Onjebonge State Forest
- 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 Diana, Lewis County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6C
- Map: Onjebonge State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 1,835-acre state forest is named for a nearby pond that has retained the legacy of its original Iroquois language designation. The western border of this forest is the Indian River, which forms a common boundary with the Fort Drum Military Reservation.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are no official trails on this property; however, hiking is allowed on the network of 4.47 miles of public forest access roads (PFAR) that cross the property. This includes Onjebonje PFAR, Lime Quarry PFAR, Lime Quarry Ext and Alice Coffey PFAR.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & 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.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Fishing and Canoeing the Indian River provides fishing and paddling information for the entire length of the Indian River, including the lakes found along the flow.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Fishing and Canoeing the Indian River provides fishing and paddling information for the entire length of the Indian River, including the lakes found along the flow. The Lime Quarry accessible fishing pier provides access to the Indian River via Lime Quarry Road.
North Central NY 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
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
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 are 2 routes, Lime Quarry Extension is 0.22 mile and Lime Quarry PFAR is 1.47 miles, in the western portion of the property that allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.
Recreational pursuits here include fishing on the Indian River, white-tailed deer and small game hunting, trapping, and woodland hiking and biking. There is an accessible fishing pier on the Indian River, which can be reached via Lime Quarry Road.
Access is provided by the Alice Coffey public forest Access road (2.6 miles) and the Onjebonge (1.0 mile) and Lime Quarry Road (1.4 miles).
Directions
From Carthage, take State Route 3 north 9.4 miles to Natural Bridge, turn left on Lime Street then go 0.2 miles and turn left on Lewisburg Road. Go 0.3 mile to Arnoldville Road. Turn right and proceed 1 mile.
- Lime Quarry Ext. parking area (44.09203118°N, 75.49461966°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Indian River parking area and fishing pier (44.09664285°N, 75.49374799°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Alice Coffey PFAR parking area (44.08426518°N, 75.44658643°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 Onjebonge 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, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are allowed on the property; however, there are no trails on this property currently maintained for these activities.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Westward Waters Unit Management Plan. 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 r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Timber Management
The granite based soils of the area vary from shallow and poor to deep and rich. Much of the topography is moderate to steep, with significant wetlands that are periodically flooded by beaver. The better soils are home to impressive natural hard maple-white ash stands and plantations of red pine-white pine. These better stands are periodically improved by carefully controlled timber harvests conducted by high bidding private contractors under the direction of DEC forestry professionals. Lower quality soils support a diverse combination of rough white pine, red maple, aspen, grey birch, and even the occasional black ash; a species important in basket making.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Hogsback State Forest
- Frank E. Jadwin Memorial State Forest
- Sand Bay State Forest
- Bonaparte's Cave State Forest
- Beartown State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Natural Bridge and Harrisville.
- Lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Harrisville.
Adirondacks Tug Hill (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.
