Encompassing a vast expanse of 147,454 acres, the Ferris Lake Wild Forest is characterized by the presence of ancient spruce stands. These can be observed along the Powley-Piseco Road, the northern banks of Alderbed Stream, the vicinity of Blind Man’s Vly, and the slopes of both Big and Little Alderbed Mountains. Adding to its allure, the region boasts an array of ponds, lakes, and streams, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen year-round.
The Wild Forest accommodates 14.6 miles of hiking trails, along with an extensive 117-mile network of snowmobile trails (many of which are multi-use), catering to various recreational preferences. With 97 primitive campsites, a boat launch, and a boat dock, the area is well-equipped for adventurers. Furthermore, the public can access 10.95 miles of roads, granting motorized entry to this expansive and captivating property.
Piseco-Powley Road is an approximately 17-mile unpaved route through the Ferris Lake Wild Forest. It offers a remote, primitive experience with no cell service and limited amenities.
Campsites Along Piseco-Powley Road
There are approximately 18 primitive campsites scattered along the road.
Characteristics: These are free, first-come, first-served sites. Most include a fire ring, and some feature a basic outhouse. Sites vary in size; some can accommodate trailers or small RVs up to 25 feet, while others are strictly for tent camping.
Key Locations:
“Oregon” Area: Located around mile 6.35, this area near East Canada Creek is one of the most popular for camping due to its scenic water access.
The Potholers: Near mile 8.2, there are well-used sites overlooking the confluence of Brayhouse Brook and East Canada Creek.
Powley Place: Located around mile 10.9, this historic area features several campsites near a bridge over the West Branch of East Canada Creek.
Sand Lake: Near the northern end (mile 17.1), campsites are located close to the trail leading to Sand Lake.
Nearby Trails and Activities
The area is a hub for low-impact recreation and exploring old-growth forests.
Hiking Trails:
The Potholers: A very short path (100–500 feet) leads to unique geological water formations and small waterfalls on East Canada Creek.
Big Alderbed Lake Trail: A 3.1-mile (one-way) trail starting near Powley Place that follows the creek to a remote lake.
Clockmill Corners: A junction around mile 14.8 with trails leading to Clockmill Pond (1.1 miles) and Rock Lake (1.8 miles).
Sand Lake Trail: A path at the northern end of the road leading to Sand Lake.
Water Activities:East Canada Creek is a primary attraction for trout fishing, wading at the Potholers, and seasonal kayaking or canoeing.
Winter Sports: The road serves as a major corridor for snowmobiling and is also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when the gates are closed to motor vehicles.
Hunting & Wildlife: The region is heavily used for hunting in the fall and offers opportunities to spot black bears, deer, and diverse birdlife.
The Meco Lake Snowmobile Trail can be found near Mud Lake on Piseco-Powley Road. It is walkable in the summer months, and is easy to follow the 1.4 miles to the end of state land, however a somewhat harder to follow trail continues beyond that with views of Meco Lake about a 1/2 mile further. The private land is not posted, however there is a sign requesting you remain on the trail.
New York Route 10 is often said to be the last paved state highway in New York when the Glen Harris Highway was paved north of Arietta up through Piseco Lake in the early 1980s.
Due to constitutional constraints relating to the road running through forest preserve, with few exceptions, almost all of modern asphalt road follows the path of the dirt road, although during construction they did bank the curves and widen the road slightly from the horse and buggy road that existed in almost the same form since the 1800s.
I have the 1904 topographic maps of the area too but due to issues with the original map survey, the overlay is more difficult to do accurately compared to the more modern 1954 survey.
The modern alignment is shown in orange while the topographic map below is from 1954.
G Lake is a pond at the end of the gravel G Lake Road that is a short portage or hike back from the end of the road at the wilderness boundary. Maybe not the most exciting lake, but worth checking out.
The Sand Lake Trail is about a half mile long but can be a somewhat difficult portage at the end due to the swampy, narrow trail. But it's a nice little wilderness lake, with a campsite, not too remote off of Piseco-Powley Road. There also is a designated roadside campsite at the trailhead.
