62 Forests to Explore in New York

Allen Lake State Forest is a stunning natural area located in Allegany County, New York. The forest is comprised of 8,000 acres of evergreen and hardwood trees, meandering waterways, rugged hills, and lush meadows. Its main feature is the pristine Allen Lake, a crystal-clear lake that measures up to 4.1 miles in length.

Amherst State Park is located in Erie County, New York. The park offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking and biking trails, fishing, picnicking areas, playgrounds, nature programs and more. There are also several historic sites located within the park boundaries such as an old mill site and a Native American fortification. The park also offers cabins and campsites for overnight stays, as well as canoe and kayak rentals.

The Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest is located in Delaware County, New York and boasts a variety of outdoor activities for adventurers of all ages. Visitors can explore two designated trails that lead to a variety of scenic views, as well as an interpretive center that provides educational information about the area. The area also features two primitive campgrounds, perfect for those looking to enjoy an overnight stay in the wilderness.

The Basha Kill Wildlife Refuge is a picturesque and ecologically significant conservation area located in Sullivan County, New York, USA. Situated in the Shawangunk Ridge region, this vast wetland preserve covers approximately 3,000 acres and is home to diverse and unique plant and animal species.The refuge is centered around the Basha Kill, a large and shallow wetland that provides essential habitat for various migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife.

Bear Mountain State Park, located in Rockland County, New York, is a sprawling natural paradise that offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and stunning vistas. Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, the park is a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, picnickers, and families looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Hudson Valley region.

Beaudry Park in Cortland is an incredible place to explore the beauty of the Finger Lakes region. This park is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, and more. Beaudry Park has over 300 acres of rolling hills, lush woodlands, and tranquil lakes, offering plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery. The park has multiple camping sites with amenities and an on-site store, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or extended stay.

Beebe Hill State Forest in Columbia County, New York is a popular destination for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. Situated in the Hudson Valley region, the 8,000-acre forest offers a diverse landscape of mountain ridges, lush woodlands, and winding creeks. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife such as bald eagles, deer, black bear, turkey, grouse, and the elusive bobcat. It also features a number of scenic trails.

Boutwell Hill State Forest with over 1,200 acres of land to explore, visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and even hunting during the designated seasons. The forest is home to a variety of species, including white-tailed deer and wild turkey. If you're lucky, you might even spot a black bear or two! But let's be real - the real highlight of Boutwell Hill State Forest is the stunning views. From the top of the hill, visitors can gaze out at the breathtaking panorama of the New York.

The Congo Gorilla Forest is located in the Bronx, New York and is the largest indoor habitat of its kind in the United States. This stunning habitat is home to western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and a variety of other species. Visitors can explore the lush, green rainforest-like environment, and view the animals in their natural habitat from the comfort of an observation deck.

Cornell Mountain is a prominent peak, within the Catskill Mountains. It is part of the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area and is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking stunning views and a challenging hike.The mountain is named after Thomas Cornell, an early settler in the area, and it offers hikers a rewarding and strenuous trek to its summit. The most popular trail to Cornell Mountain is the Burroughs Range Trail, which is approximately 10.4 miles round trip.

The Delaware Wild Forest is a 28,000-acre parcel of largely undeveloped land located in the Catskill Mountains of Delaware County, New York. The forest is home to a diverse array of wildlife including black bear, white-tailed deer, bobcat, coyote, ruffed grouse, and turkey. There are over 40 miles of maintained trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area’s rugged beauty.

Fahnestock State Park, also known as Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, is a pristine and expansive park located in Putnam County, New York. Encompassing over 14,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes, the park offers a wide array of outdoor activities and natural wonders, making it a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Ferncliff Forest in Duchess County is a forest that spans over 1000 acres and is the largest and oldest remaining tract of old growth forest in the Hudson Valley. It is home to many species of animals, including owls, woodpeckers, coyotes, and deer, and various endangered plants. It is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and boating and also provides access to the Hudson River.

Finger Lakes National Forest, located in Schuyler County, New York, is a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region. While not a traditional national park, it is one of only two national forests in the state and offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and natural beauty for visitors to explore.Encompassing over 16,000 acres, the Finger Lakes National Forest features a mix of woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, providing a unique and varied landscape.

The Five Ponds Wilderness, is a vast and pristine wilderness area within the Adirondack Park. Spanning over 118,000 acres, it offers a true backcountry experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.The Five Ponds Wilderness is characterized by its rugged terrain, dense forests, numerous lakes, and meandering rivers. It is a paradise for hikers, backpackers, and wilderness explorers, providing a range of outdoor activities and opportunities to immerse oneself in the natural beauty.

The tenth-largest park in New York City and the third-largest in Queens. The park contains 165 acres of trees, including the largest continuous oak forest. Some trees are more than a century and a half old. The park sits on hills left behind by the Wisconsin glacier and is a haven for native plants and wildlife in the midst of the city's sprawl.

Frost Valley YMCA is a prominent and expansive year-round camp and retreat center located in Ulster. Nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley YMCA offers a diverse range of programs and activities for individuals, families, and groups of all ages.As a well-established YMCA facility, Frost Valley is known for providing enriching and educational experiences focused on fostering personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

Goosepond Mountain State Park is a scenic state park covering approximately 1,558 acres, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.The park is characterized by its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque ponds, providing a serene and tranquil environment for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is particularly known for its hiking trails, which offer opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes.

Hammond Hill State Forest is a natural area located in the state of New York, USA. It is situated in the town of Dryden, within Tompkins County. The state forest covers approximately 3,600 acres and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities and opportunities for nature enthusiasts.Visitors to Hammond Hill State Forest can enjoy hiking and walking along numerous trails that wind through the wooded areas, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail (HVRT) is a multi-use, shared-use path in the greater Columbia County region of New York. It passes through the towns of Ancram, Copake, Hillsdale, Pine Plains and Milan, as well as connecting to the Doansburg Rail Trail. The trail follows the course of the Harlem Valley Railroad, a historic railway line that operated from 1851 to 1970. The trail is a 9.3 mile long route, providing a scenic and enjoyable experience for hikers, cyclists, equestrians and others.