Explore

the William C. Whitney Area

from Tupper Lake, Crossroads of the Adirondacks

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Welcome to the William C.Whitney Area

     On December 22, 1997 Governor Pataki announced that the State had agreed to purchase nearly 15,000 acres of Whitney Park, describing it as a " priceless gift from this generation of  New Yorkers to those that will follow us." Acquired with money from the Environmental Protection Fund and the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, this new addition to New York"s Forest Preserve is now open to the public for a variety of recreational activities, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, trapping, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. The area has been named after William C. Whitney, who assembled a vast forest estate that has been managed for more than a century by the Whitney family.
     Because the William C. Whitney Area is owned by all the people of the State and contains unique and fragile natural resources, its future must be carefully planned. Before sound management decisions can be made, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) must fully assess the natural resources of the area. During the assessment, it essential that the effects of recreational use of the area be minimized. Therefore, special regulations will be in effect to help protect natural resources, as well as the safety of visitors, until the area has been classified and a final management plan has been prepared.

Location and Access

     The William C. Whitney Area is just west of the center of the Adirondack Park. It is readily accessible from New York State Route 30, a designated Scenic Byway know as the Adirondack Trail. To reach the area, take Route 30 twelve miles south of the hamlet of Tupper Lake, crossroads of  the Adirondacks (For accommodations hit the link Tupper Lake Directory) to the intersection with Hamilton County Route 10A (Sabattis Road). Turn west and proceed four miles to the Little Tupper Lake Headquarters Entrance Road. Here, at the former headquarters of Whitney Park, you will find the main parking area, an information station and the only water access site on Little Tupper Lake.

Area Maps and Trip Planning

     The relatively unvarying terrain and the complex system of roads on the property make it essential that visitors plan carefully and use a good compass and good maps when traveling. To be prepared, you should supply yourself with good maps, such as those available from the United States Geological Survey, which shows topography, roads, streams, etc. The 7.5 x 15 minute topographical maps that cover this area are Little Tupper Lake and Forked Lake quadrangles (visitors stop at the Tip Top Sport Shop to buy maps) or order direct from the USGS directly at (800) USA-MAPS.