Deer River State Forest

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Nestled within the sprawling 12,273-acre expanse of Deer River State Forest is a rugged outdoor haven, boasting minimal developed amenities. The defining feature of this forest is the Deer River itself, weaving through a captivating network of interconnected wetlands and tributaries. Its rapids, waterfalls, open flat waters, and expansive marshes bestow upon the state forest an untamed allure.

Deer River State Forest provides nine designated campsites, each marked with distinctive yellow and black “Camp Here” indicators. These sites, strategically positioned along public forest access roads and the Deer River, offer a primitive and undeveloped character. Typically consisting of a cleared area and a stone fire ring, these sites are accessible by vehicle, facilitating convenient parking. However, it’s important to note that amenities such as bathroom facilities, running water, and electricity are not available at these sites. The campsites, scattered across Conservation PFAR and Avery Lot PFAR, invite visitors to embrace the simplicity of nature.

One notable trail is the 0.6-mile Beaneville Trail, commencing at the Webster Mills PFAR and tracing the scenic path along the Deer River. Additionally, a network of unpaved roadways and unmarked trails offers opportunities for recreation in a pristine, undeveloped setting.

https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/107513.html

An April North Country Trip, A Revised Plan for 2018

A little over a year ago, I wrote a post about my plans for an April Road Trip to the North Country. For a number of reasons that trip never got off the ground, not the least being the wet and cold spring and the amount of things I had going on at work last year. This year though, I would like to try to make this trip, with the first few days spent taking NY 30 up to through the Adirondacks, maybe camping off of NY 8 one night then at Horseshoe Lake another night.

When I reach the North Country, I would probably either camp on Conservation Road at Deer River State Forest or maybe the Walter Pratt Campground at Brasher Falls State Forest. The later is somewhat better, as it’s less likely to be muddy or snow covered in April, and it’s a fair bit closer to Massena. More cell service to keep me entertained at night. Deer River would be better in the sense that there are more areas near the campsites with hills and terrain that could be used as backstops while plinking. Maybe hit up some trout spots? It is April, after all.

My April Road Trip would be quite similar to the trip I took in November 2015 to the Northern Adirondacks, probably fish in Deer River, go up to the Power Project in Massena, maybe do some short hikes in the Adirondacks. Drive back down through the Adirondacks or maybe via the Black River Valley.

I would like to explore more of the state forests in St. Lawrence County. There is a lot of great land up that way that I’ve mapped and looked at the DEC websites for but have never explored myself. Many people might denounce the land is being flat with a lot of dairy farms – but I suspect it’s actually quite rolling in parts and many of the state forests are quite interesting. Wolf Lake State Forest seems to perk my interest.

It’s a bit farther then past April Road Trips I’ve done, but it would be fun to get back into this part of the state that I haven’t visited in a few years. I like getting around and seeing different parts of the state, as going to the same location, year after year, gets kind of boring. I’ve only really been up to the North Country (Franklin and St. Lawrence County) twice, so there are a lot left to explore.