Tug Hill is located between Lake Ontario and the Adirondacks in the state of New York. The heaviest snowfall in the eastern United States is found in this area, providing enjoyment for skiers and snowmobilers, thanks to the “Lake Effect Snow” from Lake Ontario.

Tug Hill is a very remote and rural area. Its heavily forested areas supply sawmills, furniture plants and paper mills. Farmland is found along the Black River Valley and is a large contributor to the way of life and to the economy in the Tug Hill area as are hunting and fishing. Canoeing is an option along many portions of the Black River.

Due to the remoteness of the Tug Hill region, there is an abundance of wild life: deer, rabbits, beavers, turkeys, fishers, bobcats, coyote and once in a while the black bear and cougar. In the many waterways of the Tug Hill area can be found: salmon, trout, bass, walleye and waterfowl.

Open to the public, in the Tug Hill region, are many acres of state land to be used for a variety of recreational uses. Hiking, mountain biking, and ATV’s are just a few of the activities that are popular in the spring, summer, and fall.

Tug Hill has a maximum elevation of 2000 feet above sea level and its cuesta (flat top) is known for its tremendous wind. Its flat top is composed of sedimentary rocks that tip up on one side.

The Tug Hill area is composed of four Upstate New York counties: Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, and Oswego. There are several attractions found in and around the small villages and communities of this remote region. Hand made furniture, crafts, pure maple syrup and its products, and road side stands selling produce are just some of the unique things waiting for you.

The highest point on Tug Hill, a 2,100 square mile area, is known as Gomer Hill. Gomer Hill has six towers: one closed lookout tower, one microwave tower, and four towers with a building and an observation deck owned by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Helpful Links
Wildlife Management Area Overview