Discover Greenwood Creek State Forest

A loop trail to a waterfall and an out-and-back trail on a peninsula both start from a state picnic area,
TRAIL ACTIVITY
LENGTH
2.00 miles, Network
DIFFICULTY
Easy
TOWN
Pitcairn
SURFACE
Dirt/Forest Floor, Gravel/Crushed Stone
PETS
Permitted
FEES
No

Description

This is scenic trail starting in a creek side park, that includes many picnic tables and fire pits. Several outhouses are also available. The trail highlights various aspects of the forest, the waterfalls and the creek. You will change from boulder strewn sections, to great stands of red pine planted in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and open hardwoods. The trail is suitable for year-round use as long as the road is accessible.

The Falls trail-

The trail starts at the picnic area on the edge of Greenwood Creek. Find the trail marked with yellow discs at the base of the falls, you will be heading upstream (SE) from here. The trail is sometimes 50’-100’ from the falls, but there are many herd paths right to the water’s edge. Enjoy the views of the falls and the large rock ledges across the creek, but be careful as the rocks can be slippery. These falls are particularly impressive during times of high water.

 At the top of the falls the trail bears left (SSW) and enters into a red pine forest. This continues and you will enter a hardwood lowland at around .45 miles. The trail heads uphill and back into another stand of red pines. The trail passes through a clearing with an old gravel pit on your right. There is an outhouse here as well. At .7 miles you will cross the Greenwood road and head South downhill into a great stand of hard maples. There is a small stream crossing here, you can hop across the stream or there is a single log that you can cross on. There is an old trail the used to continue ahead, but the trail now turns right (West) and follows the top of the ridge line until you come to cross a second dirt road, about .85 miles from the start.

 The trail leads into another stand of red pine, and follows the ridge line along the contours of the land. At one mile you will start a dogleg downhill into open hardwoods, eventually heading North. At 1.2 miles the trail leads to an old log landing.

*NOTE*The D.E.C. trail map shows the trail going left (West) from here. That trail is poorly marked and basically unmaintained, eventually leading into a beaver swamp. That route is best avoided until improvements are made.

From the log landing, turn right (NW) for 200 yards, and then follow the road back one-half mile back to the picnic area.

Short trail-

There is also a short but scenic trail that leads downstream from the picnic area. This trail is only .4 miles roundtrip and follows Greenwood creek downstream along a peninsula of large white pines. The creek and wetlands flow on both sides and are a good places to see birds & wildlife.

Other Information

 
This trail is part of the Great 8 Challenge. Learn more!

 

 

 

Trail Manager

For more information, contact:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Potsdam Sub-Office

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Potsdam Sub-Office
190 Outer Main Street - Suite 103
Potsdam, NY 13676
Phone: 315-265-3090
information.r6@dec.ny.gov
View website

Nearby Businesses

Trail Tips

Snack Attack
Bring along a small snack in case you get hungry or feel a drop in energy while exercising.
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