Are you planning a visit to Pulpit Rock State Forest in northern New York? In this post, learn how to enjoy this beautiful forest on public land.
This state forest covers more than 1600 acres, yet only has three main public access points. Below, you will find out how to get to Pulpit Rock State Forest, what kind of activities are allowed there, and more details about this state land.
Many of the state forests and parks in New York are in rural or remote areas. It is important to do as much research as possible before you set out to hike, fish, hunt, trap, camp, or explore any of these areas in order to make sure that you are prepared for anything that nature has in store.
Where is Pulpit Rock State Forest?
Pulpit Rock State Forest is located in Theresa, Jefferson County, New York. The boundaries of the forest are primarily between Payne Lake off of County Rd. 22 to the south and New Connecticut Rd. to the north.
It takes about 30-35 minutest to get to this area from Watertown, depending on exactly which part of the forest you would like to access. 1 hour from Potsdam, 1.5 hours from Syracuse, and about 2 hours from Ottawa, this is accessible from many parts of the region.
How to access the forest
It might seem like there is no way to actually get to the forest because there are few marked access points, and those access points that are marked are hard to see when you are driving by at the speed limit, especially if you don’t know where to work. However, once you know exactly where to find these public points of access for the state forest, you will have an easy time getting there.
There are three ways to get onto public land at Pulpit Rock State Forest:
- From the “Watson trail” trailhead on New Connecticut Rd in Theresa, NY
- From the “Root Trail” on County Rd. 22, near Payne Lake, but not at the boat launch
- By small boat from the Payne Lake Public Boat Launch and Fishing Access Site on County Rd. 22, Theresa, NY (Get Google directions)
The images below are of the entry to the “Root Trail” that is located on County Rd. 22 in Theresa, New York. The entry to this trail is not clearly marked from the road, but you will be able to see a small driveway on the north side of the road.
The “Root Trail” to Pulpit Rock State Forest at sunset, which I did not take because it was too late in the day 
The parking area is small and gravel, but adequate, as this is not a heavily used area
You will know that you are in the right place because you will see a “No Parking” that has New York State verbiage on it, and you might be able to find a small placard on a tree. I wasn’t able to see any when I visited because it was summer and everything was very green and leafy, but I had previously seen placards marking the driveway as state land.
The land to each side of the entry way and the Root Trail is private farmland, so be sure not to stray off trail before you get to the forest. Please consult this map if you plan on hiking in the forest, and be sure to be prepared and follow expert hiking advice if you need it.
The land around the state forest is privately owned, so it is important to stay on state land while you explore the forest. The area immediately adjacent to the boat launch on both sides is privately owned and marked with signs, and there is no way to directly access the forest by land from the boat launch area.
How much does it cost?
It is free to enjoy recreation at Pulpit Rock State Forest. Only those who would like to camp in groups larger than 10 or stay more than three nights will need to get a free permit from a forest ranger.
This is one of the best parts about living in or visiting New York State. Most of the state forests and wildlife management areas are free to access and enjoy.
What can you do at Pulpit Rock State Forest?
There are a variety of activities that you can participate in at Pulpit Rock State Forest. These include hiking, camping, fishing, trapping, hunting, wildlife viewing, boating and paddling.
If you do decide to venture into this forest, be sure to know that there are black bear in this region. Because this state land is not heavily used, it is important to be prepared before your visit, which includes knowing the wildlife you might encounter.
Since this is a state forest and not a state park, we can view this forest as public land that we are free to enjoy doing permitted activities, but we are responsible for researching and planning ourselves. Trails to the forest have been established essentially to permit access to the main portion of the forest, but there are no official trails throughout Pulpit Rock State Forest.
The rock cliffs in the photo above tower over Payne Lake, which is located on the southern border of the state forest. This lake, which was named after Roselle Payne, who built a sawmill on the lake back in the 1850s.
Payne Lake is a shallow lake and fun to fish. I have personally seen people catch blue gill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and black bass in this lake.
Some people take kayaks or canoes to the Pulpit Rock State Forest side of the lake to fish or to access the forest for hiking or hunting.
How did Pulpit Rock State Forest get its name?
The first time I saw the huge rock cliffs on the edge of Pulpit Rock State Forest overlooking Payne Lake, I thought that perhaps the forest got its name from the shape of the rock formation. Maybe the rocks could be used as a pulpit, and you can really hear a good echo if you yell while on the lake, so was it ideal for a preacher?
No, the beautiful rock cliffs at the lake have nothing to do with how the forest got its name.
Is Pulpit Rock in the state forest?
Don’t go hiking in Pulpit Rock State Forest looking for Pulpit Rock, as you won’t find it there. It is located on Pulpit Rock Road, a few miles from the forest.
You can read more about the actual Pulpit Rock (the one in New York, at least) in this post:
Conclusion
I hope that this post answered many of your questions about Pulpit Rock State Forest. It’s a beautiful forest, and I wish it were a park that was easier to explore, but really that’s the best part about the area.
If you have any questions about something that you read here, just let me know in the comments and I will see if I can answer.
Thanks for stopping by today!