State Land

Grant Powell State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Grant Powell State Forest location

This 8,077-acre state forest is named after the first state district forester appointed to the Lewis-Jefferson County area. He was instrumental in most of the original local state land acquisition projects that formed the basis for the state forests that exist here today. A memorial plaque and small parking site established by his friends and co-workers can be seen along the south side of State Route 177.

Adjoining this state forest to the south is the Tug Hill Wildlife Management Area that contains more than 5,000 acres of public land dedicated to the enhancement of native wildlife. Every winter large numbers of snowmobilers and cross country skiers journey to the North Country to enjoy the deep winter snow conditions of this state forest and adjacent properties.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no official hiking trails on the property, however, there are 5.37 miles of snowmobile trails and unpaved roads that may be used for hiking in the warmer months.

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.

Several notable trout streams, including Mad River, Mud, Edick, Mulligan, and Cobb Creeks, lure fishing enthusiasts during the trout season. Mad River is annually stocked with brook trout.

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on Mad River, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map).

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: 6N

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 6N

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.

There are 4.5 miles of snowmobile routes on the property, maintained by the Barnes Corners Sno-Pals, which connect to the NYS Snowmobile Trail system.

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 one trail, the 0.38-mile Ontuit Trail in the northwest corner of 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 Lowville, take State Route 12 north 2.5 miles to the intersection with State Route 177. Take State Route 177 for 7 miles west to County Route 28 (Sears Pond Road) and turn left. Proceed 1.5 miles south.

  • Huck Berry unpaved parking lot (43.74926421°N, 75.68787217°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 Grant Powell 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 & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

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

This forest is located on the Tug Hill Plateau, with its associated poor soils and severe winters. The timber resource is comprised of mixed natural hardwood and spruce-fir stands, with a lesser amount of planted pine and spruce. Most of this timber is of low value; however, DEC forestry professionals are continually improving timber quality through a program of carefully planned timber harvesting operations.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

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.

Important Links

Lewis County Tourism
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