State Land

Trout Lake State Forest

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Map of Trout Lake State Forest

Trout Lake State Forest covers 1,087 acres. The topography is very hilly with thin soils and rocky exposed ridge tops. Better quality upland sites support a mixture of northern hardwood, hemlock, and white pine forests. Lower quality upland sites are dominated by red oak, eastern hophornbeam, hickories, and other species adapted to droughty and nutrient poor soils. Pine and spruce plantations were established on what were formerly farm fields and pastures. Flatter ground supports open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods in seasonal flooded areas.

 

Featured Activities

General Information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

The Trout Lake Trail (0.8 mile) leads north from the Cedar Lake Public Forest Access Road (PFAR) and ends at a picnic area on Trout Lake. The picnic area is also accessible by water for small boats and canoes. The Campbell Trail (0.9 mile) leads east from the Trout Lake Trail and ends at a parking area on the Campbell Public Forest Access Road.

The Cedar Lake Trail (0.1 mile) provides a short but steep access route from the parking area on the Cedar Lake Public Forest Access Road down to the water. The Cedar Lake Overlook Trail (0.3 mile) was established by the St. Lawrence County Youth Conservation Corps (leaves DEC website) in the 1980s. The trail leads to observation points perched 100 feet above the water that give excellent views of the lake and the surrounding forest.

General Information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to regulations.

Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Hunting is allowed in accordance with state laws and regulations. Follow all hunting safety guidelines, be prepared before going into the woods.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Trapping is allowed in accordance with state laws and regulations. Follow all trapping safety guidelines, be prepared before going into the woods.

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

There is extensive public frontage on both Trout Lake and Cedar Lake. Users should be aware of Special Regulations (leaves DEC website). The operation of mechanically propelled vessels other than those powered by an electric motor with a rating of five horsepower or less, is prohibited on any of on Cedar Lake.

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

All trails in Trout Lake State Forest are open for cross-country skiing in the winter, but none are groomed for cross-country skiing.

General information on snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

All trails in Trout Lake State Forest are open for snowshoeing in the winter, but none are groomed for cross-country skiing.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

The wildlife that may be present in the Trout Lake State Forest includes white-tailed deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, mink, black bear, red and gray fox, and migratory songbirds. Smooth green snake, eastern garter snake, wood turtle and painted turtle may also be present.

Directions

Trout Lake State Forest can be accessed from the Campbell Road and the Campbell Public Forest Access Road in the town of Edwards. It can also be accessed from St. Lawrence County Route 19 and the Cedar Lake Public Forest Access Road in the town of Hermon.

  • Cedar Lake Public Forest Access Road Parking Area (44.350937°N, 75.265662°W) Google Maps 
  • Campbell Public Forest Access Road Parking (44.363252°N, 75.25267°W) Google Maps 
  • Trout Lake Picnic Area (44.361814°N, 75.262769°W) Google Maps 

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Trout Lake State Forest must follow all State Forest Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Follow the NYS Firewood regulation to protect the forests you love from invasive insects and diseases.

Planning and Management

DEC developed the draft St. Lawrence Rock Ridge Unit Management Plan that describes proposed management activities for this and several other state forests in the area. DEC accepted public comments on the draft until April 30, 2022. Questions about this draft UMP may be sent to [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Edwards, South Edwards, Harrisville and Gouverneur.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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