Huckleberry Ridge State Forest in New York
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventure of Huckleberry Ridge State Forest, a protected gem in the Southern Shawangunk Ridge in New York.
Tucked away near the New Jersey border, Huckleberry Ridge State Forest offers a beautiful escape for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers alike. Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is a 1,500+ acre conservation area located in the scenic Southern Shawangunk Ridge, featuring diverse habitats, rocky outcrops, and miles of interconnected trails. This pristine stretch of state forest land is co-managed and protected through the efforts of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Orange County Land Trust, and the Open Space Institute, all of whom aim to conserve natural resources, safeguard water quality, and protect critical habitats for migratory birds, timber rattlesnakes, and black bears.
Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is a quiet, wild haven for those looking to unplug and explore nature on their own terms. Whether you’re navigating the Long Path, tracking timber rattlesnakes from a safe distance, or simply sitting under the stars by your fire ring, it’s a place where the natural world, history, and conservation converge.
Amenities & Facilities at Huckleberry Ridge State Forest
Camping
While Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is primarily a day-use area, primitive camping is allowed with a special use permit from the DEC. There are no developed campgrounds with hookups or showers, but many sites offer picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby vault toilets. You’ll need to carry in/carry out all trash as there are no dumpsters onsite, helping to protect this ecologically sensitive area. There are no bathrooms or showers, so plan accordingly. Overnight stays require registration if within 150 feet of a trail or water source.
Check-In Procedures
There is no formal check-in kiosk, but overnight campers must follow DEC regulations, including securing a special use permit for group camping or stays longer than three nights. Primitive camping is allowed in designated zones; follow posted signs and leave no trace. Parking areas are available off Mountain Road and other access points.
Huckleberry Ridge State Forest Facilities
As of now, Huckleberry Ridge does not have an official visitor center, gift shop, or park store, so it’s best to stock up on water, snacks, and supplies before arriving. However, Port Jervis offers several local stores and outdoor outfitters nearby, as well as eateries where you can refuel post-hike.
There were so many pretty mushrooms in the park
The boys and Jenn walking through the park
We loved all of the colorful flowers we saw
What to do at Huckleberry Ridge State Forest
Outdoor Activities at Huckleberry Ridge State Forest
Outdoor recreation is the main draw here, and Huckleberry Ridge delivers:
- Hiking: Dozens of miles of connected trails, from short walks to extended backpacking routes.
- Fishing & Boating: Nearby Hawthorne Lake and streams in the region provide tranquil settings for casting a line or paddling.
- Bird & Wildlife Viewing: Home to migratory birds, timber rattlesnakes, and even occasional black bear sightings.
- Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, this is a great spot to lay back and enjoy the night sky.
- Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding: Some trails are multi-use; check signage or the DEC website before riding.
Trails at Huckleberry Ridge State Forest
Several well-known regional trails weave through Huckleberry Ridge.
Many of these trails are maintained in partnership with Adventure Projects staff members and trail volunteers who help ensure access and safety.
Lenape Ridge Trail
19.2 Miles
Moderate to Strenuous
This scenic ridgeline trail offers sweeping views of the Delaware River Valley and New Jersey Highlands. The path winds through a mix of rocky terrain, pitch pine forests, and open ledges. Parts of the trail follow old woods roads, while others require navigating steep, narrow sections. It’s a fantastic spot for solitude and occasional wildlife sightings (including black bears, migratory birds, and possibly timber rattlesnakes).
Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT)
13 Miles
Moderate
This trail is part of a 71-mile route that stretches through the Southern Shawangunk Ridge. In this forest, it overlaps with the Long Path, and hikers enjoy forested ridgelines, small seasonal streams, and a remote, quiet backcountry feel. The SRT is well-blazed and great for day hikes or section hikes.
Long Path
13 Miles
Moderate
This iconic 357-mile long-distance trail starts in NYC and passes through Huckleberry Ridge. The section here includes lovely woodland stretches and rock outcrops with views toward the New Jersey border. It’s often used by long-distance hikers heading northbound or southbound.
Minisink Trail
2.2 Miles
Easy to Moderate
A quieter trail compared to the main routes, the Minisink Trail offers peaceful forest walking with gentle elevation changes. It’s ideal for birdwatching, quick escapes into nature, or beginner hikers. Some sections may be overgrown, so long pants are recommended.
Huckleberry Ridge State Forest Basics
980 US-6
Port Jervis, NY 12771
None
Eastern Time Zone
0
Location, Phone Number, and Address
The forest lies in Orange County, just outside Port Jervis, New York, and borders New Jersey to the south. The park’s main parking area can be accessed via Mountain Road, making it an easy stop for road-trippers or locals looking for a weekend adventure. Otherwise, there is a small parking area at the end of Raymond Street, which is where we entered the forest. You can call the park at 845-256-3076 and the official address is 980 US-6, Port Jervis, NY 12771.
What are the Entrance Fees for Huckleberry Ridge State Forest?
There are currently no entrance fees to access Huckleberry Ridge State Forest. It is managed as part of New York’s public state forest land system by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is open year-round for hiking, wildlife viewing, and primitive camping at no cost. That said, certain group activities (like large overnight gatherings or special events) may require a Special Use Permit, which can be requested through the DEC.
What Time Zone is Huckleberry Ridge State Forest in?
Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). It observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter and switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving time. Sunrise and sunset times vary significantly by season, which is especially important to know for hikers planning long day treks or stargazers hoping to catch the night sky without light pollution.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Fall brings a burst of color that makes October one of the most breathtaking times to visit. Spring and early summer also offer great weather for hiking and spotting migratory birds along the major East Coast flyway. Winter activities like snowshoeing are possible for the well-prepared, though some access points may be more limited.
How many campsites are there at Huckleberry Ridge State Forest?
Huckleberry Ridge does not have formal, designated campgrounds with numbered sites like some state parks. However, primitive camping is allowed throughout the forest in accordance with DEC regulations. Visitors may camp at least 150 feet away from roads, trails, and water sources, unless camping at an area specifically posted for camping. There are multiple established dispersed camping spots with fire rings and flat ground, particularly near trail junctions like along the Lenape Ridge Trail and Long Path. While not officially counted, local hikers estimate there are 10 to 15 usable backcountry campsites spread throughout the forest.
How Big is Huckleberry Ridge State Forest?
Huckleberry Ridge State Forest spans approximately 1,500 acres, making it one of the more compact yet ecologically important public lands in the Southern Shawangunk Ridge region. Despite its size, the forest plays a big role in protecting natural resources, water quality, and critical habitat for species such as timber rattlesnakes, black bears, and a variety of migratory birds. Managed cooperatively by the DEC, Open Space Institute, and Orange County Land Trust, it serves as a key piece in a larger conservation corridor that includes nearby forests, preserves, and public lands.
Park Website
Always check the official park site for the most up-to-date information, hours, prices, and conditions.
Huckleberry Ridge State Forest Parking Areas
Raymond Drive Parking Area
- Location: End of Raymond Drive by Hawthorne Lake
- Coordinates: 41.378494° N, –74.624696° W
- Capacity: Small (~3 cars)
- Access: Ideal trailhead for the Lenape Ridge Trail; scenic start near Hawthorne Lake.
Mountain Road Parking Area (Main Access)
- Location: Off Mountain Road, north of Port Jervis (~41.3765, –74.6850)
- Access: Gateway to Lenape Ridge, Shawangunk Ridge Trail, Long Path
- Capacity: ~6–8 cars
- Notes: Dirt lot; no amenities.
Route 6 Parking Pull-Off
- Location: Along US Route 6, east of Port Jervis (~41.366, –74.655)
- Capacity: ~4–6 cars
- Access: Good for heading north on SRT/Long Path.
- Notes: Gravel; unmarked—enter/exit with caution.
Greenville Turnpike Trailhead
- Location: Off Greenville Turnpike (~41.359123, –74.647914)
- Capacity: Road shoulder; small
- Access: One-way hikes on Lenape Ridge; require shuttle or return same way.
Old Greenville Turnpike Pull-Off
- Location: Near 41.358279, –74.677055
- Capacity: Very limited
- Access: Alternative trail access; check maps before parking.
Fire Tower / Mountain Rd Intersection
- Location: East of Mountain Road (~41.3820, –74.6680)
- Capacity: 1–2 cars
- Access: Informal access point for Lenape Ridge and Minisink segments.
Tips for Parking
- Arrive early on weekends or in fall to secure a spot.
- Parking is free, but spots are limited—especially at Raymond Drive.
- Lots are undesignated, so park responsibly (not blocking driveways).
- Trail maps from NY‑NJ Trail Conference or DEC can help locate these trailheads and their connected routes.
- For shuttle hikes (e.g., Raymond Drive ➝ Greenville Turnpike), plan logistics ahead or park a second car at the endpoint.
Travel Tips for Huckleberry Ridge State Forest
Getting to Huckleberry Ridge State Forest
Reaching Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is relatively easy, especially if you’re coming from the New York metro area or northern New Jersey. The most common route is via Interstate 84, exiting near Port Jervis, NY. From there, local roads like Mountain Road, Greenville Turnpike, and Raymond Drive lead to various trailheads and parking areas. These roads are paved or gravel and generally accessible to passenger vehicles, although some spots may be rough in wet or winter conditions. If you’re using GPS, searching for “Huckleberry Ridge State Forest” or entering coordinates for trailheads (like the Mountain Road parking area) will help you find the right entrance. For those coming by train, Port Jervis is the final stop on the Metro-North Railroad’s Port Jervis Line, and a short taxi ride from town will get you to the park.
Tips for a Visit to Huckleberry Ridge State Forest
- Download offline maps or use OnX products—cell signal can be spotty.
- Practice bear safety: Store food properly and be aware, especially near campsites.
- Respect private lands surrounding the forest; not all trails pass through public access areas.
- Stay on marked trails to protect water quality and natural resources.
- Check the DEC website for any alerts or public meetings regarding changes, closures, or data-based experiments related to land use and access.
What is the Nearest City to Huckleberry Ridge State Forest?
The closest city to Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is Port Jervis, located less than five miles away. This small but historically significant city sits at the tri-state junction of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. Port Jervis offers essential services like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and lodging. It’s also a key access point to the Lenape Ridge Trail and other nearby routes. If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat or stock up on supplies before heading into the forest, this is your best option.
What is the Nearest Airport to Huckleberry Ridge State Forest?
The nearest major airport is Stewart International Airport (SWF), located about 35 miles northeast of the forest in New Windsor, New York. It’s approximately a 45- to 50-minute drive from Huckleberry Ridge and offers a selection of domestic flights via low-cost carriers. Stewart is a great choice for travelers looking to avoid the congestion of larger airports while staying relatively close to the southern Hudson Valley and the Shawangunks. If you’re flying in from farther away, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is another option—about 75 miles south—or Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP), which is about 65 miles west.
What are the Closest Parks to Huckleberry Ridge State Forest?
7 miles • 10 minute drive
Delaware National Gap Recreational Area
10 miles • 20 minute drive
Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest
21 miles • 30 minute drive