Charleston State Forest Loop

The Charleston State Forest Loop begins and ends at the Hughes Road parking area in a quiet corner of the Mohawk Valley. This route travels through a patchwork of hardwood stands, wetlands, and overgrown logging roads typical of New York state forest land. From the trailhead, hikers follow a series of unmarked or lightly marked paths—many of which are shared-use with mountain bikers or hunters—making map navigation and GPS useful throughout the route. The terrain includes gentle to moderate elevation changes, with uneven footing in sections due to roots, rocks, and occasional wet areas. In spring, expect muddy trail segments, while snow and ice may linger into early spring and return in late fall. Seasonal water sources such as small streams may appear along the way, but they are unreliable—bring sufficient water or filtration equipment. This is a quiet, low-traffic area where hikers may spot deer, wild turkeys, or hear woodpeckers tapping in the distance. The payoff is a peaceful walk in remote forest with minimal crowds, especially during weekdays and outside of hunting season.