State Land

Onjebonge State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
Onjebonge State Forest location

This 1,835-acre state forest is named for a nearby pond that has retained the legacy of its original Iroquois language designation. The western border of this forest is the Indian River, which forms a common boundary with the Fort Drum Military Reservation.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are no official trails on this property; however, hiking is allowed on the network of 4.47 miles of public forest access roads (PFAR) that cross the property. This includes Onjebonje PFAR, Lime Quarry PFAR, Lime Quarry Ext and Alice Coffey PFAR.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & 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 groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

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

Fishing and Canoeing the Indian River provides fishing and paddling information for the entire length of the Indian River, including the lakes found along the flow.

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

Fishing and Canoeing the Indian River provides fishing and paddling information for the entire length of the Indian River, including the lakes found along the flow. The Lime Quarry accessible fishing pier provides access to the Indian River via Lime Quarry Road.

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C

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

Wildlife Management Unit: 6C

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

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

Accessible Features

From the Lime Quarry Public Forest Access 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 Carthage, take State Route 3 north 9.4 miles to Natural Bridge, turn left on Lime Street then go 0.2 miles and turn left on Lewisburg Road. Go 0.3 mile to Arnoldville Road. Turn right and proceed 1 mile.

  • Lime Quarry Ext. parking area (44.09203118°N, 75.49461966°W) Google Maps
  • Indian River parking area and fishing pier (44.09664285°N, 75.49374799°W) Google Maps
  • Alice Coffey PFAR parking area (44.08426518°N, 75.44658643°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 Onjebonge 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, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are allowed on the property; however, there are no trails on this property currently maintained for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Westward Waters Unit Management Plan. 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 [email protected].

Timber Management

The granite based soils of the area vary from shallow and poor to deep and rich. Much of the topography is moderate to steep, with significant wetlands that are periodically flooded by beaver. The better soils are home to impressive natural hard maple-white ash stands and plantations of red pine-white pine. These better stands are periodically improved by carefully controlled timber harvests conducted by high bidding private contractors under the direction of DEC forestry professionals. Lower quality soils support a diverse combination of rough white pine, red maple, aspen, grey birch, and even the occasional black ash; a species important in basket making.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas may be found in the nearby communities of Natural Bridge and Harrisville.
  • Lodging, dining opportunities, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby community of Harrisville.

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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