Cranberry Creek Wildlife Management Area

• 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 Alexandria, Jefferson County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6A
• Map: Cranberry Creek WMA Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The primary purposes of Cranberry Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is a 13.4-acre tract of land which consists primarily of wooded upland and wetland that includes a deep emergent marsh. The WMA also has a memorial grave site dedicated to the American soldiers that died during the War of 1812 Battle of Cranberry Creek. There are informational signs depicting the history of the battle.

Directions

Northern tip of Jefferson County, north of the village of Alexandria Bay on State Route 12N then travel 1.5 miles on Swan Hollow Road (44.3304141°N, 75.8826056°W) - Get Google Map Driving Directions.

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 Cranberry Creek Wildlife Management Area must follow all Wildlife Management Area Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Activity Rules & Regulations

• Wildlife Management Area Regulations (PDF) - updated in 2022
• Hunting Regulations
• Trapping Regulations
• Fishing Regulations

Outdoor Safety Tips

• Hunting Safety Tips
• Hiking Safety Tips

NOTE: Ticks are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, but especially so in the late spring and early fall. Deer ticks can transmit Lyme and several other diseases. More information on deer ticks and Lyme disease can be obtained from the NYS Department of Health.

How We Manage Cranberry Creek Wildlife Management Area

Like most of the state's Wildlife Management Areas, Cranberry Creek WMA is managed by DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife conservation and wildlife-associated recreation (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and photography). Funding to maintain and manage this site is provided by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration or "Pittman-Robertson" Act, which is acquired through excise taxes on sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment.

View the Habitat Management Plan for Cranberry Creek Wildlife Management Area (PDF), approved in May 2016, which identifies the WMA-specific target species and habitat goals for the WMA.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

Web links below can provide information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

• The Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce

State Lands and Facilities

• Collins Landing WMA
• Keewaydin State Park
• Kring Point State Park

Numerous guide books 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.