Knapp Station 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: Town of Stockholm, St. Lawrence County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6A
• Map: Knapp Station State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Much of the 1,006-acre Knapp Station State Forest, as with many state forests in the area, is former agricultural land which has reverted to forest. This forest consists of 11 separate parcels which were purchased between 1936 and 1963 for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection.

The topography of this state forest is very flat with extensive wetlands spread throughout the area. The wettest areas are dominated by open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods and white cedar in seasonal flooded areas.

Directions

From Massena: Head south on State Route 420 for 7 miles, take a right onto Mahoney Road. Continue on Mahoney Road until the T-intersection with County Route 49. Take a right onto County Route 49 and continue for .55 mile and take a left onto Cook Road. Proceed 1.2 miles and the pull-off area will be on the right.

• Cook Road pull-off area (44.791676°N, 74.889022°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 Knapp Station 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 manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the St. Lawrence Flatlands Unit Management Plan (PDF, 17MB). 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.

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

History

Many of the properties purchased by the state in the 1930s and early 1940s were exhausted farmland with little tree cover. The first priorities after the establishment of a state forest were to reforest the land, prevent soil erosion, and minimize the threat of wildfires. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played an active role in the early protection and development of this forest. Crews from Camp S-95 in Brasher Falls and S-134 in Canton/Pierrepont accomplished the following tasks on Knapp Station State Forest between 1936 and 1941:

• Planted over 620,000 trees on 605 acres, with the major species being white pine, white spruce and red pine. Other less common species planted include white cedar, Jack pine, American elm and basswood.
• Cleared and maintained 2.4 miles of fireline.
• Constructed 5 waterholes for fire control.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Raymondville State Forest
• Lost Nation State Forest
• Brasher & Bombay State Forest
• Buckton State Forest
• Grantville State Forest
• Fort Jackson State Forest
• Whiskey Flats State Forest
• Southville State Forest
• Sodom State Forest
• Higley Flow Sate Park
• Stone Valley Cooperative Recreation Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Brasher Falls, Winthrop, Norwood, Norfolk and Massena.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce 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.