Winona 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 Lorraine, Jefferson County and Town of Boylston, Oswego County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6K & 6N
-
Map: Winona State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 9,233-acre Winona State Forest is located in southern Jefferson County and Northern Oswego County on the western edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. It is east of interstate #81, west of Littlejohn Wildlife Management Area.
The unit contains 31.1 miles of cross-country ski trails, 8.7 miles of snowmobile trails (some designated New York State Snowmobile Corridor Trails), 9.9 miles of forest roads, and 4 parking lots.
Featured Activities
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to, safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The Winona Forest Recreation Association (WFRA), under a volunteer stewardship agreement with DEC, voluntarily spend hundreds of hours maintaining trails and facilities as well as hosting numerous recreational events.
Winter events include the Tug Hill Tourathon ski race, the Tug Hill Challenge Sled dog race, snowshoe races, fat tire bike races, trail running events, and more. Winona State Forest has become one of New York's premiere venues for outdoor recreation while still continuing to provide for active timber management.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to, safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Winona State Forest has three designated campsites on Bargy Road. All designated primitive campsites have yellow and black "Camp Here" markers.
Primitive
campsite marker
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to, safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Hiking is allowed anywhere unless posted otherwise.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Horseback riding is allowed on many of the trails. There is also an accessible horse mounting platform at the parking lot (CCC building) on County Route 90. Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.
| Trail Name | Miles | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bargy (main) | 3.1 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile, Car |
| Tucker | 2.6 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile, Car |
| Hessel | 2.0 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile, Car |
| Hawley | 1.5 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile, Car |
| Wart | 0.7 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile, Car |
| Adsit | 1.0 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile |
| Gold Spike | 1.2 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile |
| Bacus Bend | 2.5 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile |
| Dog Leg | 1.2 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile |
| Dog Leg Ext. | 0.4 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile |
| Bronze Trail | 1.5 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog, snowmobile |
| Tucker Ext Trail | 1.2 | hike, ski, sled dog, snowmobile |
| Musher Ridge | 1.2 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Pussycat | 0.5 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Tail | 0.5 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Skinner Creek | 0.8 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Frank's Fancy | 1.9 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Tie | 0.3 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Shady Shuttle | 2.2 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Jimmy's Jaunt | 0.6 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Hiscock | 1.7 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Ted's Turn | 0.6 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Sally's Ride | 0.4 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Bill's Belly | 2.0 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Raspberry (Larrabee) Trail | 1.9 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Alice's Alley | 2.5 | hike, ski, bike, sled dog |
| Winona Way | 5.0 | hike, ski, bike, horse, sled dog |
| Sycopath | 0.9 | hike, ski, horse, snowmobile |
| Stone Wall | 1.1 | hike, ski, bike |
| Stream View | 0.6 |
hike, ski, bike |
| CCC Loop | 1.9 | hike, bike |
| Otso's Ridge | 0.4 | hike, bike |
| Bernard's Bypass | 0.5 | hike, bike |
| Look Out | 0.8 | hike, bike |
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to, safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Winona State Forest has 8.7 miles of snowmobile trails. Some forest access roads allow snowmobiling.
Hunting & Trapping
Wildlife Management Unit: 6K & 6N
General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
The Winona Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) buildings are the center for many winter activities. An original CCC building is used (by permit only) as headquarters for events. A pole barn houses grooming equipment and serves as a warming shed at events. Each of the three parking areas has accessible parking and accessible privies. There is also an accessible horse mounting platform at the parking lot (CCC building) on Co. Route 90.
Directions
To get to this forest, from interstate 81, take Mannsville exit 39, then take county route 90 east through Mannsville. About 2.75 miles out of Mannsville, county route 90 meets Dixon Road and turns to the right. This route bears left at the intersection with Wart Road and then right at Brown Road. The historical CCC camp is another mile down the road on the left. From the east take Jefferson County Route 92 to Jefferson County Route 90. Proceed west on County Route 90 for approximately 2 miles. The CCC Camp is on the right.
Winona State Forest has three plowed parking areas. Each parking lot has an informational kiosk and an accessible privy. The CCC parking is for access from the north at the junction of Bargy Road and Co. Route 90. Bargy Parking is at the junction of Bargy Road and Co. Rt. 13. Wart Road parking is at the junction of Center Road and Wart Road.
Parking:
- CCC Parking: (43.712803°N, 75.970619°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Bargy Road Parking: (43.660918°N, 75.964946°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Wart Road Parking: (43.657014°N, 75.999102°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Camping:
- West side of Bargy Road (north) (43.710085°N, 75.973625°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- East side of Bargy Road (middle) (43.696342°N, 75.975833°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- West side of Bargy Road (south) (43.695571°N, 75.976279°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 Winona 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 Winona Forest Unit Management Plan (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 r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
History
Much of this reforestation land was once farmland that was abandoned during the Great Depression. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) maintained a camp on the forest. As the trees have grown to maturity, foresters have marked many stands for wood products, including red pine poles, pulpwood, hardwood and softwood saw timber and chips for energy.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Sandy Creek, Adams, Richland and Pulaski.
- Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Sandy Creek, Adams and Pulaski.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Lacona, Sandy Creek and Pulaski
- Lodging can be found in the nearby community of Pulaski.
The Jefferson County 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.
