The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest (SLWF) is 79,000 acres of state land in Franklin and Essex Counties. It is situated near the communities of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Lake Placid.

The unit offers many recreational opportunities, including but not limited to hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, hunting, and fishing. Popular hiking attractions include Scarface and Panther Mountains, Fernow Nature Trail, and the Lake Placid Peninsula Nature Trails.

Many people enjoy boating and camping on Upper, Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes.