Cold Spring Brook State Forest

• Open for Recreation: Year-round

• Fee: Free
• 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: Towns of Edwards and Pitcairn, St. Lawrence County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6C
• Map Cold Spring State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Cold Spring Brook State Forest covers 1,068 acres. The topography is very hilly with thin soils and rocky exposed ridge tops. Better quality upland sites support a mixture of northern hardwood, hemlock, and white pine forests. Lower quality upland sites are dominated by red oak, eastern hophornbeam, and other species adapted to droughty and nutrient poor soils. 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 swamp hardwoods in seasonal flooded areas.

Directions

This forest can be accessed from the Kansas Road, the Cold Spring Brook Public Forest Access Road and St. Lawrence County Route 23 in the town of Pitcairn.

• Big Pine Trail trailhead (44.240404°N, 75.230964°W) Google Maps
• Hill and Dale Access trailhead (44.217366°N, 75.270141°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 Cold Spring Brook State Forest must follow all State Forest Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of users and protection of the resource.

Don't Move Firewood: the insects it carries could kill the forests you love.

Planning and Management

DEC developed the draft St. Lawrence Rock Ridge Unit Management Plan that describes proposed management activities for this and several other state forests in the area. DEC accepted public comments on the draft until April 30, 2022. Questions about this draft UMP may be sent to [email protected].

History

Several state forests in southwestern St. Lawrence County were severely damaged by an intense windstorm which occurred on July 15, 1995. This storm came to be known locally as the 1995 Microburst. The storm affected a wide area stretching from Lake Ontario across northern New York State to the central portion of the Adirondack Park. Winds gusted as high as 100 miles per hour. Damage ranged from broken tree limbs and tops to areas of 10 or more acres that were entirely blown down. For more information, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheic Adminstration website.

Four state forests in the town of Pitcairn suffered heavy wind damage: California Road, Cold Spring Brook, Greenwood Creek, and Toothaker Creek State Forests. Over the next 3 years, a total of 1,100 acres of storm damaged timber were harvested, yielding 1.4 million board feet of sawlogs and more than $280,000 in revenue. Many of the harvested areas have become dense stands of hardwood seedlings and saplings. These areas now provide early successional habitat preferred by several species of birds such as ruffed grouse, woodcock, and warblers.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Greenwood Creek State Forest
• Wolf Lake State Forest
• Cranberry Lake Campground
• Frank E. Jadwin Memorial State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Harrisville, Edwards, Philadelphia and Star Lake.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Harrisville, Gouverneur and Edwards.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Harrisville, Natural Bridge and Oswegatchie.
• Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Natural Bridge, Carthage and Gouverneur.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and map are available with information on the lands, water, 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.