Things to Do in Mount Tom State Forest

Mount Tom State Forest is a state forest located in Washington County, New York. It spans over 1,700 acres, making it the largest state forest in the county. The forest features an expansive forested landscape and varied topography.

Mount Tom State Forest offers opportunities for road cycling, hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Its extensive network of public forest access roads supports these activities.

Yes, Mount Tom State Forest features 6.85 miles of public forest access roads suitable for road cycling. These roads offer varied elevation changes, accommodating different fitness levels. Some segments may be unpaved.

Popular road cycling routes include the 'Scotch Hill – Dead Lake loop from Emmaus House,' which is a challenging 68.2-mile (109.7 km) trail. Another option is the 'Scotch Hill loop from Village of Cambridge,' a moderate 27.2-mile (43.8 km) path. More routes are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Mount Tom State Forest guide.

Yes, challenging routes are available, such as the 'Scotch Hill – Dead Lake loop from Emmaus House.' This route is 68.2 miles (109.7 km) long and features significant elevation gain. It is suitable for experienced cyclists seeking a demanding ride.

Moderate road cycling options include the 'Scotch Hill loop from Village of Cambridge,' which is 27.2 miles (43.8 km) long. This path offers a balanced ride through scenic countryside. Other routes like the 'Eldridge Swamp State Forest loop from Village of Cambridge' also cater to different fitness levels.

The forest is characterized by its wooded terrain and rich wildlife, including furbearers, game species, and eastern coyotes. It also hosts a wide variety of birds. The forest is one of the few state forests that can be driven through from one side to the other.

Various parking areas are available for visitors. These include locations off Shaker Hollow Road, Lincoln Hill Road, and Chestnut Hill Road. These spots provide access to the forest's network of roads and trails.

Mount Tom State Forest has been visited by more than 60 komoot users. While specific route ratings are not yet aggregated, the area is recognized for its road cycling opportunities.

A dedicated guide for road cycling is available. It provides detailed information on routes and experiences within the forest. Explore the Road Cycling Routes in Mount Tom State Forest guide for more information.

The official website for Mount Tom State Forest is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). For inquiries, the DEC Region 5 Warrensburg Office can be reached at +1-518-623-1200 during business hours.