Department of Environmental Conservation

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  • Available for leisure activities: Throughout the year.
  • Fee: Free.
  • Contact Information:.
  • General Information: DEC Region 5 Northville Office: 518-863-4545 (Monday-Friday, 7:30AM to 3:30PM); Info.R5@dec.Ny.Gov.
  • A valuable source of information for matters related to enforcement and wildfire rescue, Search, is the local Forest Ranger. If you would like to visit, you can reach them at (1-833-697-7264) (1-833-NYS-RANGERS or 911).
  • Location: The town of Ohio in Herkimer County and the towns of Arietta, Indian Lake, Lake Pleasant, and Morehouse in Hamilton County.
  • Wildlife Management Area: 5H.
  • Map: Wilderness Map of West Canada Lake (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator.

    • The Adirondack Park consists of several remote areas, with some parts being completely trackless. Despite this, there are numerous foot trails that allow for exploration of the interior. The Lake Canada West Wilderness is the second largest wilderness in the Adirondack Preserve, covering an expansive 168,920 acres.

    The access road to the Miller Camp south of the Indian River serves as the southern limit. Private lands encompass it on the northern, eastern, and western sides. The West Canada Mountain Primitive Area (WCMPA), spanning 2,935 acres, stands as the largest among the three primitive areas connected to the wilderness.

    The most outstanding topographic features of Mountain Canada West, Mountain Lewey, Mountain Lake Indian, Mountain Noble Fort, Mountain T Lake, and Mountain Panther include the mountains, which are easily named and identifiable. Most of the mountains have a moderate height, ranging from 3,000 to 2,000 feet in elevation. The topography of the area gradually rises from north to south and gently rolls from east to west. The terrain unit’s ranges from rugged and steep mountains to rolling hills and flat swamps.

    The area contains streams, lakes, ponds, beaver flows, and wetlands. Water, an essential element of the natural ecosystem, offers a diverse array of aquatic environments. Inaccessible remote waters serve as excellent habitat for brook trout and other aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures, enhancing the area’s scenic charm.

    The Adirondacks Central West Backcountry Information provides general information about seasonal conditions and closures regarding links and infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and trails, as well as specific notices regarding the state of land use regulations, weather impact, and other recreational activities.

    Featured Activities

    Hiking

    Basic knowledge about hiking includes step-by-step instructions and precautionary advice, as well as references to guidelines and policies.

    Due to the geography of the majority of the area, the trails have mostly moderate or gentle changes in elevation. The network of trails provides many opportunities for long-distance overnight loop hikes from many of the trailheads, combined with numerous designated primitive tent sites and lean-tos. The wilderness contains many trails with a variety of difficulty levels and lengths.

    Easily accessed from three trailheads, the most convenient being the Trailhead Dam at Wakely Placid Northville-Moose River and the Trailhead Dam at Wakely Placid Northville-Moose River in the Northern Forest, the Trailhead Lake Spruce in the Clearing Perkins Easement Tract, and the Haskell Placid Northville Trailhead Road at the southern end of the wilderness, this section of the long trail can be traversed in a north-south direction, passing through the wilderness and along the famed 135-mile Northville-Placid Trail for more than 23 miles, as indicated on the DEC website.

    The trail from Lean-to Brook to Colvin may be difficult to follow, and there is no longer a maintained trail between the ground of height and the campground. The trail from Lake Lewey campground to the ground of height is passable and cleared, spanning 4.4 miles to the west. Due to beaver activity, the western portion of Sucker Brook Trail is very wet and challenging to follow. Note that the context provided is important.

    The following routes are not properly maintained and could present difficulties in terms of finding your way. It is recommended to use a GPS or compass in addition to a map.

  • The Otter Lake Trail starts at the Jessup River Road trailhead and ascends 270 feet to the shores of Lake Otter, stretching for a distance of 1.7 miles.
  • The Little Moose Pond Trail starts 0.5 mile away from the parking area on the Jessup River Road, and it stretches for 1.2 miles from the edge of the wilderness. The banks of Little Moose Pond rise to a height of 380 feet.
  • Before your journey, get in touch with Northville DEC at (518) 86304545 ext. 3005 for a trail update. This pathway could be challenging to track and does not receive much upkeep. The Whitney Lake Trail spans 1.8 miles from the French Louie Trail to the eastern coast of Whitney Lake.
  • Before your journey, get in touch with Northville DEC at (518) 86304545 ext. 3005 for a trail update. This pathway might be challenging to navigate and gets limited upkeep. The Whitney-Cedar Lakes Trail links the eastern coastline of Whitney Lake to Pillsbury Bay on Cedar Lake, and it spans a distance of 1.1 miles.
  • Trail Spur Lake Pillsbury is a 1.2-mile foot trail that connects Trail Lakes Cedar Whitney and continues on the western shore of Lake Pillsbury, running along the edge of the northbound Trail Louie French.
  • The South Branch Trail stretches 3.7 miles along the wilderness border, starting from its trailhead and ending at the Twin Lakes Outlet.
  • The trail extends 2.8 miles into the wilderness and reaches a point 2.0 miles from Trail Branch South where it diverges from Trail Brook Beaudry. After traveling 0.3 miles, equivalent to 140 feet, the trail begins to ascend and reaches a point 0.75 miles further.
  • The T Lake Trail ascends 820 feet and spans 3.7 miles from the trailhead to the southern bank of T Lake.
  • The overall distance of 2.7 miles is achieved by descending 160 feet in 0.7 mile to the southeast coastline of Spruce Lake, after ascending another 450 feet in 1.3 miles from the starting point to the junction with the Northville-Placid Trail. The path also ascends 190 feet and 0.7 mile from the starting point to the junction with the Northville-Placid Trail.
  • The Northville-Placid Trail connects at a point where it has a minimum altitude of 2,345 feet and a maximum altitude of 2,745 feet near its halfway point, with the trail stretching towards the west for 6.4 miles, gently ascending and descending along its path. After ascending 400 feet in 1.6 miles, you will reach the junction with the Cedar Lake Trail, and the trail covers a distance of 8.0 miles between the Pillsbury Mountain Trailhead to the east and the Northville-Placid Trail close to Mud Lake in the west.
  • The Northville-Placid Trail intersects with the Cedar Lakes Trail, descending 60 feet in the final 0.6 mile. The subsequent 1.9 miles ascend 305 feet, followed by a decrease of 80 feet in the initial 0.75 mile. The French Louie Trail links to the Cedar Lakes Trail in the southern region, stretching for 2.7 miles.
  • The Northville-Placid Trail extends for nearly 8.0 miles between the eastern end of Indian Lake Road and Road Lake in the Moose River Plains Wilderness.. The trail mostly consists of gently rising and falling sections with two moderate changes in elevation, ranging from 0.5 to 0.25 miles and 100 feet.
  • The 0.5-mile Falls Pond Trail, the 0.9-mile Wolf Lake Trail from the Deep Lake Trail, and the 0.9-mile Deep Lake Trail are a few side trails from the Brooktrout Lake Trail that offer entry to other water sources.
  • The edge of Lost Pond can be reached by a 0.5-mile branch path that departs from the primary path 0.2 mile away from the Otter Brook Trail. The Lost Pond Trail stretches for 2.6 miles and connects with the Northville-Placid Trail at its southern terminus. The Otter Brook Trail is situated to the north.
  • The Cedar River Flow Trail is a corridor that serves as the boundary between Wilderness Lake Canada West and Wilderness Mountain Moose Little. However, it is not a trail in the wilderness. The Trail extends for 2.7 miles south of Trail Placid Northville-Indian, between Trail Brook Otter for 12.5 miles.
  • Starting at the Cedar River Flow Trailhead, a 4.5-mile hike in a southern direction on the Northville-Placid Trail can take you to the Little Squaw Brook Trail. Following the valley that lies between Buck Mountain and Lewey Mountain, the trail traces the path of Little Squaw Brook and ascends 430 feet over a distance of 4.2 miles from the Northville-Placid Trail.
  • The Muskrat Pond Trail is a trail that spans 0.1 miles, connecting Indian Lake Road and Muskrat Pond.
  • Stink Lake, Balsam Lake, and Horn Lake can be reached by using the trail. After continuing for an additional 0.9 miles, the trail becomes level and ascends 100 feet in a span of 0.75 mile before eventually arriving at Indian River. Starting from Indian Lake Mountain’s slope, the trail descends 350 feet to Indian River and then presents gentle inclines and declines in between. The beginning of the former trail initiates after a descent of 70 feet in the last 0.25 mile and an ascent of 160 feet in the first 0.6 mile, which is essentially the former Indian Lake Road. The Indian River Trail extends across 7.7 miles, commencing at the trailhead situated at the conclusion of Indian Lake Road.
  • The Horn Lake Trail ascends to an elevation of 370 feet along the southwestern shore, and it is a 6.0-mile trail that starts from the trailhead. At the 2.2-mile mark, the trail diverges and becomes the River Indian Trail.
  • Before your journey, get in touch with Northville DEC at (518) 86304545 ext. 3005 to obtain a trail update. This trail undergoes minimal upkeep and might be challenging to navigate. Balsam Lake Trail is a 0.3-mile detour that branches off from the Indian River Trail 6.1 miles from the starting point and guides you to the southern edge of Balsam Lake.
  • Before contacting the Northville DEC at (518) 86304545 ext. 3005, it might be challenging to navigate your way through the trail report for the trail. The Stink Lake Trail, which is a short 0.5-mile pathway branching off from the Indian River Trail, is not well-maintained and requires minimal upkeep. This trail ultimately leads to a bay located on the southern coastline of Stink Lake.

    • Camping

    Basic details about wilderness camping encompass instructions, precautions, and references to guidelines and policies.

    At camping sites, there are no connections for water or electricity. Tents or compact trailers can utilize specified camping areas. Designated spots for tents are exclusively for tents. Designated camping areas are identified by a yellow “Camp Here” marker. All designated basic tent sites, camping areas, and shelters are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked in advance.

    The wilderness offers a range of camping options, including 28 basic tent sites and 16 lean-tos located along the shores of popular lakes and the Northville-Placid Trail or connecting trails. At-large backcountry camping is also permitted. To camp for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more, a permit from a Forest Ranger is required. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water.

    Lean-tos and Campsites in the Northville-Placid Trail Corridor
  • The starting point of the Spruce Lake Trail is situated 1.2 miles in a southern direction from the assigned basic camping spot found along the higher sections of the Jessup River (0.5 mile south of the point where the NPT and the Spruce Lake Trail meet).
  • Three lean-tos can be found on the eastern side of Spruce Lake. A primitive tent site is designated near Lean-to #3 at Spruce Lake. Lean-to #2 at Spruce Lake is situated 0.8 mile up the trail, while Lean-to #3 is located 1.3 miles further up the trail. The southernmost lean-to, Lean-to #1 at Spruce Lake, is positioned 2.7 miles north of the Spruce Lake Trailhead (2.0 miles north of the intersection of the NPT and the Spruce Lake Trail).
  • The West Creek Lean-to, situated alongside West Creek, can be found near the junction of the French Louie Trail and the Northville Placid Trail.
  • South Lake Lean-to on the eastern shore of South Lake is 0.5 mile north of the intersection with the French Louie Trail.
  • The Louie Trail of France intersects with West Lake 1.0 mile north of the southeastern shore of Lean-to #1 at West Lake.
  • A designated basic tent site is situated near the junction of the Northville-Placid Trail and the Brooktrout Lake Trail.
  • Adjacent to this location is a specifically designated primitive camping area. The French Louie Trail intersects with the Northville Placid Trail 1.1 miles to the north. The Northville Placid Trail is connected to the Brooktrout Lake Trail. On the northeastern shore of West Lake, West Lake Lean-to #2 can be found 0.2 mile up the Brooktrout Lake Trail.
  • The crossing point of the Brooktrout Lake Trail is roughly 0.75 mile to the north of a specified basic camping area situated on the western edge of Mud Lake.
  • The French Louie Path crosses paths with the Northville-Placid Path 4.5 miles to the north, and the Cedar Lakes Lean-to #1 is situated at the conclusion of a 0.5-mile spur trail.
  • The Cedar Lakes Trail crosses paths with the Cedar Lakes Lean-to #2, situated on the western side of the Cedar Lakes, 1.0 mile to the south.
  • The Cedar Lakes Trail crosses paths with the Cedar Lakes Lean-to #3 and designated primitive tent site, positioned 0.2 mile south (west) of the northern bank of Cedar Lakes.
  • The Cedar Lakes Trail crosses paths with the Northville-Placid Trail 3.0 miles to the north of the side trail that takes you to Colvin Brook Lean-to, which can be found on the shores of the Cedar River at the present terminus of the Sucker Brook Trail, just half a mile distant.
  • The Lean-to Carry is located on the banks of the Cedar River, along the Little Squaw Brook Trail, a short distance from the Northville-Placid Trail.
  • A primitive designated campsite is located on the west shore of Cedar River, approximately 1.0 mile from Limekiln River Road.
    • Other Camping Opportunities
  • The Brooktrout Lake Lean-to is situated 2.5 miles away from the Northville-Placid Trail and 5.5 miles away from the Indian Lake Road along the Brooktrout Lake Trail.
  • The T Lake Lean-to is situated on the southern coast of T Lake, at the conclusion of the T-Lake Trail.
  • The Pillsbury Lake Shelter and the Sampson Lake Shelter can be reached through side trails from the French Louie Trail.
  • Two designated primitive tent sites are located on the eastern shore of Whitney Lake at the end of the Whitney Lake Trail.
  • Along the Northville-Placid Trail, aside from the singular, there exist a total of seven designated rudimentary camping spots situated alongside the banks of the Cedar River Flow.
  • Two designated primitive camping sites can be found along the Horn Lake Trail, one near the Indian River crossing and the other close to the crossing of an unnamed stream that flows into the Indian River.
  • One designated primitive tent site is located on the shores of each these waterbodies: Falls Pond, Otter Lake, and Little Moose Pond.
  • One designated primitive tent site is situated at the South Branch Trailhead, while five are positioned along the trail near the crossing point of Mad Tom Brook.

    • Campers who prefer to camp at nearby campgrounds may also access boat launches at Point Poplar Campground, Sand Little Comfort Point Campground, Island Lake Indian Campground, and Lake Lewey Campground.

    Fishing

    If you’ve never tried fishing before, but want to learn how to do it easily, you can ensure good future fishing opportunities by fishing responsibly. The general information on fishing includes regulations and rules, as well as tips and links to fishing seasons.

    The Wilderness of West Canada Lake is renowned for its remote trout fishing opportunities in the wild.

    All waters within the unit are open for fishing, providing access to both campers and hikers. Anglers may utilize the same campsites, trails, and trailheads as well.

  • The Northville-Placid Trail provides access to Cat Lake, Cedar Lakes, Kings Pond, Spruce Lake, West Canada Lake, and West Lake, all of which are home to brook trout.
  • The Perkins Clearing Easement Lands located on Jessup River Road can be accessed from the trailhead and are home to brook trout. Additionally, the area includes Little Moose Pond.
  • Pillsbury Lake and Sampson Lake are home to brook trout and can be reached via the French Louie Trail.
  • Brooktrout Lake is home to brook trout and can be reached via the Brooktrout Lake Trail.
  • The Otter Brook Trail provides access to Otter Brook, which is home to brook trout.
  • The South Branch Trail provides access to South Branch West Canada Creek, which is home to brook trout.

    • Hiring a guide is recommended for fishing in these waters. There are many other secluded ponds and lakes that can only be reached through bushwhacks or unmarked, unmaintained paths, and they are home to brook trout.

    Fishing Champlain/Lake Adirondack offers information on fishing in the Adirondacks, including links to top fishing waters and public lists for accessing fishing in open waters and stocked fishing spots.

    Bait fish possession or use is prohibited within the waters of Area Primitive Lake Canada West and Wilderness Lake Canada West.

    Introduced fish have severely declined populations of brook trout, round whitefish, and other native Adirondack fish species. Protect Native Adirondack Fish: Help.

    Hunting and Trapping

    Comprehensive details on hunting and trapping encompass instructions and safety precautions, along with references to seasons, guidelines, and regulations.

    This area is popular for squirrel and rabbit hunters looking for small game, as well as black bears and white-tailed deer hunters searching for big game.

    Hikers can access this area through trails and trailheads, while roads provide seasonal access to the waters and lands. Trappers and hunters may use the parking areas and roads for access.

    Wildlife

    The information about animals, including insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, and birds, encompasses details on their migration patterns, habitats, and general characteristics.

    The Adirondacks contain large tracts of wildlife habitat, with many unique species of mammals and birds. Hundreds of bird species and more than 50 species of mammals can be found here, mainly in the alpine, bog, and boreal habitats. It is unlikely that you will come across such a diverse range of species in any other place or at any other time of year.

    More information about the flora and fauna in Adirondack can be discovered on the website of the SUNY ESF Adirondack Ecological Center (Leaves DEC Website).

    You can conserve wildlife and their natural habitats while observing them.

    Fauna Discovered in the Adirondacks.

  • Mammals Moose.
  • Black Bear.
  • Beaver.
  • Eastern Coyote.
  • River Otter.
  • White-Tailed Deer.
  • Small Brown Bat.
  • Bald Eagle Birds.
  • Common Loon.
  • Peregrine Falcon.
  • Osprey.
  • Majestic Horned Owl.
  • Magnificent Blue Heron.
  • Wild Turkey.
  • Eastern Bluebird.

    • Directions

    State Route 30, State Route 28, and State Route 8 serve as the primary entryways to the wilderness.

    All coordinates given are in decimal degrees using the NAD89/WGS84 datum.

    Parking Areas and Trailheads

  • (43.4587°N, 74.5224°W) Google Maps (redirects to the DEC website). Adjacent to the Old Piseco Road, you can find the Northville-Placid Haskells Road Trailhead Parking at the terminus of Haskells Road (a road that is only open during certain seasons).
  • Google Maps (leaves DEC website) can be found at the termination point of Jessup River Road within the Perkins Clearing Easement Tract at Spruce Lake Trailhead Parking.
  • The starting point of Wakely Dam on the Northville-Placid Trail is located at the end of Cedar River Road. (43.7277°N, 74.4741°W) You can utilize Google Maps to discover its whereabouts (this will direct you to a separate website).
  • (43.4079°N, 74.6882°W) Access Google Maps (redirects away from the DEC website). Locate the park where the road divides; the South Branch Trailhead can be found at the terminus of Mountain Home Road.
  • T Lake Trailhead Parking is off the Old Piseco Road across from Popular Point Campground. (43.4280°N, 74.5409°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
  • The Google Maps application, which can be accessed by leaving the DEC website, is situated at the terminus of the Old Military Road within the Perkins Clearing Easement Tract. Specifically, it is found at the Pillsbury Mountain Trailhead Parking area.

  • Vehicles should be parked on the shoulder of the road at the end of Otter Brook Road, where it becomes Indian Lake Road. The Trailhead for Otter Brook is located there.

  • The designated parking space for the Brooktrout Lake Trailhead is situated on Indian Lake Road. (43.6454°N, 74.6895°W) Google Maps can be utilized to find its location (this will redirect you to a distinct website managed by the DEC).

  • The Indian River Trailhead Parking can be found at a barricade situated at the terminus of Indian Lake Road. (43.6392°N, 74.7201°W) Google Maps (redirects away from DEC website).

    • Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

    When recreating in the Adirondacks, it is important to take responsibility for minimizing the impact on natural resources and avoiding conflicts with other backcountry users by following the principles of the No Trace Leave Practice (found on the DEC website).

    To ensure the well-being of individuals and safeguard the environment, it is necessary for all individuals visiting the West Canada Lake Wilderness to adhere to the State Land Use Regulations and practice Outdoor Safety Practices.

    Camping permits are necessary for stays exceeding 3 nights or groups consisting of 10 or more people at a specific location within the camp.

    Planning and Management

    The completed management plan for Wilderness Lake in Canada’s West will provide much more detailed information on fisheries, wildlife, habitats, human and natural history, geology, recreational infrastructure, and natural features, once it is developed.

    Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

    State Lands and Facilities

  • Black River Wilderness.
  • Blue Ridge Wilderness and the Primitive Area of Wakely Mountain.
  • Jessup River Wilderness Area.
  • Ferris Lake Wilderness.
  • Moose River Plains Wilderness.
  • Small Moose Wilderness.
  • Tract for Conservation Easement in North Lake.
  • The Tract of Perkins Clearing and Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement.
  • Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area.
  • Lewey Lake Campground.
  • Campground of Indian Lake Islands.
  • Point Comfort Campground.
  • Small Sand Point Campsite.
  • Campground at Poplar Point.

    • Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Natural gas can potentially be discovered in the neighboring towns of Indian Lake, Inlet, Piseco, and Speculator.
  • Food and other provisions can be found in the neighboring towns of Indian Lake, Inlet, Lake Pleasant, Morehouse, Piseco, and Speculator.
  • Accommodations can be found in the neighboring towns of Indian Lake, Inlet, Piseco, and Speculator.
  • Restaurants can be found in the neighboring towns of Indian Lake, Inlet, and Speculator.

    • This section can offer details regarding alternative forms of entertainment, points of interest, and facilities in Adirondack Regional Tourism Council (redirects from DEC website), Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce (redirects from DEC website), Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce (redirects from DEC website), and Hamilton County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (redirects from DEC website).

    There is a wide range of leisure facilities available in this region, encompassing lands, bodies of water, paths, and other conveniences. Guidebooks and maps that provide details about these facilities can be obtained from outdoor gear stores, bookshops, and online sellers of books. There are many choices available for purchase.

    Listings for online search or telephone directories can be used to find local businesses in the area. These businesses can provide outdoor gear, guided or self-guided tours, as well as trip suggestions and additional information on outdoor equipment.

    To find information about outdoor guides, refer to the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (redirects from DEC Website). If you lack experience or expertise in woodland skills, it is advisable to consider employing the services of an outdoor guide.