Gould Corners 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 Rodman and Lorraine, Jefferson County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Gould Corners State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The Gould Corners State Forest includes two reforestation areas covering a total of 2,045 acres. It is named for the nearby intersection of Spring Street, Middle Road, Jerusalem Road and Washington Park Road (County Route 97). Over thousands of years the waters of South Sandy Creek have carved the canyon-like Lorraine Gulf into the shale bedrock. Today, this gulf offers spectacular scenic vistas along the southern boundary of this state forest. The Rodman - Barnes Corners deer yards and Jefferson County's Washington Park's recreational trail system also border this state forest.

Directions

From Watertown, take Interstate 81 south to exit #41, Adams. Make a left onto Route 178 east. Go to Route 11, turn right at the stop light, then on the south side of Adams turn left on County Route 189 going toward Lorraine. Take the next left on Washington Park Road. Go 2.5 miles to Gould Corners and the state forests are on either side of the road.

• Spring Street Parking: There is 4-5 car parking at the end of Spring Street (N43.80382, W75.97882) Google Maps. Please note that Spring Street, Dobbins Road and Jerusalem Roads are not plowed across the state forest.

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

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts.

All users of Goulds Corners State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulation and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

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 at [email protected].

Tree species include plantation conifers such as red pine, white pine and scotch pine, along with natural stands of hemlock, hard maple, soft maple, white ash, and black cherry. Wood products harvested from this forest consist of pine pulp, poles, saw timber, high quality hardwood veneer, firewood and fuel chips.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Tug Hill State Forest
• Granger State Forest
• Winona State Forest
• Lookout State Forest
• Pinckney State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Adams, Adams Center and Watertown.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Adams, Adams Center and Watertown.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Adams, Adams Center, Lorraine and Watertown.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Adams Center and Watertown.

The Jefferson County website 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.