State Land

Pleasant Lake State Forest

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round

Pleasant Lake Forest covers 963 acres. The topography is variable with upland areas supporting a mixture of northern hardwood, oak-hickory, and white pine forests. Pine and spruce plantations were established on what were formerly farm fields and pastures. Flatter ground supports open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods and white cedar in seasonal flooded areas.

 

Featured Activities

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

There are several trails and roads throughout the forest that are open for hiking. The Mud Lake Hiking Trail (0.3 mile) provides access to this popular fishing area. Follow all safety guidelines and be prepared before going into the woods.

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

Primitive camping is allowed on the property. 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 hunting 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 trapping safety guidelines, be prepared before going into the woods.

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

Mud Lake provides a popular ice fishing location for northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill. Users should note that this forest does not contain any frontage on nearby Pleasant Lake. Please respect private property.

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

All trails on Pleasant Lake State Forest are open for cross-country skiing but none are groomed for cross-country skiing.

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

All trails on Pleasant Lake State Forest are open for snowshoeing.

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 the Pleasant Lake State Forest includes deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, mink, raccoon, black bear, fox, and migratory songbirds. Smooth green snake, eastern garter snake, wood turtle and painted turtle may also be present.

Directions

This forest can be accessed from the Williams Road in the town of Macomb and the Lockie Road in the town of Rossie.

  • Williams Road Parking for Mud Lake: (44.372863°N, 75.592989°W) Google Maps
  • Lockie Road Parking: (44.361330°N, 75.619427°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.

Don't Move Firewood: the insects it carries could kill the forests you love.

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 Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Lodging, dining opportunities, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Hammond, Gouverneur, Heuvelton and Morristown.

The 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.

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Region 6 - Western Adirondacks/Eastern Lake Ontario
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