Large protected state forest surrounding Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, with undeveloped shorelines, hiking, fishing and limited boat access.
Best for
Quiet nature; hiking; fishing; paddling; birding; visitors avoiding commercial lake development
Typical visit
2–6 hours
Hours summary
Year-round public-land access subject to DEC regulations, road conditions, hunting seasons and site-specific restrictions.
Reservation guidance
No reservation for ordinary recreation; watercraft and access points must follow DEC rules.
Food
None
Outdoor seating
Yes
Lake view
Yes
Dog policy
Verify DEC rules
Child / family fit
Yes with outdoor supervision
Accessibility
Limited natural terrain / selected access points
Group suitability
Small outdoor groups
Important caution
These are protected drinking-water lakes with special recreation rules and minimal services; do not route as a conventional beach/lakefront destination.
Last verified
2026-08-15