- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 6 Potsdam Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), (315) 265-3090; [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 Rossie, St. Lawrence County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6A
- Map: Yellow Lake State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 751-acre Yellow Lake State Forest is sandwiched between Yellow Lake and the Oswegatchie River. Steep cliffs on the southeast shore of Yellow Lake offer scenic views, but prevent fishing and boating access. You can fish the Oswegatchie River from shore or hand-launch a small boat at the Wegatchie Fishing Access Site.
The topography is very hilly with thin soils and rocky exposed ridge tops. There are few tree plantations on this property. Lower quality sites are dominated by red oak, eastern hophornbeam, hickories, and other species adapted to dry and nutrient-poor soils.