Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness (original) (raw)

Directions

Trailhead Parking Areas are located on the eastern and western edges of the area. All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Trailheads and Parking Areas accessed in Herkimer County from State Route 28 on the southeastern side.

• Big Otter Trail Parking. At the end of Tower Road, north of the hamlet of Thendara (43.706208°N, 75.001841°W) Google Maps
• A DOT parking area on Route 28, 3 miles south of the Thendara railroad station (43.676139°N, 75.052199°W) Google Maps
• A DEC parking area North of Okara Lakes (43.686960°N, 75.038940°W) Google Maps
• South of the Cooper Lake Road, accessible from Old Route 28 near Gull Lake. Take Jones Road north and travel ½ mile to the state boundary and parking lot. N(43.661400°N, 75.101460°W) Google Maps

Trailheads and Parking Areas Accessed in Lewis County;

• Drunkard Creek Trailhead - Parking (Steam Mill Road) The trailhead is located on Steam Mill Road, 3.3 miles beyond the forest preserve boundary line. (43.682270°N, W75.197159°W) Google Maps
• Pine Lake Trailhead Parking (Partridgeville Road) Located on Partridgevill Road 7.5 miles beyond the intersection with Brantingham Road, on the south side of Otter Creek. (43.725324°N, 75.179772W°) Google Maps
• Big Otter Lake Parking. Continue onto the Big Otter Lake Road 2.6 miles to the parking Area. Note that the Big Otter Lake Road is in extremely rough condition, and requires four-wheel drive and high clearance. (43.721789°N, 75.126285°W) Google Maps

Most trailhead parking areas provide registration books. Please take the time to sign in and out.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the Adirondacks to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts other backcountry users.

All users of the Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness Area 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 1995 Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness Unit Management Plan (UMP) (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.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Black River Wild Forest
• Independence River Wild Forest
• Nicks Lake Campground

Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Old Forge or south into Oneida County at Boonville or Forestport.

Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, Herkimer County Chamber, Old Forge Visitors Center, Lewis County Tourism and TOBIE Trail can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books 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.