Sterling Forest State Park is a 17,953 acre (71.8 km²) park located in the Ramapo Mountains in Orange County, New York established in 1998; it is the largest addition to the New York state park system in the last 50 years. Its forest habitat is important for the survival of several species, including black bear and fox, timber rattlesnakes, a variety of raptors and songbirds and many rare invertebrates and plants. Hunting, fishing (including ice fishing), hiking and snowshoeing opportunities are available. The parkland was originally owned by the Sterling Iron and Railway Company, which mined and shipped iron ore from a number of sites within the park. The last of the mines were closed in the 1920s. The park lies in the New York - New Jersey Highlands, a one million-acre (4000 km²) stretch of natural habitat from the Hudson to the Delaware River that links the Abram S. Hewitt State Park in New Jersey with Harriman State Park in New York. The park protects the Appalachian Trail corridor, which crosses the northern portion of Sterling Forest. The park is administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The Frank R. Lautenberg Visitor Center, which offers exhibits about the local environment, overlooks Sterling Lake. A valid NYS Hunting License, and an officially issued Sterling Forest State Park Hunting Permit, signed by the permit holder, is required to hunt in the Park. All hunters must have a permit. Hunting in Sterling Forest State Park is only permitted during deer and turkey season. Some areas are closed to hunting.
See also
External links
- Sterling Forest State Park
- ADK NYC Sterling Forest page
- Map of Sterling Forest
- Sterling Forest State Park is at coordinates Coordinates:
