State Land

Beartown State Forest

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The 7,205-acre Beartown State Forest is named for its proximity to a former small pioneer settlement by that name. Granite bedrock forms the base for the mostly shallow, poor soils found here. Rock outcrops are common, with beaver inundated wetlands occupying the low areas.

 

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are a number of trails and unpaved roads crossing the state forest that provide approximately 7.45 miles of hiking opportunities.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Trout streams, notably Weatherhead Creek in the northern portion of the property and Swiss Creek in the south, along with their tributaries, represent the main fishing opportunities for this property.

North Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C

General Information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Aspen Hollow Road, the eastern portion of Texas Road and N. Gasline Road all provide access to the portion of the NYS Snowmobile Trail system which is maintained by Missing Link Snowmobile Club through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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 Beartown 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 and snowshoeing are allowed on the property; however, there are no trails on this property currently maintained for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Westward Waters Unit Management Plan. 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 [email protected].

Because of the predominately poor soils, most of the trees growing on this forest are only fair in quality and species composition. Aspen, grey birch, scrub white pine and soft (red) maple are the most common trees, and represent relatively little in the way of significant valuable timber, although low quality stumpage sales are not uncommon. Aspen does provide fine grouse habitat.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Carthage and West Carthage.

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.

Important Links

Lewis County Tourism
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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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