Raywood Unique Area
- 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; information.r6@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 Lewis, Lewis County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6N
- Map: Raywood Unique Area Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 307-acre unique area was reportedly named for the distinctive wood grain arrangement of the American beech tree, a species that is found on this forest and was at one time quite prevalent on nearly all of Tug Hill. The property was acquired by the state in 1990 as a public access project. This new state forest provided access to a 257-acre isolated forest preserve parcel which had been inaccessible to the public for the entire tenure of state ownership of the previous 102 years. The state forest was created for the purpose of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no official marked or maintained trails on the property; however, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the undeveloped woodland setting that the forest provides.
Camping
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.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no formal snowmobile routes on the property; however, there is a route from the NYS Snowmobile network that follows Goodhines Road through the center of the property. This route is groomed and maintained by Southern Tug Hill Sno-Riders (leaves DEC website) through a volunteer stewardship agreement.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
From Boonville, take Route 294 west 6.6 miles to West Leyden. Turn left on State Route 26 then a quick right on Route 46. Go 6.1 miles to Goodhines Road. Turn right and proceed 1.4 miles.
- Goodhines Road unmaintained pull-off area (43.465598°N, 75.564258°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 Raywood Unique Area 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, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property, however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.
Planning and Management
DEC developed the draft Tug Hill East Unit Management Plan (PDF, 8 MB), which describes the management activities for these lands. Public comments were accepted on the draft UMP from November 1st through December 15th, 2021. If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Timber Management
A mixture of softwood plantations and natural hardwoods on this forest, interlaced with numerous small wetlands, form a winter deer concentration area in conjunction with the old growth hemlock and red spruce on the forest preserve lot. A severe windstorm hit part of this forest in 2001, damaging much of the timber close to Goodhines Road, temporarily blocking and closing this town road. Private timber harvesters, under contract with the state, quickly cleared and reopened the road and subsequently salvaged the wind damaged timber.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Swancott Mill State Forest
- Swancott Hill State Forest
- Fall Brook State Forest
- Big Brook State Forest
- Point Rock State Forest
- Mohawk Springs State Forest
- East Osceola State Forest
- Cottrell State Forest
- East Branch of Fish Creek Conservation Easement
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, dining, lodging, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Boonville, Constableville, Camden and Rome.
Adirondacks Tug Hill Region (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.
