State Land

East Osceola State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
East Osceola State Forest location

The 1,975-acre state forest is managed for the purpose of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection. Early settlers to the area named the bustling crossroads community after the famous Seminole Chieftain Osceola, which in turn, is how the property received its name. There are also three detached forest preserve parcels adjacent to the property that may be used by the public but have limited access.

Featured Activities

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

There are 2.18 miles of trails and unpaved roadways that visitors can use to explore the forest in an undeveloped natural setting.

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

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.

Trout fishing opportunities on this state forest are outstanding, with the Salmon River, Malloy Brook and Smith Brook often providing anglers with a memorable recreational experience.

For Public Fishing Rights (PFR) on the Salmon 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).

North Central NY Fishing and Central NY 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 Units: 6K & 6N

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

Wildlife Management Units: 6K & 6N

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

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

Snowmobiling is allowed on all the trails within the property. Driscoll Trail (0.35 mile) joins with the NYS Snowmobile network of trails once off the property and is groomed and maintained by the Southern Tug Hill Sno-Riders through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

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

Directions

From Osceola, take County Route 46, proceed north 2 miles.

  • Salmon River parking area off Rte. 46 (43.4974213°N, 75.7099838°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 East Osceola 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, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property, however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC developed the Tug Hill East Unit Management Plan (PDF), which describes the management activities for these lands. If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

DEC manages public recreation on these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the East Branch of Fish Creek Recreation Management Plan (RMP) (PDF). If you have questions and/or comments about this RMP, please email us [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, dining, lodging, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Altmar, Williamstown, Boonville, Constableville, Camden and Rome.

Adirondacks Tug Hill region website 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

Lewis County Tourism
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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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