Lonesome Bay 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 Hammond, St. Lawrence County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6A
• Map: Lonesome Bay State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Lonesome Bay State Forest covers 1,122 acres and was established for the purposes of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation, and watershed protection.

Directions

From Hammond: Head south on Route 37 for 0.88 mile and turn left onto Route 31. Continue for 2.78 miles and turn left onto Alamogin Road for 1.59 miles, the parking area will be on the right.

• Alamogin Road parking area (44.4271202°N, 75.662056°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 Lonesome Bay 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

Hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property; however; there are no maintained trails for these activities.

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].

The topography and vegetation found on this forest are quite variable. Upland areas with deeper soils support forests containing basswood, sugar maple, and black cherry. Drier rocky sites are dominated by drought tolerant species such as northern red oak, bitternut hickory and eastern hophornbeam. Lowland areas are covered by a patchwork of swamp hardwood forests containing red maple, green ash, American elm, and slippery elm. The wettest areas support communities of wetland shrubs and grasses.

There are several unusual plant communities which occur across this area, including over 150 acres of silver maple dominated swamp hardwoods. Upland areas also include locally abundant populations of butternut and cork elm.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• South Hammond State Forest
• Pleasant Lake State Forest
• Hickory Lake State Forest
• Beaver Creek State Forest
• Fish Creek Wildlife Management Area
• Yellow Lake State Forest
• Pulpit Rock State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Hammond and Gouvernneur.

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.