Upper And Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area

Canton, St. Lawrence County

Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area comprises wetlands, upland fields and forest. The majority of the area lies between the Grass River and the Oswegatchie River. It is an important nesting area for water-dependent birds, a migratory bird concentration area, and valuable wetland furbearer habitat. The Indian Creek Nature Center features trails, observation platforms and a picnic pavilion.

NOTE: The Nature Center and public hunting portions of the area are open year-round. The remainder of the area is restricted access and is open from mid-August until the end of May.

Wildlife to Watch

Where to Watch

  • Accessible blind and trail
  • Observation tower
  • Nature center trails

Recreational Opportunities

  • Hunting, fishing and trapping
  • Hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Canoeing/kayaking, boat launch
  • Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing

Accessible Features

This site has accessible features that include accessible parking along the county road, a 600-foot nature trail suitable for use with mobility devices, and an accessible blind for waterfowl viewing and hunting opportunities. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.

Size

8,666 acres

Closest Town

Canton and Rensselaer Falls

Directions

See Google Maps and enter your address for step-by-step directions to Upper & Lower Lakes WMA. (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold Shift down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window.)

Contact information:

Telephone: 315-265-3090

Website: WMA - Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area; Nature Center - Indian Creek Nature Center (This link leaves the DEC website)

Photo credits: Cody Wilson (DEC), USFWS, Susan Shafer (DEC)