The hamlet of Rock Tavern on the Newburgh/Montgomery town, is just minutes – literally a few miles — from Stewart State Forest, one of the region’s best kept secrets. The trails and parks along the Shawangunk Ridge and the state preserves in the Catskills get all the media attention in our part of the Hudson Valley, but Stewart State Forest is truly a local gem. Recreational opportunities abound. Its 6,700 acres comprise a mix of fields, wetlands and forest, all connected through 22 miles of major trails open year-round for hiking, dog-walking, horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Fishing is allowed in the forest’s numerous ponds – seven are considered “large” and allow non-motorized vessels. Birdwatching is a year-round thrill in this preserve, due to the variety of habitats available. A newly constructed boardwalk spans the wetland areas for easy access and connects a number of trails. For residents of The Woodlands, Rock Tavern’s newest neighborhood, the Stewart State Forest brings the great outdoors into your backyard!
