Catherineville State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round

• Fee: None
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Potsdam Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), (315) 265-3090; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Hopkinton, St. Lawrence County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6F
• Map: Catherineville State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Catherineville State Forest covers 1,623 acres. This forest consists of 17 separate parcels which were purchased between 1933 and 1988 for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation, and watershed protection.

The topography is variable with upland areas supporting a mixture of northern hardwood, hemlock, and white pine forests. Pine and spruce plantations were established on what were formerly farm fields and pastures. Flatter ground supports open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to red spruce-balsam fir and swamp hardwood stands in poorly drained areas.

Directions

This forest can be accessed from the Fletcher, Hayden, and Santamont Roads, and the Circle Public Forest Access Road in the town of Hopkinton.

• Fletcher Road Access (44.63611°N, 74.717254°W) Google Maps
• Hayden Road Access (44.632966°N, 74.746862°W) Google Maps
• Santamont Road Access (44.640164°N, 74.721146°W) Google Maps
• Circle Public Forest Road Access (44.632097°N, 74.731522°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 Catherineville 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.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. Catherineville is one of 13 State Forests and one conservation easement combined into the area called the St. Lawrence Foothills Management Unit. 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 any questions and/ or comments about this UMP please email us at [email protected].

History

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played an active role in the early protection and development of this forest. Crews from Camp S-134 in Pierrepont and Camp S-120 in Brushton accomplished the following tasks on Catherineville State Forest between 1935 and 1940:

• planted over 690,000 trees on 665 acres
• constructed 6 water holes for fire control

One waterhole created by the CCC is still visible along the Fletcher Road, surrounded by a large wetland area.

Catherineville (also spelled Catherinesville) was once a busy community with over a dozen different families living in the area now encompassed by state forest. There was also a schoolhouse located near the intersection of the Fletcher Road and the Circle Public Forest Access Road. Catherineville State Forest is located adjacent to St. Lawrence County Forest #'s 8 and 38, which are managed by the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• White Hill Wild Forest
• Whiskey Flats State Forest
• Niagara Mohawk Conservation Easements
• Five Mile Conservation Easement
• Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Lodging, dining, gas, and food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Hopkinton, Parishville, Potsdam.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and Franklin 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.