Lookout State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Lowville Office: (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), (315) 376-3521; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Towns of Pinckney and Harrisburg, Lewis County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Lookout State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

This 3,915-acre state forest was named for the Conservation Department's (now NYSDEC) New Boston Fire Tower that once stood on the property. From the late 1930s to the mid 1960s, this tower was manned by fire observers during the dry season as an early warning system of forest fire detection. The tower, along with most others statewide, were made obsolete by modern aircraft detection methods. The tower and the observer's cabin were removed from the site during the 1980s. Today, the young stands of timber that were once protected by the tower have grown to near maturity. The state forest is made up of natural hardwood and spruce-fir forests with pine and spruce plantations and ecologically important wetlands.

Accessible Features

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

Lookout Road is a short 0.31-mile route in the northwestern portion of the forest that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

From Copenhagan, take Route #194 south, proceed 6 miles.

• Dike Access pull-off parking area, off Cty Rte 194 (43.838574°N, 75.770081°W) Google Maps
• Lookout Rd. and trail head off of Grant Rd. (43.833073°N, 75.735683°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 Lookout State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are allowed on the property; however, there are no trails on this property currently maintained for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Tug Hill North Unit Management Plan (PDF, 7.9MB). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Pinckney State Forest
• Tug Hill State Forest
• Cobb Creek State Forest
• Gould's Corners State Forest
• Granger State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Barnes Corners and Lowville.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of West Lowville and Lowville.

Adirondacks Tug Hill 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.