The Moose River Plains Wild Forest is part of the 80,000 acre Moose River Plains Complex, a collection of public lands crossed by more than 40 miles of old dirt logging roads. There are 130 miles of marked trails within the complex, as well as more than 100 primitive roadside tent sites, 65 waterbodies, 100 miles of streams, and a fire tower on Wakely Mountain.
The dirt roads running throughout the complex are rough in places. In the Moose River Plains Wild Forest, Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road is a 23-mile long seasonal access road that's often used by vehicles and mountain bikers. Some of the pitches are steep, but the area is fairly flat by Adirondack standards. You must register at either the Limekiln or Cedar River Road gate, but access is free.
Hikes in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Here are just a few of the possible hikes you can do in this Wild Forest:
- The Northville-Placid Trail has a section running through here.
- Wakely Mountain - A forested summit with a firetower
- Black Bear Mountain - Part of the Fulton Chain Trifecta hiking challenge
- Eagle Nest and Bug Lake - Right from Eighth Lake Campground
Mountain biking
Welcome to mountain biking and gravel biking heaven. The difficulty level for mountain biking in this area mostly ranges from beginner to intermediate, but there are some sections that could be considered expert. Getting into the plains there are rolling dirt roads, some with a moderate or steep grade. Mountain bikers can ride in for more of a challenge or drive a few miles in, where flatter conditions prevail.
This area plays host to the "Black Fly Challenge," a mountain bike race between Inlet and Indian Lake that traverses 40 miles of dirt roads and 30 miles of marked trails.
Fishing
This area offers some of the best Adirondack waters for native species fishing in the most spectacular remote settings. Although it is suggested that you fish these waters from a lightweight canoe, most can be fished from the shore with careful casting. Moose are often spotted in this area, offering a seldom seen view of an iconic Adirondack denizen.
Maps for the area can be found at the Inlet Information Office. The regular open camping and hiking season is Memorial Day weekend to November snowfall.
Birding
The Moose River Plains and the surrounding area is part of the NYS Birding Trail. This trail is not a physical trail, but a "connection" between outstanding birding locations in regions across the state.
The habitat here ranges from deciduous to boreal, so you can expect to find a wide variety of species, including Black-backed Woodpecker and Canada Jay, Ruffed Grouse and a variety of warblers.
Winter in the Moose River Plains
This area is not recommended for winter access, other than by snowmobile, as the Moose River Plains is a snowmobile corridor and not open to cars or trucks during the winter.
How to get there
To reach the western gate from Inlet, turn south on Limekiln Road from Route 28 about a mile northeast of downtown Inlet. Follow the road 2 miles to the entrance gate, which is just past the forest ranger headquarters.
Access to the eastern gate is via the 12-mile long, partially paved Cedar River Road, which begins at Route 28/30 approximately 2 miles west of the village of Indian Lake.
