A rich variety of northern birds can be found in this fifty-thousand-acre forest. Habitat changes from open plains, boreal forest and mature hardwoods to virgin pines. The property was purchased by NY State in 1963 from the Gould Paper Company. Almost every species of breeding bird in Hamilton County can be found in one of the habitats along the main road or on one of the side trails to the many lakes and ponds. Some of the favorite trails are the short ones to Helldiver, Icehouse, or Lost ponds. Longer trails lead to Beaver Lake or Rockdam where the Red River and the South Branch of the Moose River meet at a natural rock barrier across the rivers’ junction. This trail starts in neighboring Herkimer County, you cross the county line just below the dam. The MRRA opens on or about Memorial Day weekend, depending on road conditions after winter.