The Green Mountain National Forest contains the 71-mile section of the Appalachian Trail that coincides with the Long Trail.
The Finger Lakes National Forest is the only national forest located in the state of New York.
The forests harbor a significant population of moose, which were re-established in Vermont during the 1900s.
The Lye Brook Wilderness covers over 18,000 acres and is one of the original areas designated by the 1975 Eastern Wilderness Act.
The Bread Loaf Wilderness is the largest federally designated wilderness area in Vermont.
Glacial activity in the Finger Lakes region created the unique 'hanging valley' topography found within the forest's bounds.
The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests comprise over 400,000 acres of federal land across Vermont and New York. The Vermont portion features the Green Mountain National Forest, which encompasses the Long Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. The New York portion contains the Finger Lakes National Forest, situated on a ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Topography ranges from rugged mountain peaks and narrow notches to glacial gorges and rolling pastures. The forests contain various wilderness areas, including Lye Brook, Bread Loaf, and Big Branch, which protect large swaths of contiguous forest. Visitors can access diverse ecosystems ranging from spruce-fir forests at higher elevations to northern hardwoods and wetlands. Recreational infrastructure includes over 900 miles of trails for hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Numerous waterfalls, such as those found near the Texas Falls Recreation Area, are accessible via short loop trails. The forests are managed for multiple uses, including timber production, wildlife habitat conservation, and recreational access.
The observation deck overlooking Texas Falls, located just off State Route 125.
Consult the official USDA Forest Service motor vehicle use maps before attempting to drive on forest service roads as many are unpaved and seasonal.
Carry a physical topographic map or GPS device, as cellular service is intermittent or non-existent in deep valleys and high-elevation areas.
Practice Leave No Trace principles, specifically regarding the packing out of all waste and the proper storage of food to avoid attracting wildlife.
Do not rely exclusively on digital maps, as lack of connectivity is common; avoid hiking in high-elevation areas during mud season in early spring.
High-elevation forest service roads are closed to wheeled vehicles from late autumn through mid-spring due to mud and snow conditions.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are recommended; hikers must remain on marked trails to prevent soil erosion and protect fragile alpine vegetation.
