Grantville 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: Town of Norfolk, St. Lawrence County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6A
- Map: Grantville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 775-acre Grantville State Forest's northernmost portion once included several farms and a bridge across the Raquette River, which were abandoned and removed many years ago. This forest consists of 6 separate parcels which were purchased between 1937 and 1950 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 are currently no designated trails on this state forest. The property does provide large undeveloped areas well suited for hunting, hiking, and nature viewing.
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.
The Raquette River creates the northwestern boundary of the property. Access to the river may be difficult due to the lack of infrastructure on the property.
North 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
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
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 Massena: Head southeast on State Route 420 for about 2.4 miles and take a right onto Brouse Road. Continue on Brouse Road for 3.42 miles until the Y-intersection. Bear right onto Grantville Road and the pull-off will be less than 0.5 mile down the road on the right.
- Pull-off area on Grantville Road (44.854540°N, 74.931773°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 Grantville 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 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 mailto:r6.ump@dec.ny.gov
History
The topography is very flat with extensive wetlands spread throughout the area. The wettest areas are dominated by open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods and white cedar in seasonally 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. Many of the properties purchased by the state in the 1930s and early 1940s were exhausted farmland with little tree cover. The first priorities after the establishment of a state forest were to reforest the land, prevent soil erosion and minimize the threat of wildfires.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played an active role in the early protection and development of this forest. Crews from Camp S-95 in Brasher Falls, accomplished the following tasks on Grantville State Forest between 1937 and 1941:
- Planted over 437,000 trees on 387 acres.
- Cleared and maintained 2.1-miles of fireline.
- Constructed 4 waterholes for fire control.
The current users of our state properties can thank the former CCC crew workers for the impressive forests they see today.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Raymondville State Forest
- Lost Nation State Forest
- Brasher & Bombay State Forest
- Buckton State Forest
- Knapp Station State Forest
- Sodom State Forest
- Higley Flow State Park (leaves DEC website)
- Stone Valley Cooperative Recreation Area (leaves DEC website)
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 Tourism 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.
