Winona State Forest Trail Head - Lacona, NY
Winona State Forest Trail Head – Dog-Friendly Trails in Lacona, New York
Located just outside Lacona, New York, the Winona State Forest Trail Head on Wart Rd is the perfect destination for dog owners who love the outdoors. This extensive and well-kept trail system offers a variety of pet-friendly hiking, snowshoeing, biking, and skiing opportunities across beautiful, forested terrain. With miles of trails maintained by local volunteers, it’s an ideal spot for both energetic pups and their adventurous humans year-round.
The trailhead features a massive parking lot with easy access to the well-marked network of dog-friendly trails. While dogs are commonly seen off-leash and well behaved, the trails are shared by hikers, bikers, skiers, and even groups of kids. There are no fenced areas or dedicated dog runs; instead, your canine companion can explore alongside you on winding paths under the trees. Though there are no water fountains or dog-specific amenities, the clean forest, peaceful scenery, and varied trail options make this a top choice for anyone seeking a truly pet-friendly adventure in upstate New York.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are frequently seen off-leash under owner supervision on the trails.
- Where is the best place to park? The Wart Rd parking lot is very spacious and provides easy access to the trailhead.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are extensive hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing trails connected to the park.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Winona State Forest Trail Head is accessible and enjoyable in all seasons.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the trails are well-maintained by local volunteers and visitors are encouraged to carry out any trash.
- Is there winter maintenance (snow removal, etc.)? Yes, trails are groomed in winter for skiing and snowshoeing.
- Are there trash bins or waste stations? Visitors are urged to carry out their trash, as bins and waste stations are generally not provided.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The trails are heavily forested, offering natural shade during warmer months.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some muddy patches may be present after rain, but most trails remain passable.
Reviews
Parking lot is massive. No chance it fills up. Trailhead is a short walk from the parking lot. Overall the trails are in great condition. A few mud patches along the way to dance around but nothing impassable. The trails are 50/50 in terms of being clear. The trail maintainers have definitely been hard at work cutting grass and making the trails usable. Where they haven’t been the grass is about knee high but nothing to worry about. Be sure to use your map as there are so many trails it can be easy to take a wrong turn. Awesome little trail network. Bugs were fine if running, but definitely wear bug spray if planning on walking.
I’m in Tug Hill for the first time in January 2025, and the snow is deep. It’s 3-4 feet depending on the exact place, and nicely fluffy. The Winona State Forest trails are kept in great shape by local volunteers with clear blazes, junction maps and bridges over stream crossings. They are groomed from time to time, but not wide enough for skating at least in our corner of the SF. We were on metal-edge BC skis, but skinnier classic ski would serve fine. Wart Rd parking lot gave us access to many trails, so we did a 2 hour XC loop, avoiding the separate snowmobile trails. It was mostly easy rolling forested terrain. Trails are for all nonmotorized travel, so we encountered about 20 skiers, some half dozen dogs all off leash (and well behaved), a kids group on snowshoes and a fat biker, but no horses or sled dogs (who are also allowed). Download the NYSDEC map before setting out as none are at the trailhead. Wart Rd location had lots of parking, portapotties and good signs/maps, but no rentals, concessions or warming place. It’s all free. You could ski here alone for weeks. And after that there are many other state forests nearby.
We rode the ATV trails in the forest today. I noticed alot of things that people can do there. There are hiking trails, cross country ski trails. Great place to spend in the forest with family. I didn’t see any trash, carry in a and carry out. Loved the peaceful sounds and took in the scenery.
Winona is always an interesting trail system and quite extensive and well-kept.
This particular day I biked in the cold snowy weather and still enjoyed it, we though I finished the ride on the seasonal roads and they were very hilly; got in some good hill training in addition to mountain biking.
Whether I go in the summer, fall, spring, or winter and no matter if it is hiking, MTB’ing, or snowshoeing I always enjoy it and find some new trails that I have never been on.
Beautiful place to hike. Very well maintained. There are many trails to choose from.