Silver Hill 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 Russell, St. Lawrence County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6C
- Map: Silver Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Silver Hill State Forest is composed of 783 acres and was established 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 developed 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.
Plumb Brook flows through the center of this state forest. It provides many scenic waterfalls, pools, and riffle areas which are well suited for both fishing and nature photography.
For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the Plumb Brook, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map).
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.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The property does not contain any trails designed specifically for snowmobiling; however, a route of the NYS Snowmobile network runs along Curtis Road at the southern boundary of the property, then runs up Silver Hill Road and then continues out Cook Road and is maintained and groomed by St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association (leaves DEC website) through a volunteer stewardship agreement.
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 the town of Edwards: Head north on County Route 24 for 4.5 miles and turn right onto Dana Hill Road. Follow Dana Hill Road 3 miles and turn right at the T-intersection onto County Route 17.
Parking Area:
- McCarthy Road parking area (44.347921°N, 75.110029°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- McCarthy road primitive campsite (44.3479004°N, 75.1096954°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Silver Hill Road primitive campsite (44.3409958°N, 75.1056442°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 Silver Hill 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, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the property; however, there are no trails on this property currently maintained for these activities.
Planning and Management
DEC has developed a unit management plan (UMP) which describes the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the St. Lawrence Foothills Unit Management Plan will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Degrasse State Forest
- Orebed Creek State Forest
- Whippoorwill Corners State Forest
- Stammer Creek State Forest
- Grass River Wild Forest
- Tooley Pond Conservation Easement
- Cranberry Lake Campground & Day Use Area
- Higley Flow Sate Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Canton, Colton, Edwards, Gouverneur, Hermon and Russell.
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.
