Moose River Recreation Area

Situated in the west central part of Hamilton County, the Moose River Recreation Area offers a multitude of recreational possibilities. Stretching more than 16 miles between the two entrance gates, as the crow flies, these state lands comprise the largest block of remote public land in the Adirondacks readily accessible by motor vehicle.

The core of this area consists of 50,000 acres purchased from the Gould Paper Company in December 1963. Past logging activity and road development have had a great influence on both the natural resources of the area and use by the general public. The terrain varies from the flatness of the herb and grass plains of the Moose and Red Rivers to the gentle and often steep pitches of the adjoining forested ridges and mountains. Drainage is generally westerly or southwesterly with most ponds and streams eventually emptying into the south branch of the Moose River. Paddling along the Moose River ranges from turbo whitewater to slow meanders through isolated wilderness.

The Department of Environmental Conservation maintains over 40 miles of roads, 27 miles of trails, 140 primitive tent sites, and a firetower on Wakely Mountain. Facilities provided are minimal in keeping with the classification of the state lands. A public campground located at Limekiln Lake provides developed camping and picnic areas with modern sanitary facilities and showers. Trails are marked with round discs, three inches in diameter, in red, blue or yellow colors. Four inch orange markers designate snowmobile trails.

Location and Access
To reach the western gate proceed to Inlet, turn south on the Limekiln Road from Route 28 about a mile east of the Hamlet. Follow the road two miles to the entrance gate just past the Forest Ranger Headquarters.

Access to the eastern gate is via the 12-mile long partially paved Cedar River Road, originating at NYS Route 28 approximately 2 miles west of the Hamlet of Indian Lake.

The primary interior road system extends between these gated entrances with side roads ending at Indian Lake and Rock Dam. These roads in most places accommodate two-way traffic but can be narrow with some steep pitches. They are considered unimproved and may be impassable following even a light snow fall. DEC may close either or both gates to entry by vehicles and/or RV's at any time it is felt that the road conditions may be hazardous due to inclement weather. When the roads are closed, a sign will be posted at the two major highway entries.

Fish and Wildlife
All of the usual species of Adirondack wildlife are found in the area, including deer, bear, beaver, otter, and mink. It is a popular bird watching area with boreal species, warblers, flycatchers, wading birds, hawks, owls, and loons. The last golden eagle to nest in New York State was observed at Moose River Plains in 1971. Anglers successfully pursue brook trout, brown trout, splake, and kokanee salmon in some area waters.

Area Maps
USGS 7.5 x 15 minute Topographic Maps (Old Forge, Honnedaga Lake, Wakely Mountain, West Canada Lakes and Indian Lake) portray in detail; elevations, roads, trails, and other area facilities. These maps and area trail guides are available from many sporting goods and book stores.

Areas & Trails
Cedar River Flow-Boat access: This attractive 675 acre waterbody was originally used as a means of removing timber from the surrounding region. In 1966 the original Wakely Dam constructed of logs and timbers was replaced by DEC with a steel and concrete structure. The Flow is three miles in length and one-half mile in width. It is a popular location for water based recreation, camping, brook trout fishing, and general day-use.

Moose River Plains Wild Forest: The bulk of this land classification lies south of NYS Route 28 and north of the West Canada Lakes Wilderness. The majority of foot trails lead to a pond or lake and begin at the end of short spur roads.

Main Road (From the Cedar River Flow gate to Limekiln gate, 23 miles)
Sly Pond Trail (yellow)-5.4 miles
This trail climbs a portion of Little Moose Mt. before descending to Sly Pond, one of the highest bodies of water in the Adirondacks. This pond is acidic and devoid of fish.

Lost Ponds Trail (yellow)-1.0 miles
This trail leads to a stillwater area on Sumner Stream and continues to a popular fishing pond.

Hell Diver Pond Trail (yellow)-.25 mile
This trail provides easy access or a short canoe carry to this attractive pond.

Mitehell Ponds Trail (yellow)-2.8 miles
The two mile walk to the first pond begins along an old roadway. The trail then continues on the peninsula between the two ponds and officially ends at a natural rock dam.

Rock Dam Road (From the Red River Bridge intersection to the barrier at the end of the Rock Dam Road-4.3 miles). This road may be temporarily closed early in the season.
Whites Pond Trail (yellow)-1.9 miles
The trail to this pond is also accessible from the Limekiln Lake campground by boat.

Rock Dam Trail (yellow)-1.4 miles
This trail ends at a long rock formation across the confluence of the South Branch of the Moose River and the Red River.

Otter Brook Road (From main T road intersection to Otter Brook barrier-3.3 miles)
Ice House Pond Trail (yellow)-.4 mile
This trail follows an old road which makes an easy hike or short canoe carry to this kettle bog pond.

Beaver Lake Trail (yellow)-2.3 miles
This trail starts at a parking area and road barrier just west of the Moose River Bridge. The trail follows an old road to the northern shoreline of the lake. The lake is named for its odd shape which resembles a beaver.

Otter Brook Trail (orange)-9.0 miles
This unmaintained old road provides access to a portion of the northern boundary of the West Canada Lake Wilderness Area. Marked foot trails lead to Lost Pond and Cedar Lakes.

Indian Lake Road (From the Otter Brook Road intersection to Barrier near Indian Lake-5.5 miles). This road may be temporarily closed early in the season at the Otter Brook Barrier.

These short trails provide easy access to each respective waterbody.
Squaw Lake Trail (yellow)-0.4 mile
Muskrat Pond Trail (yellow)-0.1 mile
Indian Lake Trail (yellow)-0.1 mile

West Canada Wilderness: This remote area is noted for its numerous lakes, ponds and streams. The terrain varies from swamp flats and rolling hills to steep mountains. Facilities include:
Northville-Lake Placid Trail (South Lake-Wakely Dam section)-16.8 miles
The majority of this trail is within the wilderness area. Nine lean-tos can be found in proximity to some interior waters.

Brooktrout Lake Trail (yellow)-5.9 miles
Contrary to its name the lake is sterile due to acid rain. Three side trails lead to Falls Pond, Wolf Lake, and Deep Lake.

Indian River Trail
The Indian River Road originally continued past the barrier at Indian Lake. This old road is an access trail into this remote section of the wilderness area, that continues to Horn, Balsam, and Stink

Wakely Mountain Primitive Area: This area consists of 120 acres occupying the south exposure of the upper portion of Wakely Mountain. Facilities include a foot trail, fire tower, observers cabin and helipad.
Wakely Mountain Trail (red)-3.2 miles
The steep climb to the top of 3,744 ft. Wakely Mountain leads to the tallest firetower in the Adirondacks which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding topography.

Camping
In an effort to encourage appropriate camping and disperse public use within the Moose River Recreation Area, 140 developed sites are located adjacent to area roads. These numbered sites range in development from a simple flat cleared area to sites with a picnic table, fireplace, and pit privy. This designated site system should not be mistaken for a reservation system. Sites are on a first come-first serve basis and cannot be reserved. Trailers/other RV's may be restricted to specific roadside camping areas.

A camping permit is required from the forest ranger for groups of 10 or more persons staying overnight or for any number of individuals staying four nights or more at one location. Permits will not be issued to groups larger than 20 individuals.

Camping Area 1 Sites: 120-133
Camping Area 2 Sites: 62-79
Camping Area 3 Sites: 35-61
Camping Area 4 Sites: 1 -34
Camping Area 5 Sites: 80-90
Camping Area 6 Sites: 94-119
Camping Area 7 and 8 Sites: 134- 140

Regulations
Hunting, Fishing Trapping and Boating
1. The bag limit for trout in all ponds and streams in the area (except Limekiln Lake) is 5 per day of any size. The open season for trout extends from April I to September 30.

2. The use of fish as bait, either dead or alive, is not permitted in Icehouse Pond, Lost Ponds, Mitchell Ponds, Squaw Lake, or Horn Lake.

3. See NYSDEC Fishing Regulations Guide for special regulations (Hamilton County) pertaining to trout fishing on Limekiln Lake and the Moose River and for amendments to the list of waters where bait fish are prohibited. Contact DEC for information regarding current hunting, fishing and trapping regulations.

4. Car top boats and canoes are permitted. No motors are allowed on Beaver Lake, Helldiver Pond, Icehouse Pond, Indian Lake, Lost Ponds, Mitchell Ponds and Squaw Lake.

Snowmobiles
No snowmobiles are permitted within the area until the close of the "Big Game" hunting season unless the roads are closed to other vehicles because of snow. Snowmobile use is prohibited except on designated marked trails or on the frozen surface of lakes and ponds, when access is provided by a marked DEC trail. A 25 MPH maximum speed limit is in effect for the roads and trails in the area.

Horse Use
The roads and the Lost Ponds, Mitchell Ponds, Beaver Lake, and Sly Pond trails are designated for use by horseback riders. Use is also allowed on area snowmobile trails that are not covered with snow or ice. Horseback riding is not permitted within the Limekiln Lake campground or on trails designated for foot travel only.

Season and Vehicle Use Restrictions
The Moose River Recreation Area opens for public vehicle use on or about Memorial Day and closes on or about the close of deer hunting season each year. Entry on foot or bicycle is permitted at any time. All persons must register at the entrance gates. Please fill in the required information carefully. This helps to determine the use of the area and justify the expenditures for maintenance and additional facilities. It is also for your safety and could help locate you in case of trouble or an emergency.

Travel is restricted to passenger cars and trucks up to and including one ton capacity. After October 1, all vehicles entering the area, unless they are four-wheel drive, will be required to have tire chains that fit the vehicle. Trailers and other RV's will be permitted into the area during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). This season may be extended depending upon road conditions. No motorcycles, motorized bicycles, or all terrain vehicles are permitted.

Within this area there are some private holdings and/or use reservations. No camping or trespassing for any reason is permitted on these posted lands.