Balsam Creek State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Lowville Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), (315) 376-3521; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Croghan, Lewis County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6J
• Map: Balsam Creek State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

This 559-acre state forest, located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, is bisected by the 150 foot deep Balsam Creek valley. Balsam Creek and its tributary to the north, Cold Creek, are well known spring-fed trout streams.

Directions

From Croghan, take Belfort Road (Lewis County Route 10) to Belfort turn right onto Long Pond Road. Drive 2 miles then take Fish Creek Road and proceed 1 mile.

There are 3 parking areas on this property. All 3 are located on the unpaved Briar Hill Road, accessed from Fish Creek Road, which runs along the entire southern boundary of the state forest.

• South Briar Hill Parking Lot (43.93779924°N, 75.28012788°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Balsam Creek State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are allowed on the property; however, there are no trails on this property currently maintained for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a Westward Waters Unit Management Plan which describes the proposed management activities for this lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

In the 1930s the Conservation Department planted pine trees in the open fields near Fish Creek Road. Today these trees have grown to mature plantations of white pine, red pine and Norway spruce sawtimber. DEC forestry staff regularly conduct carefully controlled timber sales on this forest, maintaining a vigorous forest while at the same time providing the forest industry with critical raw materials. The hardwood forests on the property abound with valuable high quality hard maple and black cherry sawtimber and veneer.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Frank E. Jadwin Memorial State Forest
• Watson's East Triangle Wild Forest
• Beartown State Forest
• Croghan Tract Conservation Easement
• Oswegatchie Conservation Easement

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Carthage, Croghan, Harrisville, and Lowville
• Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Carthage, Harrisville, Lowville, and Watertown.

Adirondacks Tug Hill can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.