State Land

Orebed Creek State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Orebed Creek State Forest Location

Orebed Creek State Forest covers 791 acres and was established or the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation, and watershed protection.

 

Featured Activities

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

There is a short (0.43-mile) hiking trail located at the end of the Ritz Road. The property also provides large undeveloped areas well suited for hunting, hiking and nature viewing.

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.

Orebed Creek runs north to south through the middle of the property and provides opportunities for fishing. Access may be difficult due to the limited infrastructure currently in place.

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: 6F

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 6F

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

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

Directions

This forest can be accessed from the Ritz Road in the town of Russell.

  • Ritz Road parking area (44.311402°N, 75.074692°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 Orebed Creek 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 and snowshoeing are allowed on the property; however, there are no trails on this property currently maintained for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a unit management plan (UMP) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the St. Lawrence Foothills Unit Management Plan 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].

History

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played an active role in the early protection and development of this forest. Crews from Camp S-134 in Pierrepont accomplished the following tasks on Orebed Creek State Forest in 1937:

  • Planted over 546,000 trees on 495 acres, with the major species being eastern white pine, red pine, and white spruce. Other less common species planted include Scotch pine, balsam fir, white cedar, and an experimental planting of western white pine (Pinus monticola).
  • Cleared and maintained 2.5 miles of fireline.

The current users of our public lands can thank the former CCC crew workers for the impressive forests they see today.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Canton, Colton, Edwards, Gouverneur, Hermon and Russell.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce 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

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Contact for this Page

NYS DEC Potsdam Sub-Office
190 Outer Main St Suite 103
Potsdam, NY 13676

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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