Stewart State Forest
Directions
Stewart State Forest is bordered on the north by I-84 and on the south by N.Y. Route 207. Parking is available along Route 207 at Giles Road (limited parking only), Weed Road and Maple Avenue. Along the northern boundary of the state forest, parking is available on Barron Road and Ridge Road just south of I-84.
Park Overview
Stewart State Forest is a state forest in Orange County. Located west of Stewart International Airport and north of Rock Tavern, it includes a mix of wetlands, fields and forest. It offers 22 miles of gravel roads and 18 miles of multi-use trails. Permitted activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, bird watching and fishing. The forest is very popular with hunters, and it is closed to non-hunters during big-game hunting season.
Trail Overview
Stewart State Forest has 22 miles of gravel roads, some of which were once paved. It also has 18 miles of trails, most of which are single-track. Nearly all the trails are multi-use, with bicycles and horses permitted. A special feature is the boardwalk over the Great Swamp in the eastern section of the forest.
Park Description
Stewart State Forest is a state forest in Orange County. Located west of Stewart International Airport and north of Rock Tavern, it includes a mix of wetlands, fields and forest. It offers 22 miles of gravel roads and 18 miles of multi-use trails. Permitted activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, bird watching and fishing.. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkeys, great blue herons and hawks. Nearly all the trails are multi-use, with bicycles and horses allowed.
Most of the land that now constitutes Stewart State Forest land was formerly in farm or residential use. The property was acquired in the 1970s by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to establish and develop Stewart International Airport. Some of the property was acquired by eminent domain. In 1999, the management of 5,200 acres of the property was transferred from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In 2006, these 5,200 acres, along with an additional 1,500 acres, were permanently transferred to the DEC, creating Stewart State Forest.