Pine Plains State Forest North-South Technical Loop
Depression-era logging roads with serious creek crossings
The Pine Plains loop strings together forgotten Depression-era logging roads that cut through 3,200 acres of Columbia County’s roughest terrain. You’ll hit the first real test at Roeliff Jansen Kill crossing — knee-deep water over bowling ball rocks that’ll humble cocky drivers fast. The north loop climbs through mixed hardwood forest on roads the CCC carved in the 1930s, with switchbacks that get tighter as you gain elevation toward the fire tower ruins.
This is solid intermediate territory requiring true 4WD with skid plates and good ground clearance. Creek crossings demand careful line selection, and the rocky climbs will test your diff locks. Best tackled May through October when water levels drop and mud firms up. No permits needed, but respect the hunting seasons. Pack recovery gear and extra water — cell service dies once you drop into the hollows, and the nearest gas is 15 miles back in Hillsdale.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with skid plates and good clearance |
| Nearest town | Hillsdale, NY |
| Land manager | NYS Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock Wrangler or 4Runner with skid plates can run this trail, but you'll want at least factory clearance — don't attempt it in a crossover or part-time 4WD vehicle without lockers. A 2-3 inch lift gives you a more comfortable buffer on the rocky climbs and creek approaches.
When does the trail open after winter, and is it passable in early spring?
Best season is May through October. Early spring (March–April) is a hard no — the creek crossings flood and the logging roads turn to axle-deep mud that's destructive to the trail and your rig. Wait until May when water levels drop and the ground firms up.
Do you need a permit to run this trail or camp overnight?
No permit required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping on NYS DEC land here is free and legal, but you must follow DEC rules: 150 feet from water, roads, and trails, and no stay longer than 3 nights in one spot. No campfire permits needed, but check DEC fire restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The creek crossings are where most people get humbled — water depth varies significantly with recent rainfall and can hit 18–24 inches after a wet stretch. The rocky climbs on the northern section have loose, off-camber ledges that will drag rockers on anything running stock takeoffs. Go slow, pick your line, and don't rush the water crossings.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Zero cell service on the trail — download your maps offline before you leave and let someone know your plan. Hillsdale, NY is your last stop for fuel; gas up there because the next reliable option adds significant backtracking and you don't want to be doing that on an 18-mile loop in the dark.
Trail track
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