State Land

High Towers State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
High Towers State Forest location

This 729-acre state forest is named for the tall electric towers that were constructed on the area many years ago. Since that time, newer and higher towers have been constructed adjacent to the originals, but the name has persisted. The diverse landscape provides opportunities for a range of recreational experiences.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no specific hiking trails on this unit; however, hiking is allowed throughout.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and 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.

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

There is an unnamed tributary of the Black River that contains trout and flows onto the unit south of Rumble Road.

North Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6J

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 6J

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

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

Beech Flat Road and Beech Flat Road Ext. provide access to the property and both are part of the NYS Snowmobile Trails network and they are maintained by Brantingham Snowmobile Club Inc. (leaves DEC website).

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

Accessible Features

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

There is a 0.64-mile section of Beech Flat Ext. trail in the property that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

From Lyons Falls, take Co Rt. 39 (Lyons Falls Road) north. Proceed 1.5 miles.

Public access is provided via the Beech Flat Road (0.8 mile), the High Towers Road (0.2 mile), and the Austrian Trail (0.3 mile); however, there are no official parking areas on this unit.

  • Shibley Rd. and Town Line Rd. intersection (43.646376°N, 75.320602°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 High Towers 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 Westward Waters Unit Management Plan. 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 at [email protected].

Timber Management

The underlying soils here are mostly sandy and deep, making for a well drained site capable of producing quality timber. The majority of trees consist of natural hardwoods such as hard maple, white ash, black cherry, soft maple, and some red oak, with a much lesser amount of pine plantations. Carefully controlled timber sales conducted by DEC's foresters have produced significant quality saw timber over the years, while achieving the goal of improving forest health and vigor.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Facilities

  • Lodging, dining opportunities, gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Lyons Falls.

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.

Important Links

Lewis County Tourism
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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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