State Land

Raquette River Conservation Easement Tract

Map of Raquette River Conservation Easement
Click the image for a larger view of the map.
  • Open for Recreation: Year-round
  • Fee: free
  • Contact Information:
    • DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (518) 897-1200; [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 Harrietstown, Franklin County
  • Wildlife Management Unit: 5F

Raquette River Conservation Easement:

The Raquette River conservation easement consists of 5,985 acres adjacent to the Raquette River, including the lower Moose Creek watershed. The easement provides new, highly desirable public access opportunities along 10 miles of the river, which is part of the iconic Northern Forest Canoe Trail and a portion of the longest canoe route in the Adirondacks that runs 90 miles between Old Forge and Saranac Lake. The river is also a popular fishing destination, supporting a variety of sought-after sport fish.

The easement supports non-motorized public recreation activities such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and other forms of non-motorized foot travel. In particular, fishing and paddling opportunities are available on Moose Creek and Beaver Brook, which offer outstanding brook trout fishing. 

Featured Activities

The easement is open to public camping. Currently, there are no designated or constructed campsites on this easement. Those camping on the property must follow primitive camping regulations. A one-acre area around each privately leased camp is closed to public use.

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

The public may hike on the property, though currently there are not any official hiking trails. Hiking on the property’s roads is permitted but be prepared to encounter motor vehicles. Major roads are shown on the recreation map. A one-acre area around each privately leased camp is closed to public use.

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

Fishing opportunities on this easement include the Raquette River, Moose Creek, and Beaver Brook. Fishing on the property is subject to applicable New York State laws, regulations, and seasons. About 2.6-miles of Moose Creek and about 1 mile of Beaver Brook are on this easement. A one-acre area around each privately leased camp is closed to public use.

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

This easement is open to public hunting subject to applicable New York State laws, regulations, and seasons. A one-acre area around each privately leased camp is closed to public use.

Wildlife Management Unit: 5F

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

This easement is open to public trapping subject to applicable New York State laws, regulations, and seasons. A one-acre area around each privately leased camp is closed to public use.

Wildlife Management Unit: 5F

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

This easement provides outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, especially along the major water courses on the property. A one-acre area around each privately leased camp is closed to public use.

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

Directions

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Parking Areas and Trailheads

  • There are no parking areas or trailheads on the property. The property can be assessed via the shoreline of the Raquette River.

Boat Launches

  • There are no boat launches on the property. The property can be accessed via the shoreline of the Raquette River. 

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 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

  • Public use of motorized vehicles is not allowed.
  • Hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, snowshoeing and other forms of non-motorized foot travel is allowed.
  • Mountain bikes, e-bikes and horseback riding are not permitted. 
  • No public access or recreational use is allowed within the five one-acre private lease camp envelopes except when using a designated road or trail to pass through the envelope.     
  • Be aware that the property is leased to private sports clubs that have access rights that the public does not have - please respect the rights of the lessees.

Planning and Management

DEC manages public recreation on the Raquette River Conservation Easement in accordance with the Raquette River Interim Recreation Management Plan (IRMP) (PDF). The IRMP describes the protected property's natural resources and presents DEC's implementation and management of public access. 

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

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 Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.
  • Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.
  • Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.
  • Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.

Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, Visit Malone, Franklin County Tourism, and Saranac Lake 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.

Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Region 5
1115 State Route 86 Po box 296
Ray Brook, NY 12977

This Page Covers
Region 5 - Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain
Icon