State Land

Beaver Creek State Forest, St. Lawrence County

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

Beaver Creek State Forest is a large complex of three reforestation areas covering 3,694 acres. The topography is very hilly with thin soils and rocky exposed ridge tops. The northernmost boundary of the forest includes more than a mile of frontage on Mud Lake.

There are several unusual plant communities which occur across this area, including approximately 50 acres of silver maple dominated swamp hardwoods. Upland areas also include locally abundant populations of butternut and cork elm.

 

Featured Activities

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

Hiking is allowed on the property but there are no developed trails.

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

Canoeing is allowed in nearby Beaver Creek and Mud Lake.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6A

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations. Hunting is allowed in accordance with state laws and regulations.

Follow all hunting safety guidelines and be prepared before going into the woods.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6A

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations. Trapping are allowed in accordance with state laws and regulations.

Follow all trapping safety guidelines and be prepared before going into the woods.

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

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Cross-country skiing is allowed on the property but there are no developed trails.

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

Snowshoeing is allowed on the property but there are no developed trails.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

The wildlife that may be present in the Beaver Creek State Forest includes deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, mink, raccoon, black bear, fox, and migratory songbirds. Smooth green snake, eastern garter snake, wood turtle and painted turtle may also be present.

Directions

This forest can be accessed from the Gilbert, Lead Mine, Little Bow, and Morrison Roads in the town of Gouverneur, the Lead Mine Road in Macomb, and St. Lawrence County Route 10 in DePeyster.

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 Beaver Creek State Forests 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 NYS firewood regulation to help protect the forests you love from invasive pests and diseases.

Planning and Management

DEC developed the draft St. Lawrence Rock Ridge Unit Management Plan that describes proposed management activities for this and several other state forests in the area. DEC accepted public comments on the draft until April 30, 2022. Questions about this draft UMP may be sent to [email protected].

Timber Management

Upland areas support a mixture of northern hardwood, hemlock, and white pine forests. Lower quality upland sites are dominated by red oak, eastern hophornbeam, hickories, and other species adapted to droughty and nutrient poor soils. Pine and spruce plantations were established on what were formerly farm fields and pastures. Open fields were planted with a variety of species including white spruce, Scotch pine, red pine, and white pine. A total of over 513,000 trees were planted on 743 acres of this state forest between 1955 and 1981. Flatter ground supports open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods and white cedar in seasonal flooded areas.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Lodging, dining opportunities, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Hammond, Gouverneur, Heuvelton and Morristown.

The 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.

Important Links

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Potsdam Sub-office
190 Outer Main St Suite 103
Potsdam, NY 13676

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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