Moose River Plains Recreational Area, IBA
GPS Coordinates: ( 43.731049643713, -74.47267055511 )Indian LakeA 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 and 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.
Directions
The Moose River Plains Recreational Area has two entrances. From the east the Cedar River Entrance is accessed from the Cedar River Road (see above). Bear right at the end of the road to the gate. The other is the Limekiln Entrance, reached by going east from Inlet on Route 28 to Limekiln Road. Follow for two miles past the Limekiln Campsite entrance on the right to the next dirt road on the left where the gate is located. The area is 25 miles from gate-to-gate. Side roads lead to Rockdam Trail (five miles) and Little Indian Lake (eight miles)—both are dead ends.
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