The 5375 acre Shandaken Wild Forest features multiple parcels of state land near the small hamlet of Shandaken, west of Phoenicia off NY 28. The wild forest features the Rochester Hollow Trails and Rochester Hollow Lean To as well as the primitive campsites at Allaben. Much of this wild forest is trail less.

At the end of Lower Birch Creek Road there is a picnic area situated next to a small pond that is a popular fishing spot. The GPS coordinates of the picnic area is N42 09.534 W74 26.708 for those with a GPS devise in their vehicle. There is a fishing platform as well as a trail that goes part way around the pond.

The Rochester Hollow Lean To is accessible for those with disabilities and the three mile trail to the shelter is available for ATV use (with a permit from the NY DEC) by those with disabilities. The Rochester Hollow trails are open to all for hiking as well as biking. The GPS coordinates of the trailhead is N42 06.983 W74 27.050. The trailhead is located at the end of Matyas Road off NY 28.

For those looking for FREE primitive camping should check out the campsites off NY 28 at the Allaben primitive campsites. The only sign for the access road that leads to the campsites is a sign that says "State Land Access". There are nine campsites with two designated accessible sites. Look below for a map of the camping area from the DEC Kiosk. The GPS coordinates of the access road is N42 06.415 W74 21.099.

Access road for the Allaben Primitive Campsites

Allaben Campsite

Map of the Primitive Campsites at Allaben