Obtained in 1963, the 50,000 acre parcel is now open to the public for a variety of recreational activities. This block of land is the largest remote parcel among the Adirondacks readily accessible by motor vehicle. Purchased from the Gould Paper Company, 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.

Moose River's terrain varies from flat herb and grass plains of Moose and Red Rivers to the adjoining forested ridges and mountains. The Department of Environmental Conservation administers over 40 miles of roads, 27 miles of trails, a fire tower on Wakely Mountain and 140 primitive campsites.

Season and vehicle use restrictions apply. Public vehicular traffic is welcome from Memorial Day to the close of deer hunting season each year. Mountain bike and foot traffic is welcome year-round. (Note: entrance gate registration required.) Travel is restricted to passenger cars and trucks up to and including one-ton capacity. After October 1, all vehicles entering the area, unless four-wheel drive, are required to have tire chains. RVs and trailers are permitted Memorial Day - Labor Day respectively. No motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles permitted.

Wildlife is abundant. Visitors may be rewarded with sights of black bear, white-tailed deer, beaver, otter, mink, red and gray fox and bobcat. Bird watching is popular in the area as well offering glimpses of warblers, flycatchers, great blue heron, common loon and a variety of raptors and owls.

A 140 primitive campsites are located adjacent to area roads. The sites range from a flat cleared area to sites offering a picnic table, fire ring and pit toilet. Sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. RVs and trailers must use developed campgrounds. Groups of 10 or more, or folks staying more than 4 nights at the same site, must obtain a permit prior to arrival. Groups of 20 or more are prohibited.

Cedar River Flow Area - This beautiful 675-acre plot was originally designed as a route for timber transfer. Shortly after DEC purchased the property, they replaced the log and timber dam with a steel and concrete structure. Today, the area serves as a favorite cartop boat launching site, primitive camping area and coldwater fishery.

Moose River Plains Wild Forest - Lying south of SR 28 and north of the West Canada Lakes Wilderness, the area serves primarily as a remote hiking ground offering backcountry fishing opportunities. From several different roads, a variety of trails are offered.

Main Road (All trails are blaze yellow.)
Sly Pond Trail is a 5.4 mile path that climbs a portion of Little Moose Mountain before descending to Sly Pond. The pond is one of the highest bodies of water in the Adirondacks, however, it is very acidic and does not support fish.
Lost Ponds Trail offers a 1 mile hike leading to a still water area on Summer Stream, continuing to a fishing pond.
Hell Diver Pond Trail is a short quarter mile hike that provides pond access.
Mitchell Ponds Trail is 2.8 miles in length that travels along a former timber road, continuing between two ponds and terminating at a natural rock dam.

Rock Dam Road (Both trails are blaze yellow.)
Whites Pond Trail is a 1.9 mile hike leading to Whites Pond which is also accessible from the Limekiln Lake Campground by boat.
Rock Dam Trail travels for 1.4 miles ending at a long rock formation across the confluence of the South Branch of the Moose River and the Red River.

Otter Brook Road
Ice House Pond Trail runs less than 1/2 mile to a kettle bog pond. Trail markers are blaze yellow.
Beaver Lake Trail is 2.3 miles starting at a parking area and road barrier just west of the Moose River Bridge. The trail follows an old road to the northern shore of the lake. Trail color is blaze yellow.
Otter Brook Pond Trail has an orange blaze and travels 9 miles along a former timber road providing access to a portion of the northern boundary of West Canada Lake Wilderness Area. Marked intersections lead to Lost Ponds and Cedar Lakes.

Indian Lake Road
Three very short trails lead to their respective body of water: Squaw Lake Trail (.4 mile), Muskrat Pond Trail (.1 mile) and Indian Lake Trail (.1 Mile).

West Canada Wilderness
This remote area is noted for its numerous lakes, ponds and streams amid a varying terrain that includes wetlands and mountains.
Northville-Placid Trail (South Lake-Wakely Dam) travels for 16.8 miles within the wilderness area. Nine lean-tos can be found in proximity to several interior waters.
Brook Trout Trail is blaze yellow and travels for 5.9 miles leading to lake, that despite its name, is void of fish. Three side trails carry the hiker to Falls Pond, Wolf Lake and Deep Lake.
Indian River Trail is 9 miles in length providing access to a remote section of the wilderness area, continuing to Horn, Balsam and Stink Lakes.

Wakely Mountain Primitive Area
This primitive area encompasses 120 acres along the south side of the upper portion of Wakely Mountain. Visitors will find the 3.2 mile red marked Wakely Mountain Trail a challenge as they climb a steep 3,744 feet to Wakely Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with the Adirondacks' tallest fire tower offering fabulous 380 degree views.

Visitors should be aware of the fish bag limit for trout in all ponds and streams except Limekiln Lake. Limit is 5 per day, any size. Open season extends from April 1st to September 30th. The use of fish as bait is prohibited in Ice House Pond, both Lost Ponds, both Mitchell Ponds, Squaw Lake and Horn Lake. Cartop boat and canoes are permitted. No motors are allowed on Beaver Lake, Hell Diver Pond, Ice House Pond, Indian Lake, both Lost Ponds, both Mitchell Ponds and Squaw Lake. Visitors should contact DEC for current fishing, trapping and hunting regulations.

Snowmobiles are enjoyed each year up to the conclusion of the big game hunting season unless deep snows force early closer to vehicular traffic. Snowmobiles must remain on the orange-blazed snowmobile routes.

Horseback riding is enjoyed on all roads unless snow-covered. Trail routes include Lost Ponds, Mitchell Ponds, Beaver Lake and Sly Pond. Riding is prohibited in the Limekiln Lake Campground and other trails specifically marked as foot travel only.

USGS Topographic Maps: Old Forge, Honnedaga Lake, Wakely Mountain, West Canada Lakes, Indian Lake.

Directions from Inlet, NY: Reaching the western gate, turn south on Limekiln Road from SR 28 about 1 mile east of Inlet. Travel about 2 miles to the entrance. Reaching the eastern gate, travel 12 miles on Cedar River Road, which begins about 2 miles west of Indian Lake along SR 28.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: Year-round .