State Land

Canada Creek State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

The 627-acre Canada Creek State Forest acquired its name from the streams that flow within its borders and that empty into Canada Creek. This property is composed of two different parcels that were purchased in 1939 for the purpose of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection.

 

Featured Activities

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

The state forest has one 2.17-mile long trail that runs from northern boundary line to the southwestern corner of the property that may be used for hiking and exploring. There is also a 0.1-mile multi-use trail that accesses the property from Capron Road.

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.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 6K

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.

There is an unnamed 2.17-mile snowmobile route that traverses the length of the property and joins the NYS Snowmobile Trail network. The snowmobile routes in the area are groomed and maintained by the Taberg Trail Blazers through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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 Lee Center turn right onto Harris Road from Route 53. Continue north for 1.9 miles and you will reach State Land. There are no official parking areas on this property, please be exceptionally careful when using roadside pull-offs.

  • Southern trailhead for NYS snowmobile trail (43.327913°N, 75.530482°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 Canada 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; these activities are prohibited from the snowmobile trails while they are snow covered.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Oneida Hills 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.

The property's terrain features hilly, scenic views, with a variety of streams, swamps and meadows. The present day forest contains a mixture of plantations, natural forests and conifers. The plantations on the property were planted in the early 1940s and 1950s and are comprised primarily of elm, white ash, hemlock, white pain, Japanese larch, European larch, Norway spruce and White spruce. Today there are no surviving elm trees due to Dutch elm disease. The natural forests on the property include hemlock, red maple, black cherry, yellow birch, red spruce, aspen and gray birch.

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 communities of Lee Center and Taberg.

Oneida County Tourism can provide information about other recreation, attraction and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on 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 more information on outdoor guides.

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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