Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest
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Park Overview:
Stunning views from a section of the Shawangunk Ridge with wildly beautiful areas along co-aligned long-distance trails.
Park Description:
Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest
When traveling north along Route 17, ten miles or so beyond Middletown, the roadway dips downward near Bloomingburg. Rising immediately ahead is the imposing Shawangunk Mountain range. The Shawangunk Ridge runs atop it through Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest, Roosa Gap State Forest, and Shawangunk Ridge State Forest. The next 10 miles along the ridge top are among the most spectacular in New York State with open views of the Catskills looming in the distance, and views all the way back to High Point, New Jersey.
Trails Overview:
It is impossible to describe Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest without referring to two great long-distance trails, which are co-aligned here. The Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT) provides a hiking opportunity that runs for about 70 miles along the length of the ridge from High Point State Park in northwest New Jersey to Rosendale, NY. The Long Path (LP) runs for 356 miles from New York City to Thacher State Park near Albany, New York.
The web trail map linked near the top of the page shows the combined trails form a backbone through the state forest, with trailheads at its southern and northern ends (see driving directions). Click for a description pointing out prominent features while hiking this rugged, roughly 4-mile section of the Long Path. Scroll down to “Trail Description,” begin reading at Mile 6.25 (VFW Road Trailhead) and end at Mile 10.20 (Ferguson Road Trailhead).
The abandoned railroad bed shown on the web trail map (dotted line), maintained by Trail Conference volunteers, is open to the public. Returning on the D&H Canal Linear Park, which hews closely to the state forest boundary for much of its distance, makes a loop hike possible.
Back in the mid-80s the Town of Wurtsboro had approved and pushed hard for a condo development on top of the ridge. The Open Space Institute ultimately prevented the effort, and what remains is an abandoned road network of “development trails” scattered throughout the forest, constructed in preparation of the (fortunately) thwarted project.
Click for a detailed description of a strenuous 10-mile linear hike along the SRT/LP coming from the north through Shawangunk Ridge and Roosa Gap state forests to the southern end of Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest.
Park Acreage:
1139.00 acresMunicipality:
WurtsboroStunning views from a section of the Shawangunk Ridge with wildly beautiful areas along co-aligned long-distance trails.
Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest
When traveling north along Route 17, ten miles or so beyond Middletown, the roadway dips downward near Bloomingburg. Rising immediately ahead is the imposing Shawangunk Mountain range. The Shawangunk Ridge runs atop it through Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest, Roosa Gap State Forest, and...
Park Acreage:
1139.00 acresMunicipality:
WurtsboroContact Information
Web Link:
Department of Environmental Conservation, Region 3Phone:
(845) 357-2161Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Dogs on leash
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Southern end (VFW Road): Take N.Y. Route 17 west to Exit 114 (Wurtsboro, Highview). Turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto Old Route 17 (County Route 171) and continue downhill for 0.7 mile. As the road makes a hairpin turn to the left, turn right onto a gravel road which leads to a VFW post. Approximate GPS: 41.57695, -74.46533.
Northern end (Ferguson Road): As above, take N.Y. Route 17 west to Exit 114, but turn right at the end exit ramp onto Old Route 17 (County Route 171). Take the first left (in roughly 0.4 mile) onto Shawanga Lodge Road, continue for about 3 miles just past Pickles Road on the right and turn left on Ferguson Road (on some maps, including the one in the Location Tab, “Ferguson” is named on variations of "Roosa Gap Summitville Road").
- The DEC parking area is located on Ferguson near this intersection. A yellow-blazed trail of 0.8 mile leads to the SRT/LP. GPS: 41.60627, -74.42649.
- Travel 0.7 mile further along Ferguson for limited roadside parking just west of where the SRT/LP trail passes over the roadway. GPS: 41.61105, -74.43498.
Note for the Trail Conference’s Web Trail Map: Roadside parking on Shawanga Lodge Road where the LP enters the State Forest (near the southern end of the State Forest) is now closed and will be eliminated from future maps.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
Short Line Bus provides transportation to Wurtsboro with a stop at 129 Sullivan Street (a block southeast of Route 209). Weekend service is limited. Walk southeast for 1.2 miles on Sullivan Street (which becomes Mamakating Road), turn left at VFW Road at a hairpin turn which leads to a trailhead. Part of the distance includes walking on the side of a country road.
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December 14, 2023
19:00 pm