62 Forests to Explore in New York

The St. Regis Canoe Area, located in Franklin County, NY, is a protected wilderness area perfect for camping and canoeing. Established in 1895 by the Adirondack Park Commission, it covers over 13 square miles of lakes, rivers and streams with nearly 80 different campsites along its shorelines. Visitors will find an abundance of opportunity to explore nature with trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.

Schunnemunk State Park is a scenic and expansive state park,covering approximately 3,300 acres, the park offers a diverse array of outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.Schunnemunk State Park is characterized by its rugged terrain, including rocky ridges, lush forests, and expansive meadows. The park's most prominent feature is Schunnemunk Mountain, which rises to an elevation of over 1,600 feet.

Seward Mountain is a mountain located in Franklin County. It stands at an elevation of 2,637 feet and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and nearby lakes. The peak is accessible by road from Paul Smiths to the north and North Hudson to the south. A trail network provides access to numerous viewpoints and destinations on or near the mountain. Popular activities on the mountain include hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, and sightseeing.

The Shandaken Wild Forest is a designated forest preserve, covering an expansive area within the Catskill Mountains, it offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.The forest is home to a network of hiking trails that wind through its scenic landscapes, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. These trails cater to a variety of skill levels and interests, offering options for leisurely walks, challenging hikes.

Shindagin Hollow State Forest is a large and picturesque forest located in Tompkins County, New York. It is known for its diverse natural features, offering visitors a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities.Encompassing approximately 5,266 acres, Shindagin Hollow State Forest boasts a mix of hardwood and coniferous trees, creating a beautiful and serene environment for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The Siamese Ponds Wilderness is a vast and pristine wilderness area located in the southeastern Adirondack Park, spanning parts of Hamilton County and Warren County in New York. It is known for its untouched natural beauty, remote character, and diverse recreational opportunities.Encompassing approximately 114,010 acres, the Siamese Ponds Wilderness offers a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

The Silver Lake Wilderness is a beautiful and remote wilderness area located in the Adirondack Park, primarily within Hamilton County, New York. Spanning approximately 101,000 acres, it offers a pristine and rugged natural environment for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.The wilderness area is named after Silver Lake, a picturesque lake nestled within the region. Silver Lake serves as a focal point for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and paddling.

Stewart State Forest is a large state forest covering approximately 6,700 acres, it offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities and serves as an important natural resource for the region.The forest features an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and open fields. Visitors can explore the serene beauty of nature, enjoy birdwatching, and experience the changing seasons through the forest's scenic vistas.

Stony Brook State Park, is a picturesque and serene park known for its stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, the park offers visitors a delightful escape into the tranquility of nature.The park's main attraction is the dramatic gorge carved by Stony Brook, a scenic creek that flows through the area. Over thousands of years, the creek has formed captivating rock formations, waterfalls, and deep pools.

Taconic State Park – Rudd Pond Area is a beautiful outdoor retreat located in the Appalachian Mountains. It features a large pond, the Rudd Pond, that is perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and more. There are also many trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains from the park’s many scenic overlooks. The park also features a picnic area, campground, and other amenities for a perfect day outdoors.

This is a state park located southwest of Albany. The park has several hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the Green Mountains in Vermont and the Taconic Mountains of the Hudson Valley.

The Thain Family Forest is a serene oasis located in the Bronx, New York City. Situated in the heart of the Bronx, the park is a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Covering more than 15 acres of land, the park features a variety of trees, plants, and trails for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can also take advantage of the many recreational activities available, such as biking, fishing, and bird watching.

The Pine Hollow Arboretum is a stunning natural asset to the region. Located near the banks of the Hudson River, the arboretum is composed of over 400 acres of forests and meadows. Visitors can explore the park's extensive trails, take in breathtaking views of the Hudson River, and observe the native wildlife that lives in the area. The arboretum also houses a number of educational exhibits, including a beautiful butterfly garden, a bird-viewing platform, and a variety of educational programs.

Tifft Nature Preserve is a 264-acre nature preserve in Erie County, New York, owned and operated by Buffalo Audubon Society. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including beavers, foxes, great blue herons, and over 250 species of birds, including bald eagles. The preserve contains a variety of ecosystems, including marshland, woods, meadows, and ponds, as well as a 1.5-mile boardwalk which allows visitors to explore the wetlands and observe wildlife.

The Tongue Mountain Range Trails offer a spectacular hiking experience in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, USA. Located in Warren County, these trails traverse the Tongue Mountain Range, providing hikers with breathtaking vistas, diverse terrain, and a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.The Tongue Mountain Range consists of a series of peaks, ridges, and valleys that stretch along the eastern shore of Lake George.

Tug Hill State Forest is a vast natural area, encompassing a significant portion of the Tug Hill Plateau. This state forest is renowned for its pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and abundant recreational opportunities.Covering thousands of acres, Tug Hill State Forest offers visitors an array of outdoor activities throughout the year. The forest is crisscrossed by an extensive trail network, making it a paradise for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

Utsayantha Mountain is a classic Catskills mountain located in Delaware County, New York. It is part of the Catskill Mountains, a series of peaks that has inspired artists and writers for generations. The mountain stands tall at 1,620 feet and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, which includes a wide range of wildlife, birds, and amphibians.

The Van Hoevenberg Trail in Essex County is a great destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail follows the Ausable River and takes visitors through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Adirondack Mountains. Along the way, there are several points of interest including three waterfalls, two suspension bridges, and numerous scenic vistas. For those who prefer to take things a bit slower, there are plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls through the woods.

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge is a significant and ecologically diverse protected area located in Suffolk County, New York, USA. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge is part of the larger Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.Encompassing approximately 2,550 acres, the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge includes a variety of habitats, such as salt marshes, tidal flats, woodlands, and freshwater ponds.

The West Canada Lake Wilderness is a vast and rugged wilderness area located in the Adirondack Park, primarily within Hamilton County, New York. Spanning approximately 118,000 acres, it is one of the largest and most remote wilderness areas in the state. Known for its pristine lakes, dense forests, and challenging terrain, the West Canada Lake Wilderness attracts outdoor enthusiasts seeking a true wilderness experience.