White Pond 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: Town of Kent, Putnam County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3N
• Map: White Pond Multiple Use Area Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 263-acre White Pond Multiple Use Area (MUA) includes the 129-acre White Pond. This property was previously a New York City reservoir and was transferred to State ownership. An old stone sluiceway runs from the dam toward the middle of the pond. Bass and sunfish often gather along the stones. The pond itself can become weedy in summer and large stones are submerged in piles along the roadside edge.

DEC has implemented special regulations for the White Pond Multiple Use Area - please view them before your visit.

Accessible Features

From the White Pond Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Fishing/viewing platform

The fishing pier is 230 feet from the parking area.

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

Parking area on White Pond Road with access to a hand boat launch and accessible fishing pier (41.499207°N, 73.729247°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 White Pond MUA 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, snowmobiling, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Special Regulations

DEC has implemented special regulations for the White Pond Multiple Use Area. The following are prohibited in all areas,

• Launching a boat in any area other than in designated access sites;
• Parking a vehicle in any area other than in designated locations;
• Parking a vehicle in any area unless the person is fishing in the area;
• Mooring a boat overnight, or beaching a boat in any area except under permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation;
• Camping or picnicking in any area;
• Building, maintaining or using a fire in any area; or
• Depositing garbage, trash, or sewage in any area other than in receptacles provided for such purposes.
• Swimming is prohibited in Harwood Lake, Case Lake, New Albion Lake and Allen Lake.
• No person may use a fuel power driven water conveyance of any kind in White Pond, Harwood Lake, Case Lake, New Albion Lake or Allen Lake. The use of electric motors, however, is permitted.

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

• Big Buck Multiple Use Area
• Nimham Mountain Multiple Use Area
• California Hill State Forest
• Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park 

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food and other supplies, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Fishkill, Mahopac, Hopewell Junction and Carmel.

Putnam 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.