Deer River State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
• • DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (518) 897-1200; info.r5@dec.ny.gov
  • 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 Dickinson, Brandon, and Malone, Franklin County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6F
• Map: Deer River State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 12,273-acre Deer River State Forest offers a rustic outdoor experience with limited developed amenities. The Deer River, with its impressive array of interconnected wetlands and tributaries is a defining feature of Deer River State Forest. The river's rapids, waterfalls, open flat waters and expansive marshes give the state forest a wild character.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

The 0.6-mile Beaneville Trail starts at the Webster Mills PFAR and runs along the Deer River. In addition, there are several miles of unpaved roadways and unmarked trails that allow for recreating in a relatively undeveloped, natural setting.

Camping

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

There are 9 designated campsites, posted with yellow and black "Camp Here" markers, located in Deer River State Forest. These sites allow visitors to camp near public forest access roads and the Deer River. Eight sites are located off Conservation PFAR and another off Avery Lot PFAR. Each site is undeveloped and primitive in character, typically consisting of a cleared area and a stone fire ring. Most of the sites are accessible by vehicle and allow for parking. Bathroom facilities, running water, and electricity are not available.

At-large 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.

Fishing

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

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the Deer 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).

Adirondack/Lake Champlain 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.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 6F

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

Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.

Snowmobiling

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

There are approximately 2.61 miles of snowmobile trails on the property that connect to the NYS Snowmobile network of trails.

Wildlife

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 a 0.53-mile trail in the eastern portion of the forest that allow motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.

Directions

• Mill Rd (a/k/a Mandish Rd) angler parking: (44.74297266°N, 74.44662317°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Webster Mill Rd angler parking area: (44.73180897°N, 74.4199989°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website) This is the trail head parking for the Beaneville Hiking Trail.
• Conservation Rd parking area and Fishing Access: (44.72981283°N, 74.50180458°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Iron Bridge Fishing Access parking area: (44.71948994°N, 74.47986622°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

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

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) 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 Deer River 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, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are allowed within the property. Snowmobile trails are marked, maintained and groomed. There are no designated trails or maintained areas for the other activities.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a draft (Northern Franklin) unit management plan (UMP) which describes the proposed management activities for this lands. 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 about this UMP, please email us at r5.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Trout River State Forest
• Titusville State Forest
• Bombay State Forest
• St. Regis River State Forest
• Debar Mt. Wild Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of St. Regis Falls, Bangor and Malone.
• Lodging, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby community of Malone.

Franklin County Tourism (leaves DEC 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 (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.