East Osceola 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 Osceola, Lewis County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6K & 6N
- Map: East Osceola State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,975-acre state forest is managed for the purpose of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection. Early settlers to the area named the bustling crossroads community after the famous Seminole Chieftain Osceola, which in turn, is how the property received its name. There are also three detached forest preserve parcels adjacent to the property that may be used by the public but have limited access.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are 2.18 miles of trails and unpaved roadways that visitors can use to explore the forest in an undeveloped natural setting.
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.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Trout fishing opportunities on this state forest are outstanding, with the Salmon River, Malloy Brook and Smith Brook often providing anglers with a memorable recreational experience.
For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the Salmon 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).
North Central NY Fishing and 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 Units: 6K & 6N
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.
Snowmobiling is allowed on all the trails within the property. Driscoll Trail (0.35 mile) joins with the NYS Snowmobile network of trails once off the property and is groomed and maintained by the 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.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
The 1-mile Malloy Brook route in the western portion of the forest and the 0.79-mile Camp 2 Road in the northeastern portion of the forest are accessible for people with mobility impairments.
Directions
From Osceola, take County Route 46, proceed north 2 miles.
- Salmon River parking area off Rte. 46 (43.4974213°N, 75.7099838°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 East Osceola 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, 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.
DEC manages public recreation on these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the East Branch of Fish Creek Recreation Management Plan (RMP) (PDF). If you have questions and/or comments about this RMP, please email us r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- West Osceola State Forest
- Tri-County State Forest
- East Branch of Fish Creek Conservation Easement
- Big Brook State Forest
- Swancott Hill State Forest
- Swancott Mill State Forest
- Fall Brook State Forest
- Raywood Unique Area
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, dining, lodging, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Altmar, Williamstown, Boonville, Constableville, Camden and Rome.
Adirondacks Tug Hill region website (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.
