Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area |
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Quartzite cliff in Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area
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| Type | State forest |
| Location | Plattekill, New York, USA |
| Area | 80 acres (32 ha) |
| Operated by | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Open | All year |
Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area is a cool state forest in New York, USA. This forest covers about 80 acres (32 ha) (which is like 60 football fields!). It's found in the town of Plattekill, in the southern part of Ulster County. The forest sits on a hilly area next to Marlboro Mountain, which is part of the Marlboro Mountains range.
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What is Hemlock Ridge?
Hemlock Ridge is called a "multiple use area." This means it's a special kind of state forest managed by New York State. It's set up so people can enjoy many outdoor activities. At the same time, the forest is protected to keep its natural beauty safe.
Fun Things to Do
You can do lots of exciting things at Hemlock Ridge.
- You can go hiking on its trails.
- It's a great spot for fishing.
- Hunting is allowed in certain areas.
- In winter, you can go cross-country skiing.
- Sometimes, you might even be able to camp, but you need to ask for permission first.
All these activities happen while making sure the environment stays healthy.
Exploring the Trails
The trails at Hemlock Ridge are not marked with special signs. They used to be old logging roads or paths used by hunters. These paths take you through interesting landscapes. You'll walk over rocky ridges made of sandstone and quartzite. Between these ridges, you'll find short valleys. Some of these valleys can be a bit wet or boggy.
Trees and Nature
The forest is named after the Eastern Hemlock tree (Tsuga canadensis). You'll see many of these trees, especially on the slopes of the ridges. They are tall, beautiful evergreen trees. In 2008, the forest grew bigger! An extra 28 acres (11 ha) of land was added. This new part includes a special wetland area, which is important for many plants and animals.
How to Get There
It's easy to visit Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area. There's a parking lot right next to Lewis Road. This road is just a short distance from the Milton Turnpike, also known as Ulster County Route 10.
