U.S. Forest Service - Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

06/11/2026

The heat and and humidity is here! Early in the summer, during these first hot and humid days we are not acclimated to the heat like we are later in the season. With the NWS HeatRisk, the risk of heat-related impacts are provided on a town by town basis: we encourage you to check out the interactive map at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/.

06/05/2026

Did you know: Our friends Green Mountain Club are hosting a hike around Greendale Loop in the National Forest tomorrow!

Check out more GMC led hikes here: https://www.greenmountainclub.org/calendar-outings-events/

06/03/2026

When can I check into a campsite?
What is first-come, first-served?
How long can I camp in the National Forest?
Can I stay in my car?

Get all your pressing camping questions answered here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/recreation/camping-cabins

Forest Service photo by Briana Shepherd.

05/29/2026

A few campfire safety tips:

-Obey any restrictions on fires.

-Build fires only in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose whenever possible.

-Use dead or downed wood to build your fire. Do not cut live trees or transport firewood over long distances.

-Keep your fire small, not tall.

-Be sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.

A few more tips from our friend Smokey Bear:

Learn how to build, maintain, and extinguish campfires safely.

05/28/2026

Most campsites on the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests are first-come, first-served…Except for 6 campgrounds which offer reservable sites through Recreation.gov

Make your reservations now!

We're here to help you dream up your next trip, figure out the details, and reserve experiences at over 3,600 facilities and 103,000 individual sites across the country.

05/28/2026

Your hike begins before your even step foot on trail! A fun, successful, and safe hike starts with proper planning and preparation. GMC's visitor center has created a Day Hiking Gear Checklist to help you do the prep!

Download a copy of the Day Hiking Gear Checklist at the link in our stories and bio!

05/26/2026

The Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests are proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forests.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed recreation fee changes online here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4ae40fcf04cc49b1a3fdf3528d0eb669

Learn more about the proposed changes and additional ways to comment: https://fs.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/newsroom/releases/proposed-changes-recreation-fees-green-mountain-finger-lakes-national

The Eastern Region (9) is going through the recreation fee proposal process. This story map and commenting tool will assist the region in collecting public feedback on individual recreation sites. Interested persons may visit the story map, learn about the fee proposal process, why the forest is inc...

05/25/2026

Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forest Offices are closed today in honor of the holiday. The Forests, however, are open.

05/20/2026

Developed campgrounds, shelters, cabins, dispersed campsites—the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests have them all!

Learn more and prepare for your summer camping trips: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/gmfl/recreation/camping-cabins

Forest Service photo by Briana Shepherd.

05/18/2026

Welcome back Hector Cooperative Grazing Association ! Grazing season on the Finger Lakes National Forest has begun. Remember to close the gate behind you while sharing Forest Service pastures with the cattle.

Forest Service photo by Briana Shepherd.