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Ride Trails from the St. Lawrence River to the Adirondack foothills

posted by St Lawrence County at 2023-07-20 07:48:00

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ATV / OHV trail riding from the banks of the St. Lawrence River to the foothills of the Adirondacks is a popular way to experience the extensive natural landscape on New York’s Northern border from May 15 – September 15. The St Lawrence County Multi-Use Trails include 132 miles of designated ATV trails with trail segments on public and private lands, and a key trail feature thru Fort Jackson and Brasher Forests and the newest trail thru NYSDEC Easements from South Colton to Russell. Select Town and County Roads are used to connect the off-road sections of the trail and are identified with brown signs that include an ATV symbol. Trailhead destination planning is made easy with interactive maps on www.STLCtrails.com. If riding with a group is more your style, check out the event calendar on https://www.visitstlc.com/atv-ride.

Starting from South Colton this north-south trail is an essential part of the multi-use trail network and a vital link to connect to Lewis County trails. The trail is 38 miles one way with 26 miles on private and state easement lands with a variety of scenic wooded trails and logging roads, 7 miles on rural town roads and 4 miles on county roads. Popular stops for lunch along the way are at a scenic view such as Pleasant Lake or a meal cooked up at South Colton’s Rideau’s Mahogany Ridge, Boyce’s General Store and Red Pine Cone. In the town of Russell, visit Jocko’s II Bar & Grill (Degrasse), Plum Brooke Café, or GT’s Restaurant.

The trail starts at trailhead parking on Cold Brooke Drive in South Colton near Higley Flow State Park and campground, winding through the Raquette Valley Fish and Game private parcel with scenic views along Little Cold Brook Creek. Continuing along the trail, you will enjoy views of beautiful wetlands and forest, past creaks and over hills, bringing you to the Tooley Pond Road, where there are many beautiful waterfalls to stop and view trailside or a short walk in (Request a free waterfall guide at VisitSTLC.com). Plan a pic-nic, relax with your feet in the water and kick off your Great 8 Waterfall Challenge at the same time.

The Brasher Community Connector Trail is 40 miles one-way starting at the Town of Helena where there is food and gas available at the Helena General Store before kicking off your day of riding. The trail crosses the county bridge and follows rural town roads to connect to Brasher Forest on Bush Road. Winding through scenic pine trails before emerging at Country Hwy Rte 50, the trail continues on seasonal dirt road with options to exit for gas and a lunch stop at the North Lawrence Diner, the IGA for gas, and the Jug Tavern -- all popular stopping spots on the trail.

The trail continues on the scenic North Lawrence Railroad bed lined with wetlands that are filled with wildflowers and wildlife to view. As you leave the Railroad bed on Hallahan Road you will travel on rural town roads, eventually connecting to the pine-filled forest trail through Fort Jackson Forest, on to farmland and beautiful county reforestation parcels, bringing you to the destination of Parishville where you will find gas and food at Kunoco.
Note: As of June 1, 2021, a multi-use trail permit is required for ATVs in St. Lawrence County. Trail rules and permit purchase can be found at www.VisitSTLC.com/atv-ride.

Trailhead parking, nearby businesses, points of interest, geocaches, and milage are detailed on www.STLCtrails.com to help with planning a day or a weekend on St. Lawrence County’s multi-use trails. Use your GPS off-road device once on the trails and follow the signs to navigate on designated trails. Plan a full trip for the whole family or request a visitor guide at www.VisitSTLC.com or by calling 315-386-4000.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of St. Lawrence County

- Trailside Waterfalls on the South Colton to Russel ATV Multi Use Trail
- Scenic Forest ride on the Brasher Community Connector ATV Multi-Use Trails