State Land

Buckton State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

The topography of this 1,092-acre state forest is very flat with extensive wetlands spread throughout the area. The wettest areas are dominated by open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods and white cedar in seasonal flooded areas. Drier upland sites support northern hardwood and white pine forests.

Much of the area is former agricultural land which has reverted to forest. Open fields were planted with a variety of species including red, Scotch, and eastern white pines. Less common species that were used include white cedar and an experimental planting of western white pine. A total of over 182,000 trees were planted on 237 acres of this state forest between 1953 and 1966. This forest consists of 7 separate parcels which were purchased between 1950 and 1964 for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation, and watershed protection.

 

Featured Activities

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

There is a section of the New York State Snowmobile Trail System that crosses this state forest. The trail is classified as a corridor trail 7E. This trail also crosses various parcels of private land so please be respectful of private landowners and stay on the trail.

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

There are no designated camp sites on this property but 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 paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

This state forest provides access for paddling on the nearby St. Regis River.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C

General information on hunting include how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Hunting is allowed in accordance with state laws and regulations. Follow all hunting safety guidelines, be prepared before going into the woods.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C

General information on trapping include how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Trapping is allowed in accordance with state laws and regulations. Traps may not be set on public road right of ways. Body gripping traps set on land must be at least 100 feet from public trails.

General information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.

Fishing is allowed in streams on the property and in the nearby St. Regis River.

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

All trails on Buckton State Forest are open for cross-country skiing in the winter. No trails are groomed specifically for cross-country skiing. The trails are shared with snowmobiles and other users.

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

All trails on Buckton State Forest are open for snowshoeing in the winter. The trails are shared with snowmobiles and other users.

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

Biking is allowed on the trails in Buckton State Forest.

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 Buckton 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 Buckton, Reed and East Part Roads, as well as St. Lawrence County Routes 47 and 49 in the town of Stockholm.

  • Buckton Haul Road & Buckton Town Road Intersection (44.743388°N, 74.778301°W) Google Map
  • East Part Road Access (44.755688°N, 74.800163°W) Google Map
  • St. Lawrence County Road 47 Access (44.748226°N, 74.828301°W) Google Map 

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 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 state firewood regulation to protect the forests you love from invasive insects and diseases.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed the St. Lawrence Flatlands Unit Management Plan (PDF, 17MB) which describes the management activities for these lands. In addition to forestry management objectives, the UMP 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

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Winthrop, Brasher Falls, Massena and Potsdam.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Winthrop, Brasher Falls, Moira, Potsdam and Massena.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Winthrop, Brasher Falls and Potsdam.
  • Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Potsdam and Massena.

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
New York State Snowmobile Association
Contact for this Page

NYS DEC 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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