West Parishville 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 Parishville, St. Lawrence County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6C
- Map: West Parishville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
West Parishville State Forest covers 792 acres and was created for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection. The topography is variable with upland areas supporting a mixture of northern hardwood, hemlock, and white pine forests. Pine and spruce plantations were established on what were formerly farm fields and pastures. Flatter ground supports open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods and white cedar in seasonal flooded areas.
West Parishville State Forest is located adjacent to St. Lawrence County Forest #13 and #37, which are managed by the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are 3.67 miles of unpaved roads and multi-use trails that may be used for hiking and other activities on this property.
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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
West Parishville
Directions
This forest can be accessed from the Pumpkin Hill and Russell Turnpike Roads in the town of Parishville.
- Russell Turnpike Road Parking Area (44.5993042°N, 74.9218063°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 West Parishville 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
Snowmobiling, 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 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
This forest consists of 7 parcels which were purchased in 1949 for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation, and watershed protection.
Much of the area is former agricultural land which has reverted to forest. Open fields were planted with a variety of species including white, red and Scotch pines. A total of over 376,000 trees were planted on 427 acres of this state forest between 1958 and 1960.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- High Flats State Forest
- White Hill Wild Forest
- Crary Mills State Forest
- Southville State Forest
- Whiskey Flats State Forest
- Catherineville State Forest
- Cranberry Lake Campground & Day Use Area
- 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 Colton, Hannawa Falls, Parishville, Potsdam and South Colton.
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.
