 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 & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Wassaic Multiple Use Area
• West Mountain State Forest
• Depot Hill Multiple Use Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Dining opportunities and lodging, as well as gas, food and other supplies, may be found in the nearby communities of Millbrook, Pleasant Valley, Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie.

Dutchess 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.