State Land

Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area

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  • Open for Recreation: Year-round
Lowville Demonstration Area location

The Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area is located on 98 acres at the former NYS Lowville Tree Nursery. The nursery was in operation from approximately 1923 to 1971 and during that time, a total of 530 million seedlings were produced. A demonstration forest was created here by planting trees together in blocks based on species. Demonstration forests are used to show how different species of trees grow and look together. Most of these trees can be purchased as seedlings from the Saratoga Tree Nursery.

The property also contains an arboretum with more than 400 species of native and non-native trees, shrubs, perennials and fruit trees. This area highlights hardy species that can grow in the northern New York climate. The property is also home to the Region 6 Lowville Sub-Office.

 

Featured Activities

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

The Nature Trail begins at the parking area kiosk and runs throughout the property. Hikers will venture through the arboretum, picnic areas and forested areas on this trail. The trail is suitable to hike any time of year. However, due to high insect populations, long pants and insect repellant are recommended.

The Story Walk Trail begins at the kiosk and intersects the Nature Trail at various points on the property. Each stop on the trail exhibits a different page to the story. Visitors are encouraged to walk the entire trail to read the whole story. The story is changed regularly to ensure a different reading experience for every visit. The Story Walk is an excellent trail for families and new readers.

Visitors are asked to sign the register located in the picnic area before going out on trails.

General information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

In the northwest corner of the Demonstration Area, there is a pond and marsh that can be used for recreational fishing. The pond has a variety of fish including perch, bullhead, pickerel, trout and sunfish. Overlooking both the pond and the marsh are accessible fishing decks.

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

During the winter months, cross-country skiing is permitted on the trail systems and in the arboretum.

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

During the winter months, snowshoeing is permitted on the trail systems and in the arboretum.

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

The Demonstration Area is a wildlife haven. Visitors may see white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, woodchucks, foxes, turtles, fish and a variety of birds. The arboretum is a useful foraging ground for numerous species of mammals and birds. Bluebird nest boxes are located throughout the property. Tree swallows, house sparrows, chickadees and house wrens often also use the bluebird birdhouses.

Fire Tower

General information on fire towers includes historic and current uses of fire towers and links to other locations with fire towers.

The fire tower was originally located at Number Four (see map for details). The upper section of the tower was moved to and displayed near the entrance of the Demonstration Area. The original tower was 90 feet tall and used to detect fire in the surrounding landscape. Visitors should feel free to climb the tower to the observation cabin at the top. A Ranger cabin sits at the base of the fire tower. It was moved to the Demonstration Area from Gomer Hill.

Accessible Features

From the Fishing Pier Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Fishing/viewing platform; and
  • Hiking trail

The Pond Trail is 0.2 mile one way with a gentle grade (max. slope 4%), wide tread (min. width 3 feet), and firm  compacted stone surface.

From the Picnic Area Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Picnic area; and
  • Portable toilet (seasonal)

From the Waters Road Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Fishing/viewing platform

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

From the West via Route 177 (from NYS Interstate-81): Get off on Exit 42 (Adams Center). Go right to the light and go straight through onto Route 177, 25 miles to West Lowville (end of Route 177) take Route 12 south 2.6 miles into Lowville stop light. Turn left at light (Route 812). Turn right at 2nd stop light (by church with clock) cross Railroad tracks. Turn left continuing on Route 812. Continue 1.3 miles to office on left, just past fire tower.

From the North via Route 12 (Watertown): Take Route 12 south out of Watertown 25 miles into Lowville to stop light. Turn left at light (Route 812). Turn right at 2nd stop light (by church with clock) cross Railroad tracks. Turn left continuing on Route 812. Continue 1.3 miles to office on left, just past fire tower.

From the North via Route 26 (Fort Drum, Carthage): Take Route 26 south into Lowville to the first stop light. Turn left at light (Route 812). Cross Railroad tracks. Continue 1.3 miles to office on left, just past fire tower.

From the East via Route 812 (Gouverneur): Take Route 812 south from Gouverneur to Harrisville. Make a left on Route 812 just before Phil's General Store. Continue south through Indian River, Croghan, and New Bremen. The office is located 2.4 miles past New Bremen on the right, just before the fire tower.

From the South via Route 12 (Utica): Take Route 12 north from Utica and follow signs to Lowville. Route 12 merges with Route 26 north. Follow to 5th stop light next to church with clock. Turn right onto Route 812. Cross railroad tracks, and make a left continuing on Route 812. Continue 1.3 miles to office on left, just past fire tower.

From the South via Route 26 and 12D (Rome): Take Route 26 and 12D north to Lowville. Route 26 merges with Route 12 north. Follow to 5th stop light next to church with clock. Turn right onto Route 812. Cross railroad tracks, and make a left continuing on Route 812. Continue 1.3 miles to office on left, just past tower.

  • Picnic Area and Trail Head Parking (43.808987°N, 75.473408°W) Google Maps
  • Lowville Sub-Office Parking Area (43.810047°N, 75.472811°W) Google Maps
  • Black River Parking (43.807870°N, 75.472552°W) Google Maps
  • Fishing Pier Parking Area (43.811326°N, 75.481118°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 the Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area 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.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed the Westward Waters Unit Management Plan which describes the proposed management activities for these lands. 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 any questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Croghan, New Bremen, and Lowville.

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.

Important Links

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