State Land

Grass River Complex

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Including Grass River Wild Forest and the Cranberry Forest, Grass River, Long Pond, Seveys, Silver Lake and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tracts

Map of Grass River Complex

The Grass River Complex is located in the northwestern Adirondacks and includes more than 125,000 acres of Adirondack Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement Lands. The complex is comprised of:

  • Grass River Wild Forest (14,000 acres)
  • Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract (7,047 acres)
  • Grass River Conservation Easement Tract (51,950 acres)
  • Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract (23,950 acres)
  • Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract (18,950 acres)
  • Silver Lake Conservation Easement Tract (400 acres)
  • Seveys Conservation Easement Tract (11,750 acres)

Several rivers, streams, lakes and ponds are located in the Complex providing plenty of opportunity for paddling, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and waterfowl hunting. Lampson Falls and other waterfalls along the Grass River and its tributaries are popular scenic areas.

The forests of the complex provide opportunities for other outdoor recreation activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting. In the winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular activities.

Grass River Wild Forest is comprised of several separate Forest Preserve parcels located west of State Route 56 and mostly north of State Route 3. The largest is the 6,000-acre Tooley Pond parcel which includes the popular Tooley Pond and nearly 20 miles of the South Branch Grass River. Other large parcels include the 2,100-acre Stone Dam parcel, the 2,200-acre Leonard Pond parcel, the 1,900-acre Church Pond parcel, and the 1,300 acre Lampson Falls parcel. The remaining parcels contain 100 acres or less. The lands and waters on the Wild Forest are open for public use year-round.

Conservation easement lands make up nearly 90% of the total acreage of the complex. A conservation easement is an agreement with the private landowner that can allow restricted or non-restricted public access and protects open space by limiting development. The private landowner may retain the right to manage the property for purposes such as leasing camps and lands to private individuals and sustainable timber production. Logging trucks, skidders, and other logging equipment may be present during logging operations. Specific lands and roads may be closed to public access during logging operations.

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract is closed to the public annually from the Wednesday after Labor Day through December 15th, except for the Dillon Pond Area and the public access corridors used to reach the Forest Preserve parcel.

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract is closed to the public annually from October 1 through December 15.

Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract provides fishing opportunities on several ponds and streams plus roads and trails for a variety of non-motorized activities.

Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract includes campsites, ponds and streams open to fishing, and a 9 miles of seasonal access roads open to public motor vehicles. There are approximately 32 miles of roads and trails open to ATV use. The road accessing the tract from State Route 56 is on a right-of-way through privately owned lands. Area Parking in the clearing near Route 56 or access to any of the lands adjacent to the access road is prohibited.

St. Lawrence County has proposed a 120-mile multi-use trail system, part of which traverses the Grass River, Long Pond and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tracts. This trail system allows ATV use from approximately May 15th to September 15th on the signed Multi-Use Trail only.

Public use on the Seveys Conservation Easement Tract is limited to use of the hand launch on the Raquette River at Moody Falls and designated snowmobile trails.

Public use on the Silver Lake Conservation Easement Tract is limited to the designated snowmobile trail.

Additional rules and restrictions are provided in Specific Rules.

Backcountry Information for the Northwestern Adirondacks provides general information regarding backcountry and seasonal conditions; specific notices regarding closures and conditions of trails, roads, bridges and other infrastructure; and links to weather, state land use regulations, low impact recreation and more.

Featured Activities

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

Grass River Wild Forest

In addition to the trails listed here hikers may use the numerous miles of unpaved roads closed to public motorized vehicles in the Grass River Wild Forest.

  • Lampson Falls Trail is an accessible trail which extends 0.5 miles from the trailhead to a scenic overlook of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Adirondacks with a vertical drop of approximately 100 feet. Most of the trail has a 5% grade or less. However, users should be prepared for steeper grades of up to 10% to reach the overlook. Level resting areas are provided at close intervals.
  • Lampson Falls Logging Road leaves the Lampson Falls Trail 200 feet before the scenic overlook and extends 0.9 mile north to the northern end of Grass River Trail.
  • Grass River Trail leaves the Lampson Falls Trail 100 feet before the scenic overlook and extends 1.0 mile north along the Grass River to the northern end of Lampson Falls Logging Road.
  • Harpers Falls Trail extends 0.6 mile from the trailhead on Downerville Road to the falls and the intersection with the River Trail. There is a designated primitive tent site near the falls.
  • River Trail extends 0.4 mile from the Harper Falls Trail and into the adjacent Downerville State Forest where there is an 11-mile bike trail system.
  • Tooley Pond Mountain Trail forms a 1.7-mile loop from the trailhead parking area on Tooley Pond Road to another trailhead a short distance up the road. The trail ascends 240 feet to the 1,772-foot summit of the mountain at about the halfway point. The trail then descends 255 feet past Tooley Pond before reaching the road. Hikers can walk 0.4 mile on the road to return to the trailhead parking area for a 2.1-mile loop hike.

NOTE: The five falls trails listed below are unmaintained herd paths that are not marked and parking is roadside. DEC plans to mark, improve, and maintain the trails and build trailhead parking lots in the future.

  • Copper Rock Falls Trail extends 0.4 mile and ascends 90 feet from the trailhead along the South Branch Grass River. The trail provides scenic views of Copper Rock Falls and its associated rapids.
  • Rainbow Falls Trail extends 0.3 mile from the trailhead to scenic Rainbow Falls on the South Branch Grass River.
  • Twin Falls Trail extends 0.1 mile from the trailhead to scenic Twin Falls on the South Branch Grass River.
  • Sinclair Falls Trail extends 200 feet from the trailhead to scenic Sinclair Falls on the South Branch Grass River where the river passes under the Lake George Road Bridge.
  • Basford Falls Trail extends 0.3 mile from the trailhead to scenic Basford Falls on the Grass River. \

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

There are 21 miles of established roads for non-motorized recreation, including the motorized-accessible portion of the Buckhorn and Windfall Roads.

Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract

The 53 miles of roads, trails and all the surrounding lands of this tract are open for public non-motorized use.

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract

The tract is closed to the public from October 1 through December 15. During the remainder of the year, almost 100 miles of roads, as well as fishing/trapping corridors, are open for public non-motorized recreation. The Old Stone Dam Trail extends 2.3 miles from the trail head and allows non-motorized access to the adjacent Stone Dam Forest Preserve parcel. The Little Blue Mountain Trail extends 0.5 miles and provides scenic views.

Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract

This tract offers 45 miles of trails for non-motorized recreation. The Allen Pond Trail extends 0.5 mile from the trailhead to the shore of the pond. The Clarksboro Trail is 0.5 miles and leads to an area suitable for rock climbing.

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

There are 17 primitive designated tent sites and campsites. All are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved. Designated sites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. Designated tent sites are for tents only. Tents or small campers can use designated campsites. There are no hook-ups for water or electricity at campsites.

Grass River Wild Forest

There are 12 designated primitive tent sites in the Grass River Wild Forest.

Lampson Falls Parcel (3 tent sites)

  • Lampson Falls Tent Site is located at the end of a short spur trail off the Grass River Trail just after the intersection with the Lampson Falls Trail. The spur trail can be accessed from the Lampson Falls Trailhead.
  • Grass River Tent Site is located on the eastern bank of the river at the end of a spur trail off the Grass River Trail near the intersection with the Lampson Falls Logging Trail. The spur trail can be accessed from the Lampson Falls Trailhead via the Grass River Trail or the Lampson Falls Logging Trail.
  • Harpers Falls Tent Site is located near the falls and can be accessed from the Harper Falls Trailhead via the Harpers Falls Trail.

Tooley Pond Parcel (7 tent sites)

  • Allen Pond Tent Site is located near the shore of Allen Pond at the end of the Allen Pond Trail.
  • Deerlick Rapids Tent Site is located at the downstream end of the Deerlick Rapids Portage Trail on the South Branch Grass River and can only be accessed from the river.
  • Spruce Mountain Tent Site is located river right on the 0.25-mile downstream of the Spruce Mountain Hand Launch on the South Branch Grass River and can only be accessed from the river.
  • Brumagin Rapids Tent Site is located river left at the upstream end of the Brumigan Rapids Portage Trail on the South Branch Grass River and can only be accessed from the river.

Leonard Pond Parcel has three designated primitive tent sites. All are located along Hollywood Road, a seasonal access road off State Route 56. One of the sites is located on the shore of Leonard Pond.

Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract

There are five designated campsites on the conservation easement tract. Each campsite features a hardened tent pad and a fire ring and privy. The sites are located along the Long Pond Conservation Easement road and trail system. Two can be accessed by motor vehicles, all five can be accessed by ATVs or on foot.

  • Long Pond Road Campsite is on the shore of Long Pond and may be accessed by motor vehicle via Long Pond Road.
  • Gulf Brook Road Campsite may be accessed by motor vehicle via Gulf Brook Road.
  • Gulf Brook Trail Campsites may be accessed by people on ATVs or on foot.
  • Albert Marsh Hill Trail Campsite may be accessed by people on ATVs or on foot via the Little John Trail.
  • Albert Marsh Trail Campsite may be accessed by people on ATVs or on foot via the Little John Road.

Main Haul Road off State Route 56 provides access to the rest of the road system. A parking area located along the Main Haul Road at the boundary of the easement tract has a kiosk with a map of the roads and the campsites. Another parking area is located at the end of Gulf Brook Road.

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

This unit provides an enormous amount of wonderful biking opportunities for those who enjoy biking on gravel and dirt roads. There is a limited amount of single track mountain biking opportunities also.

Grass River Wild Forest

All trails and roads are open to biking.

  • Harpers Falls Trail extends 0.6 mile from the trailhead on Downerville Road to the falls and the intersection with the River Trail. There is a designated primitive tent site near the falls.
  • River Trail extends 0.4 mile from the Harpers Falls Trail and into the adjacent Downerville State Forest where there is an 11-mile bike trail system.
  • Tooley Pond Road is a popular scenic bicycle route that runs for 17 miles between State Route 3 and the hamlet of DeGrasse. Take a short detour down any of the five short trails along the road for overlooks of scenic falls on the Grass River.

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

There are 21 miles of established roads for non-motorized recreation, including the motorized-accessible portion of the Buckhorn and Windfall Roads.

Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract

The tract has 53 miles of seasonal access roads open to biking. Bikers should be aware that they share all roads and trails with both motorized and non-motorized users.

Main Haul Road off State Route 56 provides access to the rest of the road system. A parking area located along Main Haul Road at the boundary of the conservation easement tract has a kiosk with the map of the roads, trails, campsites, and other features. Another parking area is located at the end of Gulf Brook Road. Bikers should park their vehicles in one of these parking areas.

  • Main Haul Road extends 5.8 miles from the parking area to Gulf Brook Road
  • Gulf Brook Road extends 1.2 miles from Main Haul Road to a parking area and then to the south an additional 7.0 miles.
  • Long Pond Road extends 3.5 miles from Main Haul Road to Long Pond.
  • Birch Brook Road and spur trails extend 7.0 miles from the Main Haul Road Parking Area.
  • Tee Pee Road extends 2.2 miles from Main Haul Road.
  • A-Frame Road extends 1.1 miles from Main Haul Road.
  • Little John Road extends 3.4 miles from Main Haul Road.
  • Lower Camp Road extends 1.4 miles from Little John Road.
  • Mud Brook Road extends 1.4 miles from Little John Road.
  • Goblet Springs Road extends 3.5 miles from Little John Road.
  • Clare Road extends 1.2 miles from Goblet Springs Road.
  • Clare East Road extends 0.5 mile from Goblet Springs Road.
  • Clare South Road extends 0.3 mile from Goblet Springs Road.
  • Albert Marsh Hill Road extends 1.2 miles from Goblet Springs Road.
  • Albert Marsh Road extends 3.0 miles from Little John Road.
  • Sellecks Road extends 2.7 miles from Little John Road.
  • Blue Pond Road extends 2.0 miles from Gulf Brook Road to Blue Pond.
  • Baldface Mountain Road extends 1.2 miles from Long Pond Road.

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract

Almost 100 miles of designated non-motorized trails depicted on the map are open for biking from December 16th through September 30th.

Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract

There are approximately 45 miles of seasonal access roads and trails that are open to biking.

General information on horseback riding includes safety tips and rules and regulations.

Horseback riding is allowed on all trails on Grass River Wild Forest lands and many of the seasonal access roads on the Conservation Easement Tract lands. View map to see which ones. However, there is no specific infrastructure in place to accommodate horses. The only parking area large enough to accommodate vehicles with horse trailers is the Main Haul Road Parking Area on the Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract.

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

There are 21 miles of established roads for non-motorized recreation, including the motorized-accessible portion of the Buckhorn and Windfall Roads.

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

Grass River Wild Forest

Paddling opportunities are available on the Grass River, Middle Branch Grass River, South Branch Grass River, and Tooley Pond.

South Branch Grass River is considered as some of the most challenging white water in the Adirondacks and viewed by some kayakers as one of the best opportunities in the northeast. The aesthetic qualities of the river corridor coupled with easy access in spots has led to significant public use during high water.

Although limited to times of high water, a trip down the South Branch will include sections that challenge the most experienced paddler. The section between Copper Rock Falls and DeGrasse is the most heavy used. The section of river above Rainbow Falls provides a great flatwater paddling opportunity. Inexperienced paddlers should check guide books to learn where the flatwater sections are located or hire a guide before attempting any whitewater sections.

Three hand launches provide access to the river:

  • South Branch Grass River Hand Launch is the furthest upstream put-in site and is at the end of a 0.2-mile seasonal access road off State Route 3. This part of the river is very rocky. A 2-mile carry along the former Grass River Railroad, from NYS Route 3 to the former railroad river crossing will avoid this area.
  • Spruce Mountain Road Hand Launch is located next to the bridge on Spruce Mountain Road off Tooley Pond Road.
  • First Brook Hand Launch is located off Tooley Pond Road.

There are numerous rapids and falls along this section of river with designated portage trails and some with informal carries. Designated portage trails include:

  • Deerlick Rapids Portage Trail (830 feet)
  • Long Rapids Portage Trail (0.4 mile)
  • Brumagin Rapids Portage Trail (1.2 miles)
  • Copper Rock Falls Portage Trail (0.4 mile)

Middle Branch Grass River can be accessed from the Middle Branch Hand Launch off County Route 27. A carry trail extends 300 feet from the parking area to the launch site on the river. A four-mile section of flatwater can be accessed from the hand launch between Lampson Falls downstream and the rapids upstream.

Tooley Pond Hand Launch provides access for paddlers to 48-acre Tooley Pond (PDF).

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

Dillon Pond Public Use Area is open year-round for public recreational access.

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract

Pleasant Lake Hand Launch provides access to 41-acre Pleasant Lake in the eastern portion of the tract from December 16th through September 30th.

Seveys Conservation Easement Tract

Sevey Hand Launch is located along a seasonal access road off State Route 56 and provides access to the Raquette River. There is a short carry to the river.

General information on boating includes safety tips with links to rules and regulations and lists of DEC boat launches by county.

Tooley Pond Hand Launch provides access for car-top boats to 48-acre Tooley Pond (PDF).

General information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations. You can ensure continued good fishing opportunities in the future by fishing responsibly. If you have never been fishing but want to try, it's easy to learn how to fish.

Anglers may use the parking areas, roads, seasonal access roads, trailheads, and trails used by hikers, and the boat launches and hand launches used by boaters and paddlers to access the waters of the Grass River Wild Forest and the Long Pond, Tooley Pond, Seveys and Grass River Conservation Easement Tracts.

Grass River contains smallmouth bass, rock bass, wild brook trout, and is stocked with brown trout. It may be accessed at the Lampson Falls Waterway Access Site via the 0.4-mile Lampson Falls Trail. Wading and shore fishing may be accessed along the Grass River Trail via the Lampson Falls Trail.

North Branch Grass River contains wild brook trout and its source water - Church Pond - is stocked annually with brook trout. Sections of the lower reaches may be accessed for wading and shore fishing via Harpers Falls Trail and the nearby Downerville State Forest. Much of the middle reaches of the North Branch and the lower section of Gulf Brook - a tributary of the river - are in designated river corridors on the Grass River Conservation Easement Tract and are open to the public from December 16th through September 30th. View designated river corridors on the complex map.

Middle Branch Grass River contains wild brook trout. Largemouth bass, rock bass, and sunfish can be found near the mouth of the river where it joins with the South Branch Grass River to form the Grass River. The lower flatwater reaches of the Middle Branch may be accessed by small boat from the Middle Branch Hand Launch via a 300-foot trail. Boats will also be able to access portions of the Grass River and the South Branch Grass River from this hand launch. Most of the Middle Branch and its tributary system are in designated river corridors on the Grass River Conservation Easement Tract and are open to the public from December 16th through September 30th. This includes all or portions of:

  • Alder Brook
  • Bear Creek
  • Blue Mountain Stream
  • Pleasant Lake Stream
  • Stony Brook

View designated river corridors on the complex map.

South Branch Grass River contains wild brook trout. A catch and release only special regulation for brook trout applies to the section of the South Branch from Grass River Flow downstream to 0.5 mile below the State Route 3 crossing. The South Branch may be accessed via the trails on the Grass River Wild Forest lands and trails and via roads on the Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract.

Grass River Wild Forest

The 48-acre Tooley Pond (PDF) contains largemouth bass, yellow perch, and sunfish. The pond may be accessed using the Tooley Pond Hand Launch. There are special regulations for fishing black bass.

Special regulations apply. See the Freshwater Fishing Regulation Guide (PDF).

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

The public are allowed to fish Dillon Pond year-round.

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract

This tract contains the 41-acre Pleasant Lake. The following species have been found in the pond: brook trout, white sucker, brown bullhead, pumpkin seed, red-belly dace and creek chub.

Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract

Long Pond (35 acres) is stocked with Adirondack native strain brook trout and can be accessed via Long Pond Road. Long Pond was limed in the past to improve water quality so it can support the trout population.

Blue Pond (5 acres) is stocked with Adirondack native strain brook trout and can be accessed via Blue Pond Road Trail by ATV or by foot.

Ormsbee Pond (21 acres) contains brook trout and can be accessed via Blue Pond Road Trail by ATV or by foot.

Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract

Allen Pond is a 15- acre pond stocked with brook trout. The pond can be accessed from the Allen Pond Trailhead Parking area via a 0.5-mile trail.

North Central NY Fishing provides information on fishing in the Adirondacks and links to top fishing waters, stocking lists, public fishing access and waters open to ice fishing listed by county.

Help Protect Native Adirondack Fish; populations of brook trout, round whitefish and other native Adirondack fish species have severely declined due to introduced fish.

Seveys Conservation Easement Tract

Seveys provides access to the Raquette River, which has fish such as smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, pumpkin seed, bullhead and white sucker.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C, 6F and 6J

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

Hunters may use the parking areas, roads, seasonal access roads, trailheads, and trails used by hikers, and the boat launches and hand launches used by boaters and paddlers to access the lands and waters on Grass River Wild Forest, Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract, and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract.

The main game species found in the complex are white-tailed deer, black bear, snowshoe hare, and ruffed grouse.

The main furbearer species found on the complex include fisher, otter, and muskrat.

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

The public is allowed to hunt outside of the Lessee Exclusive Use Period (Wednesday after Labor Day through December 15).

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract

Public hunting is prohibited on the tract. 

Seveys Conservation Easement Tract

Public hunting is prohibited.

Silver Lake Conservation Easement Tract

Public hunting is prohibited.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C, 6F and 6J

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

Trappers may use the parking areas, roads, seasonal access roads, trailheads, and trails used by hikers, and the boat launches and hand launches used by boaters and paddlers to access the lands and waters on Grass River Wild Forest, Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract, and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract.

The main game species found in the complex are white-tailed deer, black bear, snowshoe hare, and ruffed grouse.

The main furbearer species found on the complex include fisher, otter, and muskrat.

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

The public is allowed to trap outside of the Lessee Exclusive Use Period (Wednesday after Labor Day through December 15).

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract

Trapping is allowed from December 16th through September 30th on designated river corridors.

Seveys Conservation Easement Tract

Trapping is prohibited.

Silver Lake Conservation Easement Tract

Trapping is prohibited.

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

All hiking trails in the Grass River Wild Forest, Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract, and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract are open to cross-country skiing in the winter. The trails are not groomed.

Grass River Wild Forest

Lampson Falls Trail is an accessible trail popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter. The trail extends 0.5 mile from the trailhead to a scenic overlook of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Adirondacks with a vertical drop of approximately 100 feet. Most of the trail has a 5% grade or less. However, users should be prepared for steeper grades of up to 10% to reach the overlook. Level resting areas are provided at close intervals.

Lampson Falls Logging Road is also popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter. The trail leaves the Lampson Falls Trail 200 feet before the scenic overlook and extends 0.9 mile north to the northern end of Grass River Trail.

Together the two trails provide a nearly three-mile round trip skiing or snowshoeing outing.

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

There are approximately 21 miles of established roads for non-motorized recreation, including the motorized-accessible portion of the Buckhorn and Windfall Roads.

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract

All designated trails on the map for this unit are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing after December 16th each year. Skiers should be aware these trails are also designated snowmobile trails.

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

All hiking trails in the Grass River Wild Forest, Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract, and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The trails are not groomed.

Grass River Wild Forest

Lampson Falls Trail is an accessible trail popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter. The trail extends 0.5 mile from the trailhead to a scenic overlook of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Adirondacks with a vertical drop of approximately 100 feet. Most of the trail has a 5% grade or less. However, users should be prepared for steeper grades of up to 10% to reach the overlook. Level resting areas are provided at close intervals.

Lampson Falls Logging Road is also popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers in the winter. The trail leaves the Lampson Falls Trail 200 feet before the scenic overlook and extends 0.9 mile north to the northern end of Grass River Trail.

Together the two trails provide a nearly three-mile round trip skiing or snowshoeing outing.

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

There are approximately 21 miles of established roads for non-motorized recreation, including the motorized-accessible portion of the Buckhorn and Windfall Roads.

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract

All designated trails on the map for this unit are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing after December 16th each year. Skiers should be aware these trails are also designated snowmobile trails.

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

This unit contains an extensive 134-mile snowmobile trail system. Snowmobiling is allowed only on the designated snowmobile trails on the Forest Preserve and Easement Tracts lands. The Newbridge Parking Area provides parking for vehicles with snowmobile trailers.

All snowmobile corridor trails on the easement lands are maintained by the St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association (leaves DEC website).

  • On Grass River Conservation Easement Tract, the trails crossing the property are C7A, C8, C8D, C8E, S80A, S80E, S81, S83, S84, S84A, S86, S88 and S89. Snowmobiling is allowed beginning December 16th each winter.
  • On Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract, the trails crossing the property are C8 and C8E. Public snowmobiles may only use designated trails, including the St. Lawrence County Multi-Use Trail.
  • On Seveys Conservation Easement Tract, the trails crossing the property are C7A, C7C, S73, S77 and S88.
  • On Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract, the trails crossing the property are S80, S80A, S80B, S80E and S81.
  • On Silver Lake Conservation Easement Tract, the trail crossing the property is S89.

Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Tract

There are 13 miles of existing snowmobile trails on the property for public use.

Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract

Main Haul Road off State Route 56 provides access to the rest of the road system. A parking area located along Main Haul Road at the boundary of the conservation easement tract has a kiosk with a map of the roads, trails, campsites, and other features. Vehicles and trailers should be parked in this lot.

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

The Adirondacks contain large tracts of wildlife habitat with some boreal, bog, alpine and other unique habitats. Many species of birds and mammals are unique to the Adirondacks or are mainly found here. More than 50 species of mammals and hundreds of species of birds inhabit or pass through the Adirondacks at one time of the year or another so it is not unlikely to catch site of wildlife during your trip.

You can protect wildlife and wildlife habitat when viewing wildlife.

Wildlife Found in the Adirondacks

Accessible Features

From the Tooley Pond Camping Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Primitive campsite: and
  • Privy

The campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and privy.

From the Lampson Falls Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Hiking trail to the viewing area

The trail to Lampson Falls is 0.5 mile one way, and has a gentle grade (max. slope 10%), wide tread (min. width 3 feet), and firm compacted stone surface.

From the Tooley Pond Day Use Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Hand boat launch; and
  • Picnic Area

The hand boat launch and picnic area are approximately 50 feet from the parking area.

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

There are parking areas and boat launches scattered throughout the complex.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Parking Areas

Grass River Wild Forest
  • Tooley Pond Campsite Parking Area is located off of Tooley Pond Road, 5.8 miles northwest of its intersection with State Route 3. (44.2756°N, 74.9202°W) Google Maps 
  • Tooley Pond Mountain Trailhead Parking Area is an unpaved parking area located along Tooley Pond Road just west of Tooley Pond that holds 5 vehicles. (44.2789°N, 74.9283°W) Google Maps 
  • Copper Rock Falls Trailhead Parking Area is a pull off located on the shoulder of Tooley Pond Road. (44.2858°N, 74.9617°W) Google Maps 
  • Newbridge Parking Area is an unpaved parking lot located along Tooley Pond Road that holds 5 vehicles. (44.2857°N, 74.9745°W) Google Maps 
  • Rainbow Falls Trailhead is located off Tooley Pond Road (44.3073°N, 74.9942°W) Google Maps 
  • Twin Falls Trailhead is located off Tooley Pond Road. (44.3329°N, 75.0252°W) Google Maps 
  • Sinclair Falls Trailhead Parking Area #1 is an unpaved parking lot located on Lake George Road off of Tooley Pond Road that holds 5 vehicles. (44.338°N, 75.0453°W) Google Maps 
  • Sinclair Falls Parking Area #2 is an unpaved parking lot located along Tooley Pond Road near the intersection with Lake George Road. (44.3383°N, 75.0447°W) Google Maps 
  • Basford Falls Trailhead is located along Tooley Pond Road. (44.3429°N, 75.0533°W) Google Maps 
  • Harpers Falls Trailhead Parking Area is located off of Donnerville Road. It is an unpaved parking lot. (44.4416°N, 75.0692°W) Google Maps 
  • Lampson Falls Trailhead Parking Area is located off County Route 27 (44.4050°N, 75.0617°W) Google Maps 
Grass River Conservation Easement Tract
  • Dean Road Parking Area is located along Dean Road, 3 miles east of County Road 27, near the bridge over the Grass River. (44.3794°N, 75.0325°W) Google Maps 
  • Stone Dam Parking Area is located along Dean Road, near the Grass River. (44.3617°N, 74.9665°W) Google Maps 
  • Stone Dam Access Parking Area is located along Pleasant Lake Road, adjacent to the Stone Dam Forest Preserve Parcel. (44.3639°N, -74.9308°W)
Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract
  • Main Haul Road Parking Area is located at the boundary of the easement on the Main Haul Road, 1.7 miles west of State Route 56. (44.4233°N, 74.8171°W) Google Maps 
Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract
  • Allen Pond Trailhead Parking Area is located at the end of a 0.5-mile seasonal access road off Tooley Pond Road. (44.3364°N, 75.0052°W) Google Maps 
Seveys Conservation Easement Tract
  • Moody Falls Water Access Parking Area is located off of State Route 56. (44.3099°N, -74.7175°W)

Boat Launches and Waterway Access Sites

Grass River Wild Forest
  • South Branch Grass River Fishing Access Site is located off State Route 3 on the opposite side of the road and across the bridge from the paved rest area. (44.2481°N, 74.7836°W) Google Maps 
  • Spruce Mountain Road Hand Launch and Parking Area is located on Spruce Mountain Road off Tooley Pond Road. (44.2881°N, 74.8858°W) Google Maps 
  • Tooley Pond Hand Launch Parking Area is located off Tooley Pond Road. (44.2746°N, 74.9191°W) Google Maps 
  • First Brook Hand Launch Parking Area is located along Tooley Pond Road. (44.3042°N, 74.9940°W) Google Maps 
  • Middle Branch Hand Launch Parking Area is an unpaved parking area located off County Route 27 that provides access to the Middle Branch Hand Launch via a 300-foot carry to the Middle Branch Grass River. (44.3794°N, 75.0636°W) Google Maps 
  • Lampson Falls Trailhead Parking Area located off County Route 27 provides access to the Lampson Falls Waterway Access Site via a 0.4-mile carry. (44.4050°N, 75.0617°W) Google Maps 
Grass River Conservation Easement Tract
  • Pleasant Lake Hand Launch Parking Area is located on the western side of the lake (44.3414°N, 74.8583°W) Google Maps 
Seveys Conservation Easement Tract
  • Sevey Hand Launch is located along a seasonal access road off State Route 56. There is a short carry to the river. (44.3071°N, 74.7059°W) Google Maps 

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.

All users of the Grass River Complex 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

Rules are different on each of the conservation easement tracts. Contact the DEC Office in Potsdam (315-265-3090) with any questions.

Rules Applying to All Conservation Easement Tracts

  1. Public recreation may not be allowed during forest management functions or seasonally depending on the owner. Please adhere to signage noting closures due to forest management activities.
  2. Please do not trespass on adjacent private lands. The perimeters of conservation easement tracts are generally marked with yellow paint blazes and signed with conservation easement signage, or with Forest Preserve signage if the conservation easement tract is adjacent to Forest Preserve lands.
  3. Private lease camps do exist on the properties and we ask you to respect their privacy. Please respect posted signs.

Grass River Conservation Easement Tract Rules

  1. All public access and recreation on this property is subject to the Recreation Management Plan (January 2019).
  2. Motor vehicles may only be driven on designated roads. Roads may be closed as necessary.
  3. Snowmobiles may only be driven on designated trails. Trails may be closed as necessary.
  4. Public ATV use on the property is prohibited, except for the designated St. Lawrence County Multi-Use Trail (open approximately May 15th to September 15th).
  5. Non-motorized recreation is allowed on the property's linear recreational corridors from December 16th to September 30th each year.
  6. Public fishing and trapping are allowed in their respective recreational corridors from December 16th to September 30th each year, subject to established seasons, rules and regulations.
  7. No public hunting is permitted on the property.

Long Pond Conservation Easement Tract Rules

  1. The road accessing the tract from State Route 56 is on a right-of-way through privately owned lands. Parking in the clearing near Route 56 or access to any of the lands adjacent to the access road is prohibited.
  2. Public use of motor vehicles and ATVs is allowed only on roads designated for this use.
  3. ATVs may only be used on designated roads within the boundaries of the conservation easement tract. ATVs are prohibited on the Main Haul Road east of the Main Haul Road Parking Area.
  4. Public use is not allowed on areas marked as restricted.
  5. Public hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted on the conservation easement tract.
  6. Camping is regulated in the same manner as on State Forests and Forest Preserve lands.

Seveys Conservation Easement Tract Rules

  1. Public access is limited to the boat launch and designated snowmobile trails only.
  2. Hunting and trapping are prohibited.

Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tract Rules

  1. All public access and recreation on this property are subject to the Recreation Management Plan (January 2019).
  2. Public motor vehicle access to these lands is restricted to signed, designated access roads or public highways. Access roads may be closed seasonally.
  3. Snowmobile use is permitted on designated roads and trails.
  4. Public hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted on the conservation easement tract.
  5. Public ATV use on the property is prohibited, except for the designated St. Lawrence County Multi-Use Trail (open approximately May 15th to September 15th).

Silver Lake Conservation Easement Tract Rules

  1. Public access is limited to the designated snowmobile trails.
  2. Hunting, Fishing and Trapping are prohibited.

Planning and Management

DEC manages the Forest Preserve lands in this area in accordance with the 2019 Grass River Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) (PDF, 10 MB). 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.

The recreational activities on the Grass River and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement lands are managed in accordance with the 2019 Grass River Conservation Easement Recreation Management Plan (PDF) and the 2019 Tooley Pond Tract Conservation Easement Recreation Management Plan (PDF).

The recreational activities on the Long Pond Conservation Easement are managed in accordance with the Long Pond Conservation Easement RMP (PDF).

The Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement lands are managed in accordance with the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement Interim Recreation Management Plan (PDF).

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Canton, Colton, Harrisville, Star Lake, and Tupper Lake.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Cranberry Lake, Colton, Harrisville, South Colton, Star Lake, and Tupper Lake.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Canton, Childwold, Colton, Cranberry Lake, Harrisville, Star Lake, and Tupper Lake.
  • Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Canton, Childwold, Cranberry Lake, Star Lake, and Tupper Lake.

Adirondack Regional Tourism Council and St. Lawrence County Tourism Council 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

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