Chazy Highlands State Forest
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
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- DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (518) 897-1200; info.r5@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 Dannemora, Clinton County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 5C
- Map: Chazy Highlands State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Chazy Highlands State Forest has approximately 5,261 acres located in Clinton County. A portion of these lands were transferred to DEC in 1966 along with many other parcels of land managed by the NYS Department of Corrections. The balance of the land (2,989 acres) that makes up what we now call Chazy Highlands State Forest was purchased from The Nature Conservancy in 2008.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
In addition to hiking on the multiple use trails, hiking is allowed throughout the state forest. All non-motorized recreation other than horseback riding is allowed on the multiple use trails.
The 3.4-mile trail to the Lyon Mountain Fire Tower on neighboring Chazy Highlands Wild Forest begins on this property.
Hunting and Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Hunting and trapping are permitted on the property in accordance with department regulations, unless otherwise posted.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Fishing is allowed on Chazy Lake in accordance with department regulations. Special regulations apply for Chazy Lake. Look for lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, brown bullhead, yellow perch, rainbow smelt, and pumpkinseed.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
There are designated campsites located on the southeastern side of Chazy Lake. Primitive camping is also 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.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on the multiple use trails.
Directions
- Lyon Mountain Trailhead Parking Area is located at the end of an unnamed gravel road formerly known as Lowenburg Road and leads to the Lyon Mountain Fire Tower on neighboring Chazy Highlands Wild Forest. (44.72391°N, 73.84174°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
- Wilfred King Road Parking Area with parking for 5 cars is located on the southeastern side of Chazy Lake (44.730978, -73.811837) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
- Route 374 Parking Area #1 providing access to the Haul Road trail (44.745297°N, 73.742358°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
- Route 374 Parking Area #2 with parking for 3 cars (44.737809°N, 73.733777°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
- Route 374 Parking Area #3 with parking for 3 cars providing access to the Spring Trail (44.734132°N, 73.733932°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 Chazy Highlands 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.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a unit management plan (UMP) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain 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: r5.ump@dec.ny.gov.
History
The largest portion of the lands that make up this state forest were owned by Domtar Corporation prior to 2005 when they were acquired by The Nature Conservancy Inc. The t-bar and structural remains found near the trailhead for Lyon Mountain were once part of the Lowenberg Ski Area. The Ski Area and proposed development were unsuccessful and closed. The t-bar and power lines are all that remain from this failed project. The old ski trails and lift lines are still used today by backcountry skiers.
DEC has conducted two timber sales on the property. All of these sales took place on the State Forest prior to the purchase of the Domtar lands from the Nature Conservancy Inc. The two sales resulted in a total of 129.2 thousand board feet (MBF) of stumpage being sold from this property.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Burnt Hill State Forest
- Chazy Highlands Wild Forest
- Chazy Highlands Wildlife Management Area
- Dunkin's Reserve State Forest
- Lewis Preserve Wildlife Management Area
- Sable Highlands Conservation Easement
- Spring Brook State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Dannemora and Cadyville.
- Dining opportunities, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Dannemora.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Plattsburgh.
Adirondack Coast 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.
