Debar Mountain Wild Forest
The Debar Mountain Wild Forest (DMWF) is located in the northeastern portion of the Adirondack Park, just north of Paul Smiths, and is entirely within Franklin County. The highest point on the unit is Debar Mountain, which, at over 3,300 feet offers a broad distant view of the high peaks region to the south. Some portions of the DMWF have been split from the unit to create the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest, which is located to the northeast of DMWF.
Trails on the unit offer opportunities for hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horse back riding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. Popular destinations within the unit include Debar Mountain, Azure Mountain and Debar Meadows. Other popular pastimes are hunting, fishing, canoeing and boating. Access to the unit's water resources is available at Meacham Lake Campground and Buck Pond Campground, as well as on the St. Regis River, Osgood Pond, Jones Pond, Deer River Flow, Mountain Pond, and Lake Kushaqua. Vehicle access to the unit is provided primarily via NYS Routes 3, 30 and 458. Important local roads for access include county route 26 (Old Route 99), Red Tavern Road, Kushaqua-Mud Pond Road, Gabriels-Onchiota Road, Blue Mountain Road, and Oregon Plains Road.
DMWF statistics
- State Lands - 61,500 acres
- Easement Lands - 60,600 acres
- Major Bodies of Water - 5
- Elevation (minimum) - 1,300 feet
- Elevation (maximum) - 3,305 feet
- Canoe Carry Trails* - 2 miles
- Horse Trails* - 8 miles
- Cross Country Ski Trails* - 13 miles
- Mountain Bike Trails* - 22 miles
- Snowmobile Trails* - 16 miles
- Designated Campsites - 21
- Lean-tos - 4
* Note: Some trails are designated for more than one use. Consequently, trail mileages are not cumulative.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at: r5ump@gw.dec.state.ny.us
