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; [email protected]
  • 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.

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

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 [email protected].

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 and 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 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 for information on outdoor guides.