Whippoorwill Corners State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Potsdam Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), (315) 265-3090; [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 Russell, St. Lawrence County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6C
• Map: Whippoorwill Corners State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Whippoorwill Corners State Forest covers 1,281 acres. The topography is variable with upland areas supporting a mixture of northern hardwood, hemlock, and white pine forests. Pine and spruce plantations were established on what were formerly farm fields and pastures. Flatter ground supports open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods in seasonal flooded areas. Beautiful Plumb Brook flows through the center of this state forest. It provides many scenic waterfalls, pools, and riffle areas which provide good fishing for brown trout, which is stocked each year.

Whippoorwill Corners is said to have gotten its name from the many whip-poor-wills that sang in the trees during summertime. Whip-poor-wills are birds which require early successional forests and shrublands for breeding and foraging. These habitats have decreased as old agricultural land has developed into more mature forest. Whip-poor-wills have declined in population but they are still present in many areas. They are now listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in New York State.

Directions

This forest can be accessed from the Blanchard Hill, Burnell, Forbes, and Loop Access Roads, and St. Lawrence County Routes 17 and 24 in the town of Russell. There are two parking areas located along Plumb Brook which can be accessed from the Burnell Road and St. Lawrence County Route 17.

There are 2 parking areas available as well as 2 campsites available. A campsite and parking area are located on the Burnell Access Road. A parking area is located adjacent to St. Lawrence County Highway 17. The second campsite is located along the loop access road.

• Burnell Access Road Campsite: (N44.41147, W -75.148048) Google Maps
• Burnell Access Road Parking: (N44.411113, W-75.146786) Google Maps
• County Route 17 Parking Area South (N44.39671, W-75.149945) Google Maps
• Loop Access Road Campsite (N44.40816, W-75.158207) 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.

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

Follow the New York State Firewood Regulation to protect the forests you love from invasive insects and diseases.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a management plan which describes the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the St. Lawrence Foothills Unit Management Plan will contain 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].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities, and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Grass River Wild Forest
• Cranberry Lake Campground
• Higley Flow State Park

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Lodging, dining, gas, and food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Gouverneur and Canton.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce 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.