Explore

The William C. Whitney Area

Recreatiional Activities  

     During your visit to the William C. Whitney Area, you can enjoy a number of recreational activities in a "wilderness" setting, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping, watching wildlife, hunting, trapping, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. The Department plans to manage the Whitney Area in a manner that will offer unique and outstanding opportunities to all its visitors, including those with disabilities.

Accessible Facilities

      All parking areas will include spaces designated and signed by international symbols. Modified pit privies are located at the headquarters area. The public waterway access site will be accessible to those with mobility impairments. Although area roads will be closed to public motorized vehicles, they are available for use by persons with mobility impairments who use mechanized aids (i.e., nonmotorized or motorized wheelchairs or other similar devices), as well as hikers and families seeking a "wilderness" experience by less strenuous effort.

Parking

      Please park only in the three parking areas provided for access to the Whitney Area. A parking area for the single approved waterway access site is located at the headquarters area. The parking area at the Burn Road Trailhead provides access to the marked hiking trails. Vehicles with horse trailers may only park at the Sabattis Road facility.

Canoeing 

     The William C. Whitney Area contains an extensive and historic system of navigable lakes and streams which are readily accessible by canoe or nonmotorized boat. The only approved location for waterway access is at the headquarters lot. The site is hand launch only; boats must be carried to the water. From the single put-in site you can  explore Little Tupper Lake and, with a short carry on Rock Pond Outlet, easily paddle into Rock Pond. A canoe carry trails proposed from the northern shoreline of Lilypad Pond to Shingle Shanty Brook for the more adventurous, who may want to paddle to Lake Lila. You may have to carry around beaver dams and blowdowns along your way.

Boats, Canoes & Kayaks Rentals,in the Tupper Lake Area

ADIRONDACK CANOES AND KAYAKS, HCR 3 & Old Piercefield Road, (518) 359-2174

ADIRONDACK CANOE SUPPLY, PO Box 13, Childwold, NY 12922, (518) 359-9096

RAQUETTE RIVER OUTFITTERS, PO Box 653, (518) 359-3228

MC DONALD'S BOAT LIVERY, 134 Moody Road, (518) 359-9060

Warning  

    The prevailing winds and shallowness of Little Tupper Lake often result in large waves. Be Prepared.

Hunting and Trapping

     Hunting and trapping are permitted in accordance with DEC regulations. Licenses are available from the town offices and the local Tupper Lake Sporting goods shop (Tip Top Sport Shop). Trapping is not allowed in the headquarters lot.

Fishing  

     Special interim regulations are in effect and will be posted at the headquarters. A catch and release regulation for trout will be enforced.

Camping

     You may camp only at campsites marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disk. These primitive tent sites will provide space for not more than three tents and will accommodate a maximum of eight people. Large groups are not allowed to camp in this area. The designation of campsites along roads, waterways, and trails will begin in the summer of 1998. Until campsites are established, the area will be open for day use only.  In  order to reduce the risk of forest fires, you may build campfires only at designated campsites in the fire rings provided. As campsites are designated, fire rings will be located on mineral soil to prevent the spread of campfires into forest litter. Please use only dead and down wood for fuel. The best way to protect camping areas is by using a portable stove instead of a campfire for cooking. (for over night camping on Big Tupper Lake go to Blue Jay Campsite, Moody Road, Route 30, (518) 359-7513)

Horseback Riding

     Horses are not permitted on marked foot trails. Because of the danger and conflict with truck traffic, for now, horseback riding is not allowed on Burn Road. A marked trail starts at the Sabattis Road parking area located just east of the Little Tupper Lake Headquarters entrance road. Horseback riders will have to proceed along the shoulder of Sabattis Road and take a right on County Route 10A to the trail intersection with the Stony Pond Road/Southshore Trail.

Area Roads

     The William C. Whitney Area includes approximately 20 miles of relatively level, packed gravel roads. The road system is concentrated mainly in the northern and western portion of the area. During the interim management period, public use of motor vehicles, snowmobiles, and bicycles is not permitted.