State Land

Black Creek State Forest

On this page
  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Black Creek State Forest location

The 998-acre Black Creek State Forest features hilly, scenic views with a variety of streams, swamps and ponds. This forest is named after the Black Creek which flows through the northeastern section of the property. There are no formal trails located on this state forest, making it ideal for enjoying recreational activities in a primitive forest setting.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are currently no maintained hiking trails on the property; however, there are approximately 1.5 miles of unpaved roads that may be used to explore the property.

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.

Black Creek and three additional streams run through the property making it a unique spot for trout fishing.

A pamphlet is available with maps of state lands and public fishing rights that depicts the Public Access for Fishing the Little Black Creek (PDF).

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: 5H

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 5H

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

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

Directions

From the Town of Norway take a right onto Newport-Gray Road. Continue down the road until you see signs for the state forest. Parking is located on the right and left sides on the road.

  • Stanley Road West parking area (43.24236°N, 74.94715°W) Google Maps
  • Stanley Road East parking area (43.2462°N, 74.93006°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 Black 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, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property; however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Adirondack Foothills Unit Management Plan (UMP). 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].

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 may be found in the nearby community of Cold Brook, Poland and Newport.

Adirondack Regional Tourism Council and Herkimer County Chamber 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.

This Page Covers
Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
Icon