Coyote Flats 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 Theresa and LeRay, Jefferson County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6G
- Map: Coyote Flats Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 553-acre state forest was named Coyote Flats in the 1970s, at a time when the coyote was first making a come back in the north country. It was aptly named since the entire forest is comprised of low, flat, wet bottomland often frequented by coyotes.
The common tree species found here are aspen, white pine, hemlock, and red maple. Because of the wet ground conditions, timber harvesting from this state forest is extremely limited. Foot access to the area is from the west, along the Coyote Trail. This trail can be used for non-motorized recreation but is also open to motor vehicles.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.
There are no maintained trails but visitors may walk along the public forest access road, Coyote Trail, or they may explore the more undeveloped and wild parts of the forest.
Hunting & Trapping
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Streams flowing through the area are sporadically dammed by beaver, often inundating large sections of the forest. In addition to coyotes and beaver, other abundant wildlife occurring on the area include white-tailed deer, muskrat, mink, and waterfowl. Ruffed grouse can often be found in the aspen stands.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.
There are no designated campsites on this state forest, but 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.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.
While there are no maintained trails on this state forest, visitors may cross-country ski or snowshoe on the public forest access road, Coyote Trail.
Directions
From Watertown, take US Interstate 81 north to exit 49. Make a right onto Route 411 east. Travel about 1/4 mile and turn right on Snell road. Proceed 2 miles. There is a 1-2 car parking area at the intersection of Coyote Trail and Drake Road.
- Parking area for 1-2 cars (44.16745°N, 75.87687°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Access to the interior of this State Forest is Coyote Road, off Drake Road (0.99 miles) a Public Forest Access Road.
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. All users of Coyote Flats State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulation and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Planning and Management
The Ontario Plains Unit Management Plan (PDF) for these lands 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 UMP, or want to be sure you are included in any mailings about public meetings on this state forest, please email us at r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Perch River Wildlife Management Area
- Indian River Wildlife Management Area
- French Creek Wildlife Management Area
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food, dining and lodging can be found in the nearby community of Watertown.
The Thousand Islands Tourism Council (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.
