- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 6 Watertown Office (M-F, 8:00AM - 4:45PM), (315) 785-2263; [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: Town of Clayton, Jefferson County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6G
- Map: French Creek Wildlife Management Area Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The primary purposes of French Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is a 2,300-acre parcel. Small game and songbirds are found here in the open meadows and hardwood uplands. Oak and hickory trees provide nut mast for wildlife to eat. Waterfowl and furbearers also find suitable homes in the cattail marsh which borders the open water of French Creek.
Both small rowboats and canoes can be used in the broad channel of the creek. Unpaved roads within the WMA provide good access, but foot travel is the primary means of movement through the area. There are no designated trails, but hiking is allowed throughout the property.