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Bluestone Wild Forest |
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The Bluestone Wild Forest is a 3,018 acre Wild Forest Owned by the New York DEC. This forest has one of the larges slabs of bluestone in New York State. Under the forest floor is solid bluestone that stretches out over thousands of acres. Many hikers skip the Bluestone Wild Forest because the elevation change is very small. But, it's beauty leaves the few hikers who visit this exceptional Wild Forest longing for more trails. Erosion has carved out streams that can reach over 100' down into the bluestone. There are some exceptional conifer forest in all three regions. The Bluestone Wild Forest is just minutes from Exit 19 on the New York State Thruway and the City of Kington. It borders up again Woodstock and the Town of Kingston.
Approximately 2/3 of the visitors are Mountain Bikers. The rest are walkers, hikers, a few boaters and campers. Originally, this forest had a few trails in it. But, in the late 2010's a significant number of new trails popped up. And, each year new trails are added to the forest. The trails are not as refined and harden as Elm Ridge, but the quantity of trails and exceptional variety of terrain makes it a must visit location for many mountain bikers.
The Lakes Region is the most beautiful. It has two beautiful lakes. Hikers particularly like Onteora Lake and Pickerel Lake. And, a few lucky hikers find Hidden Pond Trail. Mountain Bikers tend to stick to the eastern side of the Lakes Region. The lakes region has room for about 55 cars in three designated Parking Areas.
The Southern Region is mainly used by Mountain Bikers, but hikers tend to like the variety of terrain. The Southern Region has room for about 20 cars in two designated Parking Areas.
The Wintergreen Region used to be called the Jockey Hill Region. It is a little more hilly then the other regions. The Wintergreen Region is mainly used by Mountain Bikers, but hikers tend to like the area also. Especially, the trails that runs next to the stream. Sadly, as of 2023, it only has parking for 5 cars. It needs a Parking Area for 100 cars. So, parking is very limited. Especially in the summer months. This region is very popular with Mountain Bikers, and has many visitors year-around.
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Lakes Region - Western Region of the Bluestone Wild Forest. Has two beautiful lakes. Some primitive camping spots. Non-motorized boating. Mountain Biking, hiking, cross-contry skiing. The region is relatively flat. The elevation only goes up-or-down 150' throughout this region.
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Southern Region - This region is used mostly by Mountain Bikers. But, it is a beautiful place to take a walk or Cross-Country Ski or Snowshoe. Elevation only changes by 150'
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