Winona State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Lowville Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), (315) 376-3521; [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 Lorraine, Jefferson County and Town of Boylston, Oswego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6K & 6N 
• Map: Winona State Forest North Map (GeoPDF) || Winona State Forest South Map (GeoPDF) || GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 9,233-acre Winona State Forest is located in southern Jefferson County and Northern Oswego County on the western edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. It is east of interstate #81, west of Littlejohn Wildlife Management Area.

The unit contains 31.1 miles of cross-country ski trails, 8.7 miles of snowmobile trails (some designated New York State Snowmobile Corridor Trails), 9.9 miles of forest roads, and 4 parking lots.

Trails on Winona State Forest

Directions

To get to this forest, from interstate 81, take Mannsville exit 39, then take county route 90 east through Mannsville. About 2.75 miles out of Mannsville, county route 90 meets Dixon Road and turns to the right. This route bears left at the intersection with Wart Road and then right at Brown Road. The historical CCC camp is another mile down the road on the left. From the east take Jefferson County Route 92 to Jefferson County Route 90. Proceed west on County Route 90 for approximately 2 miles. The CCC Camp is on the right.

Winona State Forest has three plowed parking areas. Each parking lot has an informational kiosk and an accessible privy. The CCC parking is for access from the north at the junction of Bargy Road and Co. Route 90. Bargy Parking is at the junction of Bargy Road and Co. Rt. 13. Wart Road parking is at the junction of Center Road and Wart Road.

Parking:

• CCC Parking: (43.712803°N, 75.970619°W) Google Maps 
• Bargy Road Parking: (43.660918°N, 75.964946°W) Google Maps 
• Wart Road Parking: (43.657014°N, 75.999102°W) Google Maps 

Camping:

• West side of Bargy Road (north) (43.710085°N, 75.973625°W) Google Maps 
• East side of Bargy Road (middle) (43.696342°N, 75.975833°W) Google Maps 
• West side of Bargy Road (south) (43.695571°N, 75.976279°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 Winona 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.

Planning and Management

 DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Winona Forest Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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 at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Littlejohn Wildlife Management Area
• Tug Hill State Forest
• Trout Brook State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Sandy Creek, Adams, Richland and Pulaski.
• Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Sandy Creek, Adams and Pulaski.
• Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Lacona, Sandy Creek and Pulaski
• Lodging can be found in the nearby community of Pulaski.

The Jefferson County website 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.

History

Much of this reforestation land was once farmland that was abandoned during the Great Depression. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) maintained a camp on the forest. As the trees have grown to maturity, foresters have marked many stands for wood products, including red pine poles, pulpwood, hardwood and softwood saw timber and chips for energy.