State Land

Hickory Lake State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Hickory Lake State Forest location

Featured Activities

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

Hiking on all trails is allowed year-round on this forest. There are two access trails. The Big Oak Access trail (0.9 mile) begins on St. Lawrence County Route 10 and provides access to the central part of the forest. The Cooper Road Access Trail (0.1 mile) provides access to the Northern portion of the forest.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips 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 a group of ten or more requires a permit from a forest ranger.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6A

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

Hunting is allowed in accordance with State laws and regulations. Follow all safety guidelines, be prepared before going into the woods.

Wildlife Management Unit: 6A

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

Trapping is allowed in accordance with State laws and regulations. Follow all safety guidelines, be prepared before going into the woods.

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

Fishing is allowed in Hickory Lake.

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

All trails in the forest are open to mountain biking. No trails are specifically maintained for mountain biking.

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

All trails in Hickory Lake State Forest are open for cross-country skiing. No trails are groomed for cross-country skiing.

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

All trails in Hickory Lake State Forest are open for snowshoeing in the winter.

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

The wildlife that may be present in Hickory Lake State Forest includes white tailed deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, mink, raccoon, black bear, red and grey foxes, and migratory songbirds. Smooth green snake, eastern garter snake, wood and painted turtles may also be present.

Directions

This forest can be accessed from St. Lawrence County Route 10, Cooper Road, and Castor Boulevard in the town of Macomb. There is one parking area located on the Cooper Road, adjacent to the State Forest sign.

  • Cooper Road Sign & Parking area (44.460952°N, 75.538204°W) Google Maps
  • County Route 10 Sign and Trailhead Parking (44.452413°N, 75.514518°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 Hickory Lake State Forest must follow all State Forest Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Follow the NYS Firewood Regulation to protect the forests you love from invasive species.

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].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Amenities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Redwood, Ogdensburg and Alexandria Bay.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Hammond, Redwood, Gouverneur and Alexandria Bay.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Hammond, Alexandria Bay, Gouverneur and Morristown.
  • Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Hammond, Canton, Alexandria Bay, Clayton and Chippewa Bay.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and Adirondacks Tug Hill 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.

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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