Raymondville State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 6 Potsdam Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), (315) 265-3090; 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 Stockholm and Norfolk, St. Lawrence County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6A
- Map: Raymondville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 641-acre Raymondville State Forest contains very limited infrastructure and is mostly made up of large undeveloped areas suitable for hunting, hiking and nature viewing. This forest consists of 7 separate parcels which were purchased between 1951 and 1990 for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There is a 1-mile multi-use trail posted with yellow markers which begins on Grantville Road and leads south through a mixed forest of white pine and northern hardwoods. It is open to hiking and cross-country skiing.
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.
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The 1-mile multi-use trail is ideal for short cross-county ski or snowshoe adventures in an undeveloped and pristine setting.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
From Norfolk: Head north towards Raymondville on N. Main Street (Route 56) for 2.73 miles and take a right turn onto Grantville Road. The trailhead will be down the road about 0.53 miles, on the right.
- Trailhead for Raymondville State Forest (44.8427849°N, 74.9674225°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 Raymondville 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 and snowshoeing riding are all permitted on the property; however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the St. Lawrence Flatlands Unit Management Plan (PDF, 17MB). 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.
Forest Composition
Raymondville State Forest's topography is very flat with extensive wetlands throughout the area. The wettest areas are dominated by open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods and white cedar in seasonal flooded areas. Drier upland sites support northern hardwood and white pine forests. As with many state forests, much of the area is former agricultural land which has reverted to forest. Open fields were planted with a variety of species including red, scotch, and white pines, as well as white spruce. Secluded areas of the forest contain native balsam fir stands and scattered white pine trees measuring up to 37 inches in diameter.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Grantville State Forest
- Knapp Station State Forest
- Lost Nation State Forest
- Brasher and Bombay State Forest
- Buckton State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Brasher Falls, Winthrop, Norwood, Norfolk and Massena.
St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce (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.
