The Hudson River Special Management Area (HRSMA), also known as the Hudson River Recreation Area, or sometimes simply Buttermilk, is located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River in the Lake George Wild Forest. It includes 5,550 acres of forest preserve lands in the towns of Warrensburg and Lake Luzerne in Warren County.
A central feature and major attraction of the area are the dozen or so miles of frontage on the east bank of the Hudson River. This area is popular for camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, tubing, and other recreational activities.
East of the river corridor, much of the HRSMA is hilly and quite steep. Many rocky outcrops, and hence potentially scenic vistas, exist on the hillsides in the area, though there are few foot trails by which to access them. Elevations in the area range from around 580 ft. at the Hudson River to 1,941 ft. at the top of Thomas Mountain.
Numerous old roads and skid trails can be found throughout the area – some designated, though most are not – that are used by the public for hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, Nordic skiing, hunting and other activities.
