Ferris Lake Wild Forest 📍

Encompassing a vast expanse of 147,454 acres, the Ferris Lake Wild Forest is characterized by the presence of ancient spruce stands. These can be observed along the Powley-Piseco Road, the northern banks of Alderbed Stream, the vicinity of Blind Man’s Vly, and the slopes of both Big and Little Alderbed Mountains. Adding to its allure, the region boasts an array of ponds, lakes, and streams, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen year-round.

The Wild Forest accommodates 14.6 miles of hiking trails, along with an extensive 117-mile network of snowmobile trails (many of which are multi-use), catering to various recreational preferences. With 97 primitive campsites, a boat launch, and a boat dock, the area is well-equipped for adventurers. Furthermore, the public can access 10.95 miles of roads, granting motorized entry to this expansive and captivating property.

https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/114279.html

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Piseco-Powley Road Campsites with Coordinates 🏕

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Campsite NumberCoordinates
Powley Road 143.257679000292, -74.6546579993298
Powley Road 243.2618319996081, -74.6576309995538
Powley Road 343.2653270005404, -74.6590199996562
Powley Road 443.2684300004067, -74.656309999605
Powley Road 543.2842099995947, -74.6639000005312
Powley Road 643.2938500003469, -74.6632000003539
Powley Road 743.3063099990201, -74.6559599994858
Powley Road 843.3096299997554, -74.6545400005429
Powley Road 943.3114399994313, -74.6540200001228
Powley Road 1043.3131999999003, -74.6522999999772
Powley Road 1143.3133600001587, -74.6516100001711
Powley Road 1243.3134999997498, -74.6505500006577
Powley Road 1343.3248400003983, -74.6401100004743
Powley Road 1443.3285200003827, -74.6407799992244
Powley Road 1543.3494999998384, -74.6142799996817
Powley Road 1643.353350000549, -74.6019300002085
Powley Road 1743.359800000508, -74.592220000463
Sand Lake43.3608505988663, -74.5751561268396
Powley Road 1843.36445000019, -74.5792399998495
Terrain Map: Otsego County Elevation
SVGZ Graphic: When Columbus Day Falls in the 21st Century

Piseco-Powley Road

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Piseco-Powley Road is an approximately 17-mile unpaved route through the Ferris Lake Wild Forest. It offers a remote, primitive experience with no cell service and limited amenities. 

Campsites Along Piseco-Powley Road

There are approximately 18 primitive campsites scattered along the road. 

  • Characteristics: These are free, first-come, first-served sites. Most include a fire ring, and some feature a basic outhouse. Sites vary in size; some can accommodate trailers or small RVs up to 25 feet, while others are strictly for tent camping.
  • Key Locations:
    • “Oregon” Area: Located around mile 6.35, this area near East Canada Creek is one of the most popular for camping due to its scenic water access.
    • The Potholers: Near mile 8.2, there are well-used sites overlooking the confluence of Brayhouse Brook and East Canada Creek.
    • Powley Place: Located around mile 10.9, this historic area features several campsites near a bridge over the West Branch of East Canada Creek.
    • Sand Lake: Near the northern end (mile 17.1), campsites are located close to the trail leading to Sand Lake. 

Nearby Trails and Activities

The area is a hub for low-impact recreation and exploring old-growth forests. 

  • Hiking Trails:
    • The Potholers: A very short path (100–500 feet) leads to unique geological water formations and small waterfalls on East Canada Creek.
    • Big Alderbed Lake Trail: A 3.1-mile (one-way) trail starting near Powley Place that follows the creek to a remote lake.
    • Goldmine Stream Falls: A 1.2-mile trail leading to a series of waterfalls.
    • Clockmill Corners: A junction around mile 14.8 with trails leading to Clockmill Pond (1.1 miles) and Rock Lake (1.8 miles).
    • Sand Lake Trail: A path at the northern end of the road leading to Sand Lake.
  • Water Activities: East Canada Creek is a primary attraction for trout fishing, wading at the Potholers, and seasonal kayaking or canoeing.
  • Winter Sports: The road serves as a major corridor for snowmobiling and is also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when the gates are closed to motor vehicles.
  • Hunting & Wildlife: The region is heavily used for hunting in the fall and offers opportunities to spot black bears, deer, and diverse birdlife.
Map: Mad Tom Brook Trail
Map: Buck Hill State Forest
Map: Lesser Wilderness State Forest
Map: Spectacle Lake Trail

Powley Place – East Canada Creek – Kayak Canoe

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From the bridge at Powley Place, you can paddle about two miles downstream before hitting the first major rapids, where the stream divides around an island. You can also explore a short distance upstream until beaver dams block your path.

Powley Place - East Canada Creek - Kayak Canoe

Map: Mountain House Trail and North Mountain
SVGZ Graphic: Greenland, U.S.A.

Dexter Lake Trail

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Off of Sealy Road in Stratford (which is an alternative way to get to Piseco-Powley Road), there is Hall Road which is marked with a sign, which you can hike back along to a snowmobile trail that goes back 2.5 miles to Dexter Lake with a spur off to the south shore of Spectacle Lake. The trail is mostly flat, with modest up and down, and some wet spots especially in the spring time.

Dexter Lake Trail

Map: Empire State Topography