The Jessup River Wild Forest area consists of 47,350 acres of State Forest Preserve lands in the towns of Arietta, Indian Lake, Lake Pleasant, and Wells in Hamilton County. This Wild Forest is bounded by NY 28 to the north and NY 30 in the southeast, as well as three wilderness areas: West Canada Lakes Wilderness to the west; Siamese Ponds Wilderness to the east, and Silver Lake Wilderness to the south.

The state lands in Jessup River Wild Forest border, or are in close proximity to, the communities of Indian Lake, Piseco, Speculator and Wells. NY 30 bisects Jessup River Wild Forest and serves as the main access corridor.

Many people enjoy hiking to the fire towers on Pillsbury and Snowy Mountains, snowmobiling between Piseco Lake and Indian Lake, canoeing on Fall Stream, or camping on Mason Lake. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are also popular activities throughout Jessup River Wild Forest particularly in and around Perkins Clearing, the Jessup River and the Miami River. 

The Snowy Mountain trailhead is easily accessed from NY 30, while the Pillsbury Mountain trailhead is located on seasonal dirt roads that can be gated at times.

Camping is popular at Lewey Lake State Campground.  Moffitt Beach State Campground, located near Speculator, is also a very popular summer destination.  Primitive camping is available at sites around Mason Lake directly off Perkins Clearing Road.  Those looking for private sites available only by boat will enjoy Indian Lake Islands State Campground.

The future North Country National Scenic Trail will cross the wild forest from the Miami River, go across NY 30 at the Mason Lake parking area, cross the Jessup River and make its way toward the end of Elm Lake Road.

There is a National Geographic Illustrated Map below of Jessup River Wild Forest.