Glenmeal 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 Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6C & 6F
- Map: Glenmeal State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Glenmeal State Forest covers 826 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 recreational trails which begin at a parking area on County Route 24, near the state forest area sign. Trails are marked with red or blue markers, and there are three available loops covering a total of 2 miles. There is also a short 0.2-mile hiking trail located in the southern portion of the property off of Wilson Road.
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
Wildlife Management Unit: 6C & 6F
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.
Trout lily (Erythronium americanum)
Directions
From Pierrepont, head south on Route 24 for 1.43 miles and the first parking area will be on the left.
- Dillabough Road parking area (44.5091858°N, 75.0235901°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Route 24 parking area (44.5244637°N, 75.0247192°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 Glenmeal 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, snowmobiling, 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
A historical tree planting map of
Glenmeal State Forest
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 r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
History
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played an active role in the early protection and development of this forest. Camp S-134 in Pierrepont was located approximately 2.5 miles north of this state forest on what is now Powers Road.
During April and May of 1941, CCC crews established 404 acres of new plantations on Glenmeal State Forest. Over 522,000 trees were planted in less than 1 month, with the major species being white pine, red pine, and white cedar. Other less common species that were used included Scotch pine, pitch pine, white spruce, white ash, black cherry, Douglas-fir, eastern hemlock, and European larch. This was one of the last major projects completed by Camp S-134, which was officially closed in mid May of 1941.
The current users of our public lands 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
- Taylor Creek State Forest
- Higley Flow State Park (leaves DEC website)
- Cranberry Lake Campground & Day Use Area
- Snow Bowl State Forest
- High Flats State Forest
- Grass River Conservation Easement
- Crary Mills State Forest
- White Hill Wild Forest
- 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 Canton, Colton, Hannawa Falls, Parishville and Potsdam.
St. Lawrence County tourism (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.
