Chateaugay State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Altmar Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (315) 298-7467; [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: Town of Orwell, Oswego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K
• Map: Chateaugay State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Chateaugay State Forest covers an area of 4,014 acres on the edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. Currently, there are eight miles of marked trails within Chateaugay State Forest that offer opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Please note that the trails are not maintained, nor are they groomed for skiing.

Trails

• Blue #1: 1.8 miles. This trail runs along Orwell Brook and is ranked easy with low changes in incline. The trail ranges from 0% to 3% grade with one small 8% grade hill.
• Blue Footrail: 0.5 miles. This auxiliary loop to Blue #1 trail runs along and crosses Orwell Brook via footbridges. The trail has several rolling hills at about 5% grade.
• Blue #5: 0.4 mile. One of the most demanding trails, Blue #5 has many small hills that can be 10% to 15% grade and can be narrow in parts.
• Yellow #2: 0.8 mile. This trail twists through beautiful pines with most of the terrain flat but some small inclines up to 4% exist.
• Red #3: 0.7 mile. Also ranked easy; this trail has very small elevation changes with no hills more then 3% grade.
• Red #4: 0.2 mile. The most difficult trail. Several inclines exist ranging from 5% to 15%.
• Elf Trail (southeast of Beecherville Rd): 2.25 mile. TEMPORARILY CLOSED. 

Directions

From 81 South. Take exit 36, the Pulaski exit. Turn left onto County Route 2 East. Go 10 miles, the parking area is on corner of Beecherville Road and County Route 2.

From 81 North. Take exit 36 Pulaski exit. Make a left onto State Route 13 West (Rome Rd.). Go 1.1 miles and make a right onto State Route 11 North (Salina Street). Go 0.4 miles and make right onto County Route 2 (Maple Ave). Go 10 miles parking area is on right on the corner of Beecherville Road and County Route 2.

• Beecherville Road and County Route 2 Parking (43.574219°N, 75.961576°W) Google Maps 
• New Scriba Drive Parking (43.600927°N, 75.964914°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 Chateaugay 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.

XC Ski Trail Etiquette

• Pass only in flat areas. The faster trail user should verbally indicate a desire to pass. Slower users should yield by moving to the right where possible.
• Users going down hill have the right of way because they are typically moving faster and may have less control.
• Do not descend a hill until the trail is clear.
• After a fall, move off the trail as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of collisions.
• When skiing, fill in the sitzmarks before proceeding after a fall.
• Do not hike in the ski tracks.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Eastern Lake Ontario Unit Management Plan. 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 [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Trout Brook State Forest
• Salmon River Falls Unique Area
• Salmon River State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Pulaski.

Oswego County Tourism Office 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.

History

The land that is now a part of Chateaugay State Forest was last molded twelve thousand years ago by the movement of glaciers. The rocks left behind (shale and sandstone) after the glaciers melted underlie the area and are defining characteristics of the Tug Hill Plateau region. According to the New York State Tug Hill Commission, Tug Hill's elevation and position in respect to Lake Ontario results in lake effect snowfall exceeding 200 inches annually, making the area well known for its winter activities.

Originally utilized by early settlers for timber and farm land, Chateaugay State Forest's many rock walls can still be easily seen throughout the woods. In fact, it is believed that many of the stone walls that remain in this forest were built by Vic and George Waggoner of Orwell, who were known for their walls and stone bridges in the surrounding area. Many of the older walls were built in the early-to-mid 1800s and are still in great condition today. As you walk or ski the trails of Chateaugay Forest, you may notice the incredible stonework scattered throughout the forest.