Camping

Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of any road, trail, spring, stream, pond or other body of water except at camping areas designated by the DEC". For full details of camping regulations in our wilderness (click here). The regulations are suggested reading before going out into the wilderness. Please practice "leave no trace." IAATAP maintains a full directory of Camping, to explore nearby camping areas, Click here.
Facilities
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Leantos (6)
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Gull Lake (North shore) - privy and fireplace
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Chub Pond (South shore) - privy and fireplace
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Chub Pond (North shore) - privy and fireplace
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Remsen Falls (North of the South Branch of the Moose River) - fireplace
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Big Woodhull Lake (South shore) - Leanto is organizational size - privy and fireplace
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Sand Lake Falls (Outlet of Sand Lake) - privy and fireplace
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Little Long Lake - two tent pads w/fire rings and privy (canoe access)
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Remsen Falls - picnic site access to persons with disability to drive (permit required)
Titbits: DEC regulation requires that groups of ten or more persons camping on state land obtain a permit from a forest ranger. DEC policy prohibits issuing group camping permits to groups wanting to camp on forest preserve lands in the Adirondacks that are classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe area. This policy was developed to protect natural resources, the primeval character of the area and exceptional wilderness experiences for all recreationists, and follows Leave No Trace practices.
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Birding
The Adirondacks is rich in bird life. Birds associate with marshes, ponds, lakes, and streams are numerous. The Black River Wild Forest has significant wetlands in the areas of the Moose River (Middle Branch), Bloodsucker Pond, Bear Creek, Granny Marsh, Chub Pond Inlet, Twin Lakes, Twin Lakes Marsh, Mad Tom Lake and Mill Creek.
Chub Pond Flow also has significant habituate and a very interesting bog plant Canadian Burnet (Sanguisorba canadensis) found there. Other flowering plants occur in the region of: Pink azalea (Rhododendron nudiflorum), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), Trout lily (Erythronium americanum), Spring beauty (Claytonia virginica), Twinflower (Linnea borealis), Yellow clintonia (Clintonia borealis), Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), and Wakerobin (Trillium erectum). Rare plants include Cloud Sedge, Pickering's Reedgrass, Woodland Cudweed, Farwell's Water Milfoil and Pondweed.
Visit our Adirondack Bird Directory when you have time. By the NY State's Unit Management Plan, the following species are under study, we have summarized their findings. Pictures and links provided by Wikipedia. The endangered birds in the Black River Wild Forest area:
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The bald eagle is currently listed as a threatened species by the federal government and New York. Buckhorn Mountain is believed to have been a center of eagle activity prior to 1970, although no nest sites had been confirmed. Bald eagles are sensitive to human disturbance; so if you are fortunate to see one, please "Do Not Disturb". Efforts to reestablish the bald eagle through "hacking" program began in 1981 and 1983.
Osprey (Pandion haliates)

The American Osprey is of special concern. Osprey breed near large bodies of water where there is abundant fish populations. Numerous sightings are within the Adirondack. Osprey construct their nest in tall dead tress, but also use rocky ledges, sand dunes, artificial platforms, and utility pole cross arms for a tall advantage point. The power company has started to built Osprey poles because they often select power poles causing issues when moving their youth from the endangerment of the power lines. Breeding was observed on Bull Pond.
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
The Common Loon is a species of special concern and are located through out the Adirondacks They use small and large freshwater lakes in open and densely forested areas for breeding and nest on lakes (mostly less habited lakes). The Loons will use little shallow coves for nesting which are constructed on the ground at the water’s edge on sand or rock, wherever to avoided predators. Small islands are their favorite or small peninsular. They have a beautiful call - click: Common Loon - Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Sand Pond has been designated as important habitat for the Loon. Please do not disturb. The nesting or potential nesting areas in the Black River are known to be in Gull Lake and Woodhull Lake. Also some chicks are found on South and North Lakes, Chub Pond, Nelson Lake, Nicks Lake, otter Lake, White Lake, Bear Lake and Sand Lake.
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Wild Species of Concern
Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) - The Spotted Salamander have two rows of yelloish orange spots that run along the back side. They make their home in hardwood forest area and spend most of its time below the surface, under leaves or burrows; and use nearby ponds for breeding in the Spring. They have poison glands around their back and neck, to release as protection against their predators. This toxin is harmless to humans. They are nocturnal hunters and are on the "Special Concern" list.
Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
The wood turtle is found in well oxygenated good quality streams with sandy-pebbly substrates that are deep enough so that they do not freeze during hibernation Ideal habitat includes dense alder swamp and forested wetland habitat bordering the streams where the turtles can bask and have protection from predators. Wood turtles forge for fungi and vegetation. Wood turtles select both slopes and level sandy open areas for nest sites. They are listed as species of interest because of the long maturity rate (15 years) and high hatchling mortality.
Canada Lynx - A release of 83 Lynx were made between 1989 and 1991. Mortality has been high.
Moose - Moose were reported periodically in the Woodhull Lake.
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Fishing

The Black River Wild Forest has 39 lakes & ponds, and 41 streams with approximate total of 129 miles. Visit our Fishing Directory for more information. Great angler sport and don't forget the Ice Fishing Season!
Below are listed some of the lakes, ponds and streams to explore. Many are unknown as to the fishing quality, but worth hiking in to explore.
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Hardscrabble (8 acres) -
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Mud Pond (6 acres)* -
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Gull Lake (13 acres) - located on the John Brown's Tract (Lyonsdale)
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Cub Pond Inlet
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Twin Lakes
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Mad Tom Lake
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Bloodsucker Pond
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Nicks Lake (250 acre) - a coldwater lake as received heaving fishing pressure. In '67 and '78, removal of white suckers, golden and common shiners, sunfish and bullhead were removed to reclaim the brook trout survival. Rainbow trout are also abundant.
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Woodhull Lake is a natural wild trout spawning adequate and supports lake whitefish.
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Brewer Lake (19 acre) - has a good history of brook trout; though the lake has been re-limed twice du to the critical pH levels at times.
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Round Pond (13 acres) - brook trout
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Brandy Lake - brook trout
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White Lake
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Long Lake
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Cooper Lake
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Lake Tekeni
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Deep Lake
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Burp Lake
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Figert lake
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Sucker Pond
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Lake Gay
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Twins Lake
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Mill Creek Lake
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Lake Charlotte
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Tom Kettle Lake
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Black Creek Lake
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Butler Lake
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White Lead Lake
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Swan Lake
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Little Deer Lake
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Finches Pond
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Cortlen Lake
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Lilly Lake
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Pine Lake
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Little Pine Lake
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Cedar Pond
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Lost Lake
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Little Pine Lake
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East Pond
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Middle Branch Lake
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Wheeler Pond
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Rock Pond
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Beaver Pond
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Grass Pond
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Bear Lake
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Apps Pond
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Big Woodhull Lake
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Black Creek Lake
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South Lake - 2.018' above sea level
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North Lake
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Hardscrabble Lake
Rivers/Creeks
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Moose River - along the Main and middle branches of the river are cascades, steep rapids and gorge with geological formations. Good Brook trout fishing and very scenic
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Canada Creek - has a most interesting waterfall.
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West Canada Creek - Scenic designations and recreational classified.
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Mill Creek
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Bear Creek - the best trout stream fishing opportunities in the Black River Forest. Native brook trout area readily available.
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Twin Lake Stream - some of the best trout stream fishing in the wild forest.
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Black River - 'recreational'
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Ice Cave Creek
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Jock's Brook
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Horse Trails

New York Codes Rules and Regulations (“NYCRR”) §190.8(n) authorizes the use of state owned lands by horses and equestrians. However, the use of horses on designated foot trails is prohibited unless the trail is also specifically designated as a horse trail. Horse trails in a Wilderness area to: “those that can be developed by conversion of appropriate abandoned roads, snowmobile trails, or state truck trails.”
McKeever to Big Woodhull Lake - East along the South Branch Trail, south on the Wolf Lake Landing Road. 6.0 miles. Consult your DEC trail map. Visit our Adirondack Horseback Directory for other areas.
All Terrain Bicycles

The use of all-terrain bicycles (ATB's) has become an increasingly popular recreational activity in portions of the Adirondack Park. Recent regulatory changes prohibit bicycle use in wilderness, primitive, and canoe areas. In wild forest areas ATB's are permitted on all unposted roads or trails.
The following existing trails are located entirely on NYS lands and can be used by all terrain bicycle riders:
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South Branch Trail
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Wolf Lake Landing Road 4.5 miles
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Big Woodhull - Sand Lake Falls Trail 6 miles
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Mill Creek Road 3.5 miles
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North Lake - Sand Lake - Mill Creek Trail 4 miles
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Loop Road 4.5 miles
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Little Woodhull Snowmobile Trail 4 miles
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Gull Lake Snowmobile Trail 4.9 miles
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Chub Pond Snowmobile Trail 3.5 miles
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Twin Lakes Snowmobile Trail 2.7 miles
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Otter Lake - Brandy Lake Snowmobile Trail 4 miles
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Brandy Lake - Round Lake - Moose River Trail 2.3 miles
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Nobleboro - South Lake Snowmobile Trail 10 miles
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Mad Tom Lake Snowmobile Trail 4 miles
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Black Creek Lake Road 3 miles
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Nicks Lake-Nelson Lake Snowmobile Trail 8.5 miles
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Nicks Lake Outlet Snowmobile Trail 5.8 miles
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Hunting
Hunters enjoy pack & paddling into the region for weeks of hunting and trapping. The game species found in the Black River Wild Forest include the white-tailed deer and black bear. Other larger mammals known to inhabit the area include Black Bear, White-tailed deer, Coyote, Raccoon, Otter, Beaver, Mink, Varying hare, Red squirrel, Eastern chipmunk and Porcupine. Less common mammals in the area are: Bobcat, Red fox, Gray fox, Muskrat, and Fisher.
The deer wintering areas include: Black River, Grindstone Creek, Oxbow (South Branch, Moose River), Nicks Creek (S. Branch, Moose River), Nelson Lake, Granny Marsh, Gull Lake Outlet, Little Woodhull Creek - Stone Dam Creek, Pine Creek, Black River, Black River, North Lake Outlet. South Lake, Twin Lakes Marsh and Quagmire Swamp.
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Hiking Trails
The backcountry acreage is enormous and the Adirondacks has the largest trail system in the nation with more than 2,000 miles. Enjoy the glory of hiking the Adirondacks, nature's solitude, unbroken forest, lakes and mountains and take the path less taken. Focus on your senses. Visit our Adirondack Hiking Guide.
The DEC trail classification system is outlined in the Forest Preserve Policy Manual. This classification system recognizes four trail classifications as outlined below:
Class 1:
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Trail Distinguishable: Minimal biological or physical impacts, slight loss of vegetation and/or minimal disturbance of organic litter
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Class 2:
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Some Impacts: Tail obvious, slight loss of vegetation cover and/or organic litter pulverized in primary use areas, muddy spots or tree roots, or water action evident.
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Class 3:
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Moderate Impacts: Vegetation cover and/or organic littler pulverized within the center of the tread, exposed rocks and trees or small mud holes, but little evidence of widening beyond the maintained width of the trail.
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Class 4:
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Extensive Impacts: Near complete or total loss of vegetation cover and organic litter, rocks or tree roots exposed and roots damaged, or ruts more than 20cm (7.8 inches) deep, or widening caused by muddy areas or water action consistently.
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Class 5:
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Very Extensive Impacts: Trail to bedrock or other substrate, or tree roots badly damaged, or some ruts more than 50 cm (19.5 inches) deep or large areas (over 50%) of bank erosion, or mud holes so extensive that the trail is outside of its maintained width.
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Marked Trails
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Most trails are marked with color coded disks affixed to trees as shown (see left). Trail guides and maps correspond to these markers. Trail register boxes are generally located near major access points and parking areas. Although most state-maintained trails are marked, hikers are encouraged to consult topographical maps or other guides when planning to venture into the backcountry.
Foot Trails (57 miles)
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Nicks Lake Trail (yellow) - From Nicks Lake Campground parking lot or the Bisby Road to Nicks Lake Outlet to leanto at Remsen Falls on the South Branch of the Moose River to the Middle Branch of the Moose River to Nelson Lake to Bisby Road. 17.0 miles
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Chub Pond Trail (blue) - From the Bear Creek Road to Chub Pond leanto. 5.0 miles
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Gull Lake Trail (yellow) - From the Chub Pond Trail to Gull Lake leanto. 2.3 miles
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Stone Dam-Chub Pond Trail (yellow) - From the North Lake Road in Herkimer County to Stone Dam and the Chub Pond Trail. 5.5 miles
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Big Woodhull-Sand Lake Falls Trail (red) - From the South Branch Trail at Remsen Falls to Big Woodhull Lake leanto and Sand Lake Falls leanto. 9.0 miles
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South Branch Trail (red) - From the parking lot at McKeever along the former truck trail to the vicinity of the Woodhull Mountain Tower. 8.5 miles
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McKeever-Bear Lake-Mill Creek Trail (blue) - From the South Branch Trail to Mill Brook. 5.0 miles
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Bear Lake-Woodhull Lake Trail (yellow) - From Bear Lake to Bloodsucker Pond and Big Woodhull Lake. 2.5 miles
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Brewer Lake Trail - From the Benchmark Road to Lake. 1.2 miles
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Floating Bridge Trail - From the floating bridge at the Nicks Lake Public Campground boundary to the Nicks Lake Trail.
Follow those have gone before:
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http://youtu.be/FGi9YSN1wt4 (Woodhull Mt. Fire Tower)
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http://youtu.be/wE2lS5EZEZo (Woodhull Lake)
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http://youtu.be/ExG2puV7_1k (Nick's Lake)
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http://youtu.be/0KS3yIHZ9tc (Lower Moose River Kayaking)
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http://youtu.be/0r8hUf6VRSM (Moose River)
Black River Wild Forest Maps by National Geographic (click on maps to enlarge)
  
Titbits: Motorized Equipment in Wilderness, Primitive and Canoe Areas: DEC has adopted a regulation prohibiting the use of motorized equipment in lands classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe. Public use of small personal electronic or mechanical devices such as cameras, radios or GPS receivers are not affected by this new regulation.
Snowmobile (62 miles)

Snowmobiling is a major recreational industry in NYS attracting many users to areas with suitable snow cover within the Adirondack Park. While DEC snowmobile trails do not cross frozen waters a few of the lakes in the area are utilized by snowmobilers to access the marked trails. In such cases the public must determine if the ice is safe. To download the Black River Wild Forest Snowmobile map (click here).
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McKeever-Woodhull-Bear Creek Trail: From McKeever Station, east along the jeep trail to Wolf Lake Landing on Big Woodhull Lake south to Bloodsucker Pond and the Big Woodhull-Sand Lake Falls Trail; west to the Bear Creek Road in Woodgate. (5.7 miles also classified as a motor vehicle road). 9.3 miles
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North Lake-Sand Lake-Mill Creek Trail: From the spillwater dam at North Lake to Sand Lake Outlet west to Mill Creek Road. 7.7 miles
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Nicks Lake Outlet Trail: From the Iron Bridge Trailhead south to the outlet of Nicks Lake; continuing to the South Branch of the Moose River and the leanto at Remsen Falls. 5.8 miles
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Nicks Lake-Nelson Lake Trail: From Nicks Lake Outlet Trail, South to Nelson Lake, continuing to the Middle Branch of the Moose River, north along the river, around Jones Mountain, back to Nicks Lake Outlet Trail. 8.5 miles
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Nicks Lake Trail: From Iron Bridge Trailhead in Thendara, southwest to Middle Branch of the Moose River, loops back and crosses the Nicks Lake Outlet Trail, to the Bisby Road. 2.0 miles
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Chub Pond-Gull Lake Trail: From the Bear Creek Parking Lot to Gull Lake Outlet and Gull Lake, crosses the Mill Creek Road and returns. Spur trail to the leanto at Gull Lake. (1.1 miles is also a motor vehicle road) 6.0 miles
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Chub Pond Trail: From Gull Lake Trail to Chub Pond and leantos. 3.5 miles
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Twin Lakes Trail: From Twin Lakes Trailhead east to Twin Lakes. 2.7 miles
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Otter Lake-Brandy Lake Trail: From the Purgatory Hill Trailhead, westerly to Brandy Lake and the Round Lake Road. 4.0 miles
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Brandy Lake-Round Pond-Moose River Trail: From Otter Lake-Brandy Lake Trail, north to Round Pond and the Moose River Road. 2.3 miles
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Otter Lake Outlet Trail: From the Otter Lake Outlet off Lakeview Road in Otter Lake to the Otter Lake- Brandy Lake Trail. Spur Trail leads to Route 28 and the Otter Lake Airport. 1.5 miles
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Little Woodhull Lake Trail: From the North Lake Road, Town of Ohio, to Little Woodhull Lake and the North Lake-Sand Lake Trail. 4.0 miles
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Nobleboro-South Lake Trail: Access from Nobleboro Road, north along the Herkimer Landing Road to Little Salmon Lake. A spur trail leads to the North Lake Road via South Lake. (5.6 miles also classified as a motor vehicle road.) 11.0 miles
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Mad Tom Lake Trail: From the Hooper Dooper Road north to Mad Tom Lake, east to the Mill Creek Lake- Black Creek Lake Trail. 14.0 miles
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Mill Creek - Black Creek Lake Trail: Access From the Nobleboro Road at Green Clearing, west to Mill Creek Lake to the Mad Tom Lake Trail, north to Black Creek Lake. (5.5 miles also classified as a motor vehicle road.)
Cross Country Skiing
Currently there are no officially designated Nordic ski trails on this unit although skiing opportunities do exist. This UMP recommends designation of the South Branch Trail as a Nordic ski trail.
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Facilities
Fish Barrier Dams
Gates
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Nicks Lake Trail (Thendara)
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Nicks Lake Trail (Lock and Dam)
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Nelson Lake Trail (Bisby Road)
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Nicks Lake Outlet Snowmobile Trail
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Nelson Lake Road
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Gull Lake Trail (Off Bear Creek Road)
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Chub Pond Trail (Off Bear Creek Road)
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Brandy Lake Trail (Route 28)
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McKeever Truck Trail (South Branch Trail)
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Wolf Lake Landing Road
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Otter Lake Dam
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Little Woodhull Trail
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Loop Road
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Brewer Road
Gravel Pits
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South Branch Trail
- Flansburg Road
Parking Areas (* maintained)
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Bisby Road (At Nicks Lake) - Foot and snowmobile trail - 6 cars *
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Iron Bridge (Thendara) - Foot and snow-mobile trail - 6 cars *
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Nelson Lake (South of Thendara) - Foot trail to the Moose River -10 cars *
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McKeever - Foot and jeep trail - 1 eacg, 15 and 7 cars
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Purgatory Hill (Route 28 south of Otter Lake) - Snowmobile trail - *
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Bear Creek (Woodgate) - Foot and snowmobile trail - 7 cars *
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Twin Lakes (North Wilmurt) - Foot and snowmobile trail - 4 cars *
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Stone Dam (North Lake) - Foot trail - 5 cars *
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South Lake (Honnedaga Road) - Snowmobile trail - 10 cars *
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Green Clearing (Nobleboro Road) - Snowmobile trail - 4 cars
Vehicle Access (38 miles)
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Wolf Lake Landing Road 4.70 miles
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McKeever Road North .25 miles
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Mill Creek Road 3.10 miles
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Dam Road .05 mile
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Gull Lake Road .75 mile
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Cohen Road 1.90 mile
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Benchmark Road .30 mile
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Dump Road .10 mile
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Apps Road .20 mile
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Bear Creek Road North .10 mile
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Lyons Camp Lot Road 1.40 miles
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Flume Trail .25 mile
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Reeds Pond Road (East, West, South) .10 mile
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River Road .50 mile
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River Road North .30 mile
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Loop Road 1.90 miles
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Atwell Road .20 mile
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Lot 79 Road .60 mile
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Tin Camp Road .35 mile
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Black Creek Road 1.10 miles
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Party Trail .40 mile
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Potter Road .20 mile
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Haskell Road .50 mile
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Herkimer Landing Road 8.00 miles
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West Creek Road 5.20 miles
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Black Creek Lake Road 5.50 miles
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Milk Can Trail 1.50 miles
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Vista Road .40 mile
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Nelson Lake Road
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South Branch Trail - a truck trail for the Woodhull Mountain Tower, 8.5 miles
Scenic Vistas
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Moose River - along the Main and middle branches of the river are cascades, steep rapids and gorge with geological formations
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Canada Creek - has a most interesting waterfall.
Registers
Foot Bridges
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Areas of historical interest include the Adirondack Railroad and its trestles, the canal lakes, remnants of the old jackworks at Nobleboro and McKeever, the old Woodhull Mountain fire tower, Atwell Martin's wigwam cabin site, the North Lake 'State House' and the U.S.G.S. bench mark embedded in the cement bridge over Big Brook (1863').
Woodhull Mountain Fire Tower
This fire tower was instructed by the C.C.C. in 1911, one of the first wooden towers the constructed. Originally it had no stairs, just a ladder. Stairs were added in 1918. The use of the tower ended in 1970 when the DEC instituted a system of aerial wildfire detection. Woodhull Mountain is 2,365' and located six miles south of Old forge, and access from the parking lot on Route 28 in McKeever. Foot access or mountain bike access is best and it is a about a five mile hike, flat dirt road, pass Ramsen Falls to a clearing the a bridge. Cross the bridge and continue about 2.5 miles to the summit. This part of the trail climbs steadily to the fire tower.
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References
Adirondack Mountain Club
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Lake George
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518-668-4447
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Forest Fire - Search and Rescue |
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518-891-0235 or 911 |
State Land Regulation/Backcountry Law Enforcement |
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518-897-1300 |
Environmental Law Enforcement |
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518-897-1326 |
Poacher & Polluter Reporting online |
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1-800-TIPP DEC |
State Lands Interactive Map (SLIM) |
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