State Land

Chazy Highlands State Forest

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Chazy Highlands State Forest has approximately 5,261 acres located in Clinton County. A portion of these lands were transferred to DEC in 1966 along with many other parcels of land managed by the NYS Department of Corrections. The balance of the land (2,989 acres) that makes up what we now call Chazy Highlands State Forest was purchased from The Nature Conservancy in 2008.

Featured Activities

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

In addition to hiking on the multiple use trails, hiking is allowed throughout the state forest. All non-motorized recreation other than horseback riding is allowed on the multiple use trails.

The 3.4-mile trail to the Lyon Mountain Fire Tower on neighboring Chazy Highlands Wild Forest begins on this property.

Wildlife Management Unit: 5C

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

Hunting is permitted on the property in accordance with department regulations, unless otherwise posted.

Wildlife Management Unit: 5C

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

Trapping is permitted on the property in accordance with department regulations, unless otherwise posted.

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

Fishing is allowed on Chazy Lake in accordance with department regulations. Special regulations apply for Chazy Lake. Look for lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, brown bullhead, yellow perch, rainbow smelt, and pumpkinseed.

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

There are designated campsites located on the southeastern side of Chazy Lake. Primitive camping is also 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 cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

Cross-country skiing is permitted on the multiple use trails.

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

Snowshoeing are permitted on the multiple use trails.

Directions

  • Lyon Mountain Trailhead Parking Area is located at the end of an unnamed gravel road formerly known as Lowenburg Road and leads to the Lyon Mountain Fire Tower on neighboring Chazy Highlands Wild Forest. (44.72391°N, 73.84174°W) Google Maps.
  • Wilfred King Road Parking Area with parking for 5 cars is located on the southeastern side of Chazy Lake (44.730978, -73.811837) Google Maps.
  • Route 374 Parking Area #1 providing access to the Haul Road trail (44.745297°N, 73.742358°W) Google Maps.
  • Route 374 Parking Area #2 with parking for 3 cars (44.737809°N, 73.733777°W) Google Maps.
  • Route 374 Parking Area #3 with parking for 3 cars providing access to the Spring Trail (44.734132°N, 73.733932°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 Chazy Highlands 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 unit management plan (UMP) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to 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 mailto: [email protected].

History

The largest portion of the lands that make up this state forest were owned by Domtar Corporation prior to 2005 when they were acquired by The Nature Conservancy Inc. The t-bar and structural remains found near the trailhead for Lyon Mountain were once part of the Lowenberg Ski Area. The Ski Area and proposed development were unsuccessful and closed. The t-bar and power lines are all that remain from this failed project. The old ski trails and lift lines are still used today by backcountry skiers.

DEC has conducted two timber sales on the property. All of these sales took place on the State Forest prior to the purchase of the Domtar lands from the Nature Conservancy Inc. The two sales resulted in a total of 129.2 thousand board feet (MBF) of stumpage being sold from this property.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Dannemora and Cadyville.
  • Dining opportunities, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Dannemora.
  • Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Plattsburgh.

Adirondack Coast Tourism 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

Adirondack Coast Tourism
Contact for this Page

Lands and Forests PO Box
296 1115 State Route 86
Ray Brook, NY 12977

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Region 5 - Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain
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