The trail at Greenwood Creek State Forest is beautiful but it surely is a challenge. It has a gorgeous waterfall but the trail is hard to follow. We still managed to finish our hike but not before meeting some challenges.
Table of Contents
I Write with the Older Hiker in Mind
I tailor my hiking reviews to over 50 hikers. This is not to say the hike will be easy or short, older hikers are very capable, I’ve seen 70 year old hikers that can out hike most people. But what I am putting out there is special considerations for our older bodies.
You might notice I have a trail difficulty rating number listed below, please see my Hiker Resource Page to see how I come to this rating.
Basic Trail Information for Greenwood Creek State Forest Trail
- Trail Name: Greenwood Creek Nature Trail or YCC Hiking Trail
- Location: Greenwood Creek State Forest in Town of Pitcairn, NY
- Length: 2 miles
- Difficulty: moderate
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Elevation Gain: 295 feet
- Type of Trail: loop
- Who I Recommend this to: experienced hikers who know how to follow trails
- What season did I go: Spring
- Gear Recommendations: rain gear, head net, DEET
- Cell service: spotty
- Water availability: yes, but only if you filter it for drinking
- Special Requirements: none, parking and camping are free
- Must see feature: waterfall, glacial erratics
- Parking: plenty and free
Location of Greenwood Creek State Forest
My Experience on the Greenwood Creek Trail as an Older Hiker
I truly didn’t know what to expect camping and hiking in Greenwood Creek State Forest in Spring.
I’m no stranger to car camping, though it’s not my favorite type of outdoor activity. And if given the opportunity I’d hike everyday of my life. But doing either or both in spring takes a great attitude, a lot of DEET and apparently a trail map for this hike.
Friday Camping
I arrived at camp around 5:30 PM that night to see that Dan had already set up camp. Rain had been threatening all day but so far I hadn’t seen any on my drive in. I was worried about getting wet while hanging out at camp but as I realized when there is no rain the biting flies and mosquitos come out. Luckily Dan has repellent in the form of DEET and Thermacell (not an affiliate link) to keep the critters away.
The camping sites here are great! There’s a picnic table, fire ring with a grate and ample room to park your vehicle. We camped just up for the creek where we could here the peepers (frogs) at night. It was very peaceful.
The first evening was spent chatting, cooking over a fire, eating yummy food and having a couple of adult beverages around that warm fire. That evening at some time we headed off to bed in our 2 man tent, cozied into our down sleeping bags and slept pretty well to the sound of rain on the tent.
Saturday Hiking
We woke to a bright, fresh morning a little sore since we are in our 50s and not accustom to sleeping on air mattresses on the ground but still excited for a day of exploring and hiking!
Dan quickly got to making coffee and breakfast while sat feeling rather spoiled.
After breakfast and determining that the sky wasn’t going to open up in rain storms that day we headed out for our hike of Greenwood Creek Trail.
This trail starts in the picnic area of this state forest. As you walk the dirt road you’ll begin to hear the waterfall, this part always excites me. Surprisingly, there’s no name for this waterfall so most simply call it Greenwood Creek Trail Waterfall, seems suiting.
And then there it is! The gorgeous waterfall! I could linger here all day but we have some exploring to do.
Climbing up just a bit I notice this waterfall is quite long which make the beginning of this hike so enjoyable and refreshing!
As we hike this winding trail I’m awed by the gorgeous spring flowers, glacial erratics, lush forest and running brooks. At one point I come across a tree frog!
About 3/4 mile in the trail opens up to camp sites but simply continue down the road to meet back up with the single track hiking trail again. This is where the trail begins to become more overgrown and difficult to follow. As we hike the yellow markers on trees get harder and harder to locate, this is why it’s important to either bring a map or download one on your favorite hiking app.
Not only did the trail get a little sketchy to follow, it was also overgrown, which made me worry that I’d get ticks. (I checked later and did not, but they can be a true threat.) Bring your DEET.
I may sound like I’m complaining about my experience yet on the contrary. If you come prepared the creek crossings, fallen logs and unkept trail will simply be an grand adventure! It’s 2 miles of beautiful, green New York trees and flowers.
Sunday Wrap Up
That night we slept great! After the hike and a yummy, hardy meal for dinner sleep was welcome.
I didn’t believe I would enjoy car camping here but I did, and I feel it’s in part because there is a hiking trail nearby. I’m a hiker and that’s my favorite pastime. If you enjoy car camping and maybe hanging out or fishing this could be a fun place to visit.
Helpful Takeaways
Suggested gear and information for this hike that I found very helpful and made the hike a much more pleasant experience.
- The trail is difficult to follow starting about 1 mile in. Be sure to bring a paper or digital map. Links below.
- Bring head net and/or DEET. The spring-time bugs can be a nuisance.
- Enjoy the refreshing waterfall.
- Camping here is free, so bring a tent and enjoy.
Online Resources for this Trail
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
- Watch my YouTube video about Greenwood Creek State Forest Hiking and Camping
- Greenwood Creek State Forest info from NY State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Alltrails downloadable map
What To Do In the Area Before or After Your Hike
- Bring lunch. There are picnic tables at the trail head to enjoy a lunch after your hike
- Camping here is free. So why not bring a tent, like I did, and enjoy a weekend here.
FAQs for Greenwood Creek State Forest Camping and Hiking
Yes. Parking here is free and there is plenty of it. At the trail head you can also have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Yes. There are many designated camping sites with picnic tables and fire pits. There is also primitive camping allowed as long as you follow the rules placed by the NY state Dept of Environmental Conservation and those are that campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Yes. Please follow leash laws and pick up after your canine buddy.
