Black River Trail System
Adirondack granite tests rigs and drivers alike
The Black River cuts a wild path through the western Adirondacks, and the old logging roads that follow its tributaries offer some of New York’s most challenging 4×4 terrain. Starting from Forestport, the main route follows County Route 28 before branching onto unmarked forest roads that climb through boulder fields toward the McKeever bog. Rock ledges, root gardens, and seasonal water crossings demand careful line choice, while the final push to the Fire Tower Road involves navigating loose granite slabs that’ll test your spotter’s patience.
This is expert-level territory requiring modified 4WD with skid plates, recovery gear, and experienced drivers. The 18-mile loop is impassable during spring snowmelt (March-May) and hunting season brings serious traffic. No permits needed, but notify someone of your route—cell service dies after the first ridge. Primitive camping exists along the river corridor, though Leave No Trace ethics are critical in this fragile ecosystem. You’ll earn stunning views of the central Adirondacks and some genuine technical driving that separates mall crawlers from trail rigs.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Forestport, NY |
| Land manager | New York State DEC |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run the Black River Trail System?
No. This trail is rated Expert and requires a modified 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and a minimum 2-3 inches of lift with aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires. Stock rigs will get hung up on the Adirondack granite and risk serious undercarriage damage on the water crossing approaches.
When does the Black River Trail System open and close each year?
Best window is June through October. Spring runoff keeps the water crossings unpredictable and high into May, and early snowfall can make the granite sections dangerously slick by November. Check with the NY State DEC before heading out — wet-season closures happen.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp overnight?
No permit is required for day use or dispersed camping on New York State DEC land, but you must follow the 150-foot setback rule from water bodies and trails for camping. Leave No Trace compliance is enforced — pack out everything.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The most demanding sections are the exposed granite ledge climbs mid-route, where off-camber shelf rock forces precise tire placement with zero margin for error. Combined with blind approaches and multiple water crossings that can run knee-deep after rain, this is a trail where a spotter and a recovery kit are non-negotiable, not optional.
Is there any gas or cell service near the Black River Trail System?
Cell service is completely dead once you're in — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you leave. Forestport, NY is your last reliable fuel stop, so top off your tank and carry extra fuel if your rig drinks it; the nearest gas after that is a long, slow drive out.
Trail track
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