State Land

Taconic Ridge State Forest

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Taconic Ridge State Forest is made up of two separate reforestation areas totaling 3,834 acres. These parcels were established in the 1990s and interconnect with easements purchased on adjoining lands to increase the recreational opportunities on the Taconic Ridge. The Taconic Crest Trail is one of the main features running through the property. The state forest is managed for multiple uses, including timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation.

 

Featured Activities

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

The Taconic Crest Trail (leaves DEC website) runs 35 miles along the New York, Vermont and Massachusetts border, with a maximum elevation of almost 3,000 feet at Berlin Mountain. A popular section of the trail begins in Petersburg, New York and leads to the popular "snow hole," a cave-like crevice where snow is often found even in summer. Approximately 32 miles of trails, including the Taconic Crest Trail, run through the Taconic Ridge State Forest. There are also two miles of roads throughout the state forest.

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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4L

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

Hunting is allowed in Taconic Ridge State Forest during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4L

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

Trapping is allowed in Taconic Ridge State Forest during appropriate seasons.

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

Directions

There are many ways to access the Taconic Ridge State Forest.

  • Northern most parking area on State Route 346, east of State Route 22. (42.809585°N,73.288713°W) Google Maps 
  • Parking area on Prosser Hollow Road, east of State Route 22. (42.792073°N, 73.316889°W) Google Maps 
  • Parking area on State Route 2, east of Petersburg, provides access to the north and south. (42.723333°N, 73.277844°W) Google Maps 
  • Parking area at the end of Greene Hollow Road, also east of State Route 22. (42.706333°N, 73.311884°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 Ridge 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

  • Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowmobiling and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.
  • Please be aware that the only public access to the adjacent conservation easements is limited to the designated and marked trails. Please do not leave the trails and respect private property.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a recreation management plan which will describe the management activities for public recreation on these lands.

If you have questions 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 Stephentown, Berlin and Hoosick Falls.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Hoosick Falls.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Stephentown and Hoosick Falls.

Rensselaer 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.

Contact for this Page

DEC Region 4
1130 N. Westcott Rd
Schenectady, NY 12306

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Region 4 - Capital Region/Northern Catskills
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