Things to Do in California Hill State Forest
California Hill State Forest is a state forest in Putnam County, New York, encompassing 982 acres of varied terrain. The landscape features forested areas, moderate elevation changes, and natural water bodies like Waywayanda Lake and Pudding Street Pond. This diverse environment provides a setting for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and more.
Things to Do in California Hill State Forest
California Hill State Forest offers numerous routes for outdoor activities, with more than 500 visitors having…
50
Routes
4.6
(20)
Average rating
209
People visited
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
21.6km
05:58
380m
370m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
5.60km
01:31
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
7.53km
02:11
120m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
6.86km
01:58
170m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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21
riders
28.7km
01:13
210m
210m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
45.7km
02:03
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
23.1km
01:06
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
31.0km
01:17
170m
170m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(4)
6
riders
13.2km
01:03
290m
280m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
15
riders
66.1km
04:54
1,430m
1,430m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
64.6km
05:12
1,290m
1,290m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
12.7km
01:02
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
15
riders
19.8km
01:13
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
19.9km
01:13
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
22.6km
01:25
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
riders
23.1km
01:26
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
runners
20.9km
02:12
200m
200m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
32.3km
03:24
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
runners
9.03km
00:57
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
25.2km
02:37
180m
180m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What is California Hill State Forest?
California Hill State Forest is a 982-acre state forest located in Putnam County, New York. It features a varied landscape with forested areas, moderate elevation changes, and natural water bodies like Waywayanda Lake and Pudding Street Pond.
What outdoor activities are available in California Hill State Forest?
The forest offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, touring cycling, road cycling, and gravel biking. Other activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding are also permitted, though without designated areas.
Are there hiking trails in California Hill State Forest?
California Hill State Forest provides 1.92 miles (3.1 km) of multiple-use trails and unpaved forest access roads suitable for hiking. For more extensive options, nearby Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park offers additional trails. Find more information in the Hiking in California Hill State Forest guide.
Are there easy hiking trails for beginners in California Hill State Forest?
The forest's multiple-use trails and unpaved access roads offer options for various fitness levels, including easier routes. Specific easy hikes can be found in the Easy hikes in California Hill State Forest guide.
Are there family-friendly activities in California Hill State Forest?
California Hill State Forest offers a natural setting suitable for family outings, particularly for hiking and exploring. The Family-friendly hikes in California Hill State Forest guide provides relevant routes.
Can I go cycling in California Hill State Forest?
Unpaved forest access roads can be used for touring or road cycling. While mountain biking is currently prohibited, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is developing a more sustainable trail system. Explore options in the Cycling in California Hill State Forest guide.
What natural features can be found in California Hill State Forest?
The forest is home to Waywayanda Lake, covering 94 acres, and Pudding Street Pond. Its landscape includes diverse forested areas and moderate elevation changes. Wildlife such as wild turkey, white-tailed deer, pheasants, and rabbits inhabit the area.
How popular is California Hill State Forest on komoot?
California Hill State Forest has attracted more than 500 visitors on komoot. Routes within the forest have received an average rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars from over 50 ratings.
Are there specific guides for running trails in California Hill State Forest?
Yes, komoot offers a dedicated guide for running. Information on suitable paths for joggers can be found in the Running Trails in California Hill State Forest guide.
What is the official website for California Hill State Forest?
The official website for information regarding California Hill State Forest is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The relevant page is dec.ny.gov/lands/81655.html.
How can I contact California Hill State Forest directly?
For direct inquiries, contact the DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office. The phone number is (845) 256-3000, available Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM.
Are dogs allowed in California Hill State Forest?
The provided information does not specify regulations regarding dogs. Visitors should consult the official NYSDEC website or contact the DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office for current pet policies.
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