Salmon River State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Altmar Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (315) 298-7467; [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 Redfield, Oswego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Salmon River State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Salmon River State Forest encompasses 2,763 acres of land. Activities such as hiking, hunting, trapping, fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross country skiing, are best suited for this state forest. Harpers Ferry, a Public Forest Access Road, provides 0.8 miles of recreational access into the forest.

An abundance of wildlife makes both hunting and trapping a particularly enjoyable activity. In fact, this area is often referred to as "Little America" because it so closely preserves the raw natural beauty that once covered the terrain before intense settlement recreated the landscape.

Directions

Salmon River State Forest may be accessed by taking NY I-81 to exit 36, then taking County Route 2 toward Orwell/ Redfield. County Route 2 runs diagonally through the forest, with parking areas and access roads available directly off of it, before intersecting with County Route 17, which runs north and south through the east end of the forest.

• CCC Road Parking (43.556033°N, 75.893462°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 Salmon 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.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Upper Salmon River Unit Management Plan (PDF) with Maps Part 1 (PDF) and Part 2 (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP 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].

Forest Management

Salmon River State Forest also consists of an attractive mix of mature natural hardwood and northern hardwood-hemlock cover types. This community boasts such species as red maple, black cherry, white ash, sugar maple, American beech, yellow birch, red oak and hemlock. The conifer plantations planted by the CCC during the 1930s and 1950s further add to the diversity of trees in the forest.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Battle Hill State Forest
• Chateaugay State Forest
• Hall Island State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas and food may be found in the nearby community of Redfield.
• Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Pulaski.

Oswego County Tourism Office 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.

History

Originally, the land now known as Salmon River State Forest was used exclusively by the Iroquois for hunting and fishing. As is the case with many of the lands that have since become managed by the state, the land was later cleared for farm land and timber by Revolutionary War Veterans and early settlers. However, the upland soils of the Tug Hill Plateau are characteristically rocky, highly acidic, and steep. Combined with the long and intense winters common to the region, it is easy to understand why many of these farmers were forced to abandon their properties and seek their fortune elsewhere.

The State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931 provided legislation which authorized the Conservation Department (now DEC) to acquire land, by gift or purchase, for reforestation areas. These State Forests, consisting of no less than 500 acres of contiguous land, were to be "forever devoted to reforestation and the establishment and maintenance thereon of forests for watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, and kindred purposes" (Article 9, Title 5, Environmental Conservation Law).

Salmon River State Forest was purchased by New York State during the 1930s for these purposes. It was during this period that lands cleared for agricultural practices were restored to forests. Reforestation reduced the problem of soil erosion, protected water quality, and provided forest products and recreational opportunities. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted thousands of conifer seedlings on the newly acquired lands. Evidence of their tremendous efforts can be seen today through the fully grown red pine, white pine, white spruce, Norway spruce, and European and Japanese larch, which cover the landscape.