Are you looking for a tranquil and picturesque escape in upstate New York? You might want to check out Vernooy Kill State Forest. This 3,686-acre forest is situated outside the boundary of Catskill Park, but it has plenty of natural beauty and outdoor recreation options. In this blog post, we will share some information and tips on how to make the most of your visit to this hidden gem.

What is Vernooy Kill State Forest?

Vernooy Kill State Forest is named after the Vernooy Kill, a stream that joins the Rondout Creek and runs through the forest. The forest was created in 1935 as part of the state’s reforestation program, and it is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) . The forest is mainly composed of hardwoods, such as oak, maple, birch, and ash, with some conifers, such as pine and hemlock. The forest hosts a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, turkeys, grouse, and pheasants .

What can you do at Vernooy Kill State Forest?

Vernooy Kill State Forest is open for recreation all year round, and there is no fee to enter or use the forest . However, there are no designated trails or facilities on the property, so you will need to be prepared and self-reliant. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy at the forest:

• Hiking: You can explore the forest on foot, but you will need to use a map and compass or a GPS device to navigate. There are no marked trails, but you can follow old logging roads or natural features, such as streams or ridges. You can also hike along the Vernooy Kill, which has some waterfalls and pools that are popular for swimming in the summer. Be aware that some parts of the forest are steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing.
• Camping: You can camp anywhere in the forest, as long as you follow the DEC’s rules for primitive camping . You must camp at least 150 feet away from any road, trail, or water body, and you must not camp for more than three nights or in groups of more than 10 people without a permit from a Forest Ranger. You must also practice Leave No Trace principles , which means packing out all your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment. You will need to bring your own water and food, as well as a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping gear. You can also have a campfire, but only use dead and down wood and keep it small and contained.
• Hunting: Hunting is the main recreational use of the forest , and it is allowed during the appropriate seasons and with the proper licenses and permits. You can hunt for big game, such as deer and bear, or small game, such as rabbits, squirrels, grouse, and turkeys. The DEC also stocks pheasants in the fall to increase the hunting opportunities . You can also trap for furbearers, such as coyote, bobcat, raccoon, fox, mink, and fisher . Be sure to follow all the hunting and trapping regulations and safety tips , and respect other users of the forest.
• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: In the winter, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski on the forest roads or make your own tracks through the snow-covered woods. There are no groomed or maintained trails for these activities , so you will need to have adequate equipment and skills. You will also need to check the weather conditions before you go , as snow depth and temperature can vary widely in the forest.

How to get to Vernooy Kill State Forest?

Vernooy Kill State Forest is located in Ulster County, in the towns of Wawarsing and Rochester. The forest can be accessed from Lundy Road , which is off Route 209 near Kerhonkson. There are no designated parking lots on the forest , but you can park along the road shoulder where it is safe and legal. You can also use Google Maps or DECinfo Locator to find directions to the forest.

Conclusion

Vernooy Kill State Forest is a great place to experience nature and solitude in upstate New York. Whether you want to hike, camp, hunt, or just relax by the stream, you will find something to suit your interests at this forest. However, you will also need to be responsible and respectful when visiting this forest, as it is a public and natural resource that needs to be protected and shared. We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and tips on how to enjoy your visit to Vernooy Kill State Forest. Happy trails!