Frank E. Jadwin Memorial 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: Towns of Diana and Croghan, Lewis County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6C & 6J
- Map: Frank E. Jadwin Memorial State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 20,412-acre state forest, one of the largest and most diverse in New York State, spans the townships of Croghan and Diana. It was named as a memorial to former Conservation Department (now NYSDEC) District Forester Frank E. Jadwin, who was locally instrumental in the acquisition and establishment of the state forests which exist today. A memorial site and plaque was established after his death and can be found on the west side of State Route 812.
The diversity of this forest is evidenced by over 12,000 acres of natural hardwood and conifer forest, 5,000 acres of softwood plantations, 2,500 acres of ponds and wetlands, and 500 acres of brush land, historic sites, and other unique areas. Unusually large and ecologically important wetlands such as Sunday, Patchin, Pine Creek, and Compo swamps drain into trout streams including the West Branch of the Oswegatchie River, Pine Creek, Blanchard Creek, Brown Creek, and Compo Creek.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are 27 miles of multi-use trails and unpaved roads that may be used for hiking.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are 2 primitive campsites located off Blanchard Creek Road in the southern portion of the property.
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.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
A fairly easy paddle can be found starting at the bridge on Jerden Falls Road just north of Dutton Road and pull out at the fishing access area on Kimballs Mills Road just south of Kimbals Mills bridge.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Many trout streams including the West Branch of the Oswegatchie River (which is stocked with brook and brown trout), Pine Creek, Blanchard Creek, Brown Creek, and Compo Creek are located across the property.
Jerden Falls fishing access site is 0.24 mile north of Jerden Falls bridge. There is a small parking area and a 0.4 mile trail leading to the West Branch of the Oswegatchie River.
Kimballs Mill Rd fishing access site, a small graveled pull off, located about one mile south of Kimballs Mills bridge in the center of the property on the West Branch of the Oswegatchie River.
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
Wildlife Management Unit: 6C & 6J
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 27 miles of multi-use trails and unpaved roads that may be used for snowmobiling and join up with the NYS Snowmobile Trail network.
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 2.5 miles of trail located 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
From Harrisville, take NY State Route 3 south 3 miles to the intersection with State Route 812. Proceed 3 miles south on Route 812.
Parking Areas
- Q-Road parking area (1-2 car) located in the southern portion of the property, there is another 1-2 car parking area further down the unpaved road (43.99831452°N, 75.32013973°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Hays Flats Trail parking area (1-2 car), located off Dutton Road in the southern portion of the property, there are 2 more parking areas further down the trail (44.01616119°N, 75.33265805°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Cherry Knoll haul road parking area (1-2 car), located off Jerden Falls Road in the southern portion of the property (44.02932118°N, 75.32272972°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- South PASNY Trail parking area (1-2 car), located at the end of the unpaved Lonesome Gate Road in the eastern portion of the property (44.04350452°N, 75.31447139°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- North PASNY Trail parking area (1-2 car), located at the northern tip of PASNY Trail, there are 2 more parking areas between these PASNY parking areas (44.06217951°N, 75.30640139°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Browns Creek haul road parking area (1-2 car), located off Jerdens Falls Road, in the eastern portion of the property (44.06493965°N, 75.30539027°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Old Croghan parking area (1-2 car), located off Aldrich Settlement Road in the eastern portion of the property, (44.03541452°N, 75.42947469°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Nelson PFAR parking area (1-2 car), located off Aldrich Settlement Road in the eastern portion of the property, (44.04127785°N, 75.39644803°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Bernard Haul Rd parking area (2-3car), located off St. Rte 812 in the middle of the unit, (44.05147452°N, 75.35449304°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Pine Haul Road parking area (2-3car), located off St. Rte 812 in the middle of the unit, (44.06388618°N, 75.35635638°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Oswegatchie Corner pfar parking area (2-3car), located off St. Rte 812 in the northern portion of the unit, (44.09736451°N, 75.35919471°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Fishing Access Site
- Kimballs Mill Road fishing access site # 1, located in the center of the property (44.0719014°N, 75.34193025°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 Frank E. Jadwin Memorial 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 and snowshoeing are all allowed on the property; however, the trails are not 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.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Hogsback State Forest
- Onjebonge State Forest
- Lassiter Easement - Oswegatchie Parcel
- Beartown State Forest
- Sand Bay State Forest
- Bonaparte's Cave 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.
