Livingston State Forest
Town of Livingston, Columbia County, New York
A 319-acre state forest with scenic views of the Hudson River, and the last chapter in 320 years of Livingston family stewardship of the land.
Overview
Livingston State Forest sits on land that was once part of the vast Livingston Manor, the 160,000-acre royal patent granted to Robert Livingston the Elder in 1686. For over three centuries, this land passed through generations of the Livingston family, from colonial lords and Revolutionary War statesmen to the quiet 20th-century stewards of a shrinking estate.
In 2008, the 319-acre parcel was acquired by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, transforming private family land into a public trust. The forest is managed for multiple uses: timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.
The property features scenic overlooks of the Hudson River and lies along Fox Creek Road, off Route 9G in the Town of Livingston. While there are no designated hiking trails, visitors are free to explore the forest on foot, by mountain bike, on horseback, or on snowshoes and cross-country skis in winter.
Historical Significance
The conversion of this land from private Livingston holdings to a public state forest bookends a story that began when Robert Livingston the Elder arrived in Albany in 1674. The Manor he secured in 1686 was one of the largest grants in colonial New York, and his descendants leveraged it into political power, wealth, and influence that shaped American history.
By the 20th century, the enormous manor had been divided and sold many times over. The parcel that became Livingston State Forest represents a final transition: from aristocratic estate to democratic commons, a fitting epilogue for a family that helped found the republic.
Nearby landmarks include Clermont State Historic Site, the estate of Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, and Olana State Historic Site, the nearby home of painter Frederic Church.
Featured Activities
Primitive Camping
No designated campsites, but primitive camping is allowed. Sites must be at least 150 feet from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Groups of 10+ or stays over 3 nights require a Forest Ranger permit.
Hunting & Trapping
Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons. The forest falls within Wildlife Management Unit 4Y.
Watchable Wildlife
The forest provides habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, and other wildlife native to the Hudson Valley region.
Hiking & Trail Activities
There are no designated trails, but hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all permitted throughout the property.
Getting There
Fox Creek Road Parking Lot
42.181555°N, 73.842339°W. Off Route 9G on Fox Creek Road in the Town of Livingston, Columbia County.
Open in Google MapsContact
DEC Region 4 Schenectady Office. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone: (518) 357-2155
Email: r4.ump@dec.ny.gov
Emergencies: 911 or 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
External Resources
NYS DEC: Livingston State Forest
Official state page with regulations, contact info, and management plans.
Columbia County Tourism: Livingston State Forest
Local tourism guide with visitor information.
Georeferenced Map (PDF)
Downloadable topographic map of the forest.
Google Maps: Livingston State Forest
Satellite and street view of the forest area.
Rules & Safety
All visitors must follow State Land Use Regulations and practice Leave No Trace Principles.