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Hiking Trails

As an area with naturally beautiful  places, Lewis County is home to many State Forests and Wilderness areas. There are many beautiful local parks and state parks with trails for hiking. 

These areas offer plenty of opportunities to hike with beautiful scenery year-round. 

Looking for a new trail to explore in Lewis County? 

Our trail guides for many of the available trails in the area are linked in the buttons below. Simply click on the name to get to the trail guide.

These guides include icons on other available activities on the trails and information on handicap accessibility and whether pets are allowed on the trails. 

LC33 Hiking Challenge

Enjoying the hiking trails in Lewis County, the Adirondacks Tug Hill Region?

Join the LC33 Hiking Challenge today and record your adventure!

Hike thirty three miles of our approved trails (listed above) in the Adirondacks Tug Hill Region.

To download the form or for any additional information on the challenge click on the button below.

Biking

Biking

Lewis County offers great trails for biking enthusiasts! If you’re in need for a trail suggestion check out the trails below!

Golf

If you’re looking for a relaxing day out on the green there are four 18-hole golf courses in Lewis County! Golfing is a perfect summer activity for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a serious golfer, or just looking for a fun day with friends and family our golf courses are perfect for you! 

Biking
Biking

Fishing

Cast your pole in the many streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes in Lewis County! Many of the lakes and ponds are regularly stocked by the DEC giving you ample opportunity for that perfect catch. 

With the abundance and variety of fish in the waters of Lewis County, the tough decision an avid fisherman needs to maker is deciding where to throw a line.  

The lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams in the region provide some of the best fishing opportunities for trout, bass, pike, perch, bullhead, and many others in the north country.  

For information regarding fees, licenses, and regulations contact the NYS DEC Lowville District in Dadville at 315 376 3571 or visit www.dec.ny.gov 

Catch and Release Trout Season is October 16th through March 31st.

Birding

Lewis County has much to offer for birdwatchers. Whether you’re on a walk through the woods, or out in a canoe or kayak it’s the perfect place to listen and look for the next bird species on your “life-list”.  

Don’t know where to find a perfect birding spot in Lewis County? Here are some suggestions: 

Tug Hill Wildlife Management Area – in Montague 

Whetstone Gulf – just outside Martinsburg 

The Tug Hill Traverse Trail – through Montague, Martinsburg, West Turin, & Osceola 

Inman Gulf (to Rainbow Falls) – in Rodman-Barnes Corners 

The East Branch of Fish Creek Access Trail – in West Turin 

Biking

What birds should you be looking for in Lewis County? Take a look at this check list from the DEC! 

Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

As one may expect, as the snow begins to melt away, Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) including dirt bikes, ATV’s and UTV’s move onto the recreation trails.

Beyond the wet muddy springs are warm, breezy summers, and crisp, fresh autumns – making Lewis County a great place to ride! Hundreds of miles of trails and off-season roads offer a different terrain for every preference. Many businesses located along the trails cater to the OHV enthusiast. You can take short afternoon rides or, better yet, plan a weekend. One of our local guides can help you plan the perfect trip.

Although Lewis County contains a high percentage of state public land (about 175,000 acres), ATV’s and UTV’s are not allowed access on any of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation land. This hurdle has not stopped Lewis County and its residents from putting together spectacular OHV riding areas and an extensive county-wide trail system.

As you can imagine, private landowners play an instrumental role in the development of the trail system. Public lands in the trail system include the Lewis County Reforestation lands. The System is mostly made up of open roads. As OHV enthusiasts, it is very important that we respect the lands, laws, wildlife and nature as we enjoy the trails and scenery.

The Lewis County Trail System is categorized into three types. Town and county roads provide easy access to the off-road trails. The off-road trails, consisting of county reforestation areas and private landowners’ trails, offer Trail riders a sense of adventure as they explore the many miles of wilderness.

Horse Trails

The Otter Creek Horse Trails have about 65 miles of wonderful horse-riding trails. The Otter Creek Horse Trails are located on the Independence River Wild Forest Unit of the NYS Forest Preserve and on the Independence River and Otter Creek State Forests on the western border of the Adirondack Park.  

These trails are made of old sandy roads and wooded trails. The trails all loop and are well-marked, so you won’t get lost! The trails follow or cross the Independence River and other small waterways – creating a scenic and relaxed atmosphere that is beautiful in any season. 

Don’t forget to stop by the Assembly Area – a state managed, equine camping facility that is free for the riding public to use.  

The Otter Creek Horse Trails are maintained and preserved by the Friends of the Otter Creek Horse Trails. 

Canoeing + Kayaking

The waterways located in Lewis County have been in use for hundreds of years for a variety of reasons. From floating lumberyards to power dams, they have always been an integral part of life for residents and tourists alike. Whether you like calm waters for paddling your canoe or class 5 rapids we have it. For public launch sites please go to the NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation website https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/23889.html

Hunting

A long hunting season, more than 175,000 acres of public land with a mix of woodlands and open fields, Lewis County is a perfect place for hunting. Black powder, archery and regular seasons all offer a nice chance for hunters to enjoy the regions’ natural beauty.

Located in the Northern Zone, the county offers an exciting variety of “low pressure” conditions ranging from rural to total wilderness. You can enjoy the conveniences of a hotel, the warmth of a B&B, roadside camping, or backpacking into remote areas.

Within Lewis County we have the Adirondack Forest Preserve, the Black River Valley, and the Tug Hill Plateau giving every hunter a wide variety of terrain to hunt or trap in. Many public lands are available for use, including our state parks. For information about seasons, licenses or regulations please go to the DEC website

Foliage Harvest

Lewis County is truly beautiful in the fall with great views of fall foliage! Not to forget the annual Rocky Fawcett Fall Foliage Tour that happens the first weekend in October. Each year a new route is mapped through a different section of the county. Enjoy the fall foliage while visiting interesting local businesses, historic sites, and landmarks!  

Spring + Summer + Fall

Snowmobiling

Averaging about 200 inches of snow annually, Tug Hill is known for some of the best snowmobiling in the Northeast. Lake-effect snowstorms cover this area in a canvas of white, perfect for you and your winter adventure. There are approximately 500 miles of groomed trails. Snowmobile trails are free with no permit required. 

For trail or trail map information you can also contact the local snowmobile clubs. 

Snowmobile Rentals —–

Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing – For those who desire a more stationary outdoor activity there are places in Lewis County where you can get your catch of the day. From tiger muskellunge to perch to pike and walleyes our waterways are here for you. For more details on where to go check out the NYS Dept of Conservation website.

Winter

Itineraries

Looking for suggestions on what to do while in Lewis County, the Adirondacks Tug Hill region? But overwhelmed with the choices available?

Check out the itineraries linked below for suggestions on how to spend your time in Lewis County!

Itineraries