Stewart State Forest offers winter recreation, hunting season guidance for locals
Stewart State Forest spans 6,700 acres in northeast Orange County and remains open for year round outdoor recreation while the state reminds visitors about seasonal restrictions and safety. Local residents should note vehicle access limits, designated hunter parking areas, and trail conditions before visiting to avoid conflicts and stay safe.
Stewart State Forest provides a large, accessible outdoor space for Orange County residents, with roughly 18 miles of gravel roads and more than 22 miles of major trails open for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The property lies near Stewart International Airport, west of Newburgh, and includes several ponds and wetlands that make it a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Visitors will find defined access points and amenities, including parking areas at Ridge Road, Weed Road, Barron Road, and Drury Lane and Route 207. The forest also features the Great Swamp boardwalk and ponds at Whalenburgh, Wilkens and Rowes, which concentrate wildlife viewing opportunities and seasonal wetland habitat.
State guidance emphasizes seasonal rules that affect everyone who uses the forest. There are vehicle access restrictions during big game hunting seasons, designated hunter parking areas, and explicit rules that prohibit shooting across roads. To reduce the risk of conflict and injury, residents are advised to check posted hunting season dates before visiting in the fall and to use peripheral parking areas when regulations require it. Trail signage should be followed at all times.
Winter conditions change trail surfaces and parking availability. Visitors should bring appropriate winter clothing and traction devices for icy conditions, and plan routes with maps. The Department of Environmental Conservation provides GeoPDF maps for route planning and posts current regulations and seasonal advisories. For questions about access, rules or safety, contact the DEC Region 3 New Paltz office.
The forest's combination of extensive trail mileage and wetlands makes it a significant recreational asset for nearby communities, supporting outdoor exercise, equestrian activity and wildlife observation. At the same time, the presence of active hunting seasons and vehicle restrictions means routine planning and awareness will ensure the forest remains a safe shared resource. Consult official maps and posted notices before any visit to align plans with current conditions.
