Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Canton, St. Lawrence County
Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area comprises wetlands, upland fields and forest. The majority of the area lies between the Grass River and the Oswegatchie River. It is an important nesting area for water-dependent birds, a migratory bird concentration area, and valuable wetland furbearer habitat. The Indian Creek Nature Center features trails, observation platforms and a picnic pavilion.
NOTE: The Nature Center and public hunting portions of the area are open year-round. The remainder of the area is restricted access and is open from mid-August until the end of May.
Wildlife to Watch
- Turkey
- Canada geese
- Black tern
- Ruffed grouse
- Wading birds (great blue heron, American bittern and least bittern)
- Raptors (bald eagle, osprey)
- Ring-necked duck
- Common loon
- White-tailed deer
- Muskrat
- Otter
- Beaver
Where to Watch
- Accessible blind and trail
- Observation tower
- Nature center trails
Recreational Opportunities
- Hunting, fishing and trapping
- Hiking
- Birdwatching
- Canoeing/kayaking, boat launch
- Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Accessible Features
This site has accessible features that include accessible parking along the county road, a 600-foot nature trail suitable for use with mobility devices, and an accessible blind for waterfowl viewing and hunting opportunities. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.
Size
8,666 acres
Closest Town
Canton and Rensselaer Falls
Directions
See Google Maps and enter your address for step-by-step directions to Upper & Lower Lakes WMA. (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold Shift down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window.)
Contact information:
Telephone: 315-265-3090
Website: WMA - Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area; Nature Center - Indian Creek Nature Center (This link leaves the DEC website)
Photo credits: Cody Wilson (DEC), USFWS, Susan Shafer (DEC)