State Land

Deer River State Forest

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Map of Deer River State Forest

The 12,273-acre Deer River State Forest offers a rustic outdoor experience with limited developed amenities. The Deer River, with its impressive array of interconnected wetlands and tributaries is a defining feature of Deer River State Forest. The river's rapids, waterfalls, open flat waters and expansive marshes give the state forest a wild character.

Featured Activities

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

The 0.6-mile Beaneville Trail starts at the Webster Mills PFAR and runs along the Deer River. In addition, there are several miles of unpaved roadways and unmarked trails that allow for recreating in a relatively undeveloped, natural setting.

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

There are 9 designated campsites, posted with yellow and black "Camp Here" markers, located in Deer River State Forest. These sites allow visitors to camp near public forest access roads and the Deer River. Eight sites are located off Conservation PFAR and another off Avery Lot PFAR. Each site is undeveloped and primitive in character, typically consisting of a cleared area and a stone fire ring. Most of the sites are accessible by vehicle and allow for parking. Bathroom facilities, running water, and electricity are not available.

At-large 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.

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

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the Deer River, visit DECinfo Locator- Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map (DECinfo Locator is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users are encouraged to visit the Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide first for "how to" instructions on using the fishing map).

Adirondack/Lake Champlain Fishing provides information on fishing in the area and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6F

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

Hunting is allowed during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6F

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

Trapping is allowed during appropriate seasons.

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

There are approximately 2.61 miles of snowmobile trails on the property that connect to the NYS Snowmobile network of trails.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Directions

  • Mill Rd (a/k/a Mandish Rd) angler parking: (44.74297266°N, 74.44662317°W) Google Maps 
  • Webster Mill Rd angler parking area: (44.73180897°N, 74.4199989°W) Google Maps This is the trail head parking for the Beaneville Hiking Trail.
  • Conservation Rd parking area and Fishing Access: (44.72981283°N, 74.50180458°W) Google Maps 
  • Iron Bridge Fishing Access parking area: (44.71948994°N, 74.47986622°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 Deer River 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, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are allowed within the property. Snowmobile trails are marked, maintained and groomed. There are no designated trails or maintained areas for the other activities.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a draft (Northern Franklin) unit management plan (UMP) which describes the proposed management activities for this lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of St. Regis Falls, Bangor and Malone.
  • Lodging, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby community of Malone.

Franklin County 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.

This Page Covers
Region 5 - Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain
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