CYCLE
the
Adirondack
Seaway
St. Lawrence County, New York
New York’s North Country
1
DIFFICULTY
RATING
St. Lawrence Seaway Ride
LAUNCH POINTS: Canton, Madrid, Waddington, Massena
[52 MILES]—This
ride tours through Canton and
proceeds through Madrid to Waddington then follows
the Seaway Trail (State Highway 37) overlooking Canada
to Massena. Only two of the St. Lawrence Seaway’s seven canals
are located on the U.S. side of the River, and this ride takes you to
Dwight D. Eisenhower Lock. You will be able to view the lock from
the observation deck, and then ride underneath it on your way
to the St. Lawrence – FDR Power Project and Robert Moses Power
Dam, which transformed the River’s international rapids to Lake St.
Lawrence. Admission to the Lock and Hawkins Point Visitor Center is
free. The return route is on the same road, with a different view and
opportunity to see oceangoing ships.
Frederic Remington Ride
LAUNCH POINTS: Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, Rensselaer Falls, Canton
2
DIFFICULTY
RATING
[57 MILES]—The famed Western century artist Frederic
Remington was born and buried in Canton and spent some of his
life in Ogdensburg. This ride passes the Indian River Wildlife Refuge,
through the hamlets of Rensselaer Falls and Heuvelton, where
Amish culture is alive, then along parts of the Oswegatchie River to
Ogdensburg. Here you can tour the Frederic Remington Art Museum,
home to one of the world’s largest collection of his work, including
paintings, sketches and sculptures. The
return trip to Canton takes you along the
St. Lawrence River past Red Mills, home
to the River Myst Winery, turning east
through some of St. Lawrence County’s
prime farmland and Amish Country.
3&4
DIFFICULTY
RATING
Tooley Pond Loop
LAUNCH POINTS: Star Lake, Cranberry Lake, Canton
[44 MILES, RATED 3 & 84 MILES, RATED 4]—This loop is
actually two separate rides. Leaving from Canton is the
total 86 miles, while a start from Degrasse results in a 44-mile
total. In either case, this is one of the beautiful wilderness trips for
which the Adirondack Park is known. Part of both rides follow the
Oswegatchie River. Along the Tooley Pond Road you can stop off to
visit a number of easy access waterfalls. You’ll pass logging roads as
well as incredible bird viewing. This is not a ride for beginners. There
may be some sections of the road that are dirt, and some steep
downhill sections with rough pavement.
4
South Colton Loop
DIFFICULTY
RATING
LAUNCH POINTS: Potsdam, Colton, Canton
[41 MILES]—This
ride ascends into the Adirondack
foothills, making a loop through Colton, which lies just outside the
Adirondack Park. The terrain is mostly hilly with a few challenging
longer climbs. A stopping point at mile 32.3 provides a long view
across the St. Lawrence River Valley atop the hills in Pierrepont. From
there the descent into Canton on State Highway 68 is enjoyable
and fast, but requires caution because of hills, curves and narrow
shoulders. Along this route is the picturesque hamlet of Colton. As
you enter South Colton, you will pass Sunday Rock, the legend is
that in the lumbering days this was the divide between civilization
and the lawless.
4
DIFFICULTY
RATING
Adirondack Century
LAUNCH POINTS: Colton, Cranberry Lake, Star Lake, Potsdam,
Canton
[103 MILES]—A scenic trip from rolling farmland to hilly
sections of the Adirondack Park. From a beginning elevation of
about 300 feet, you’ll gradually reach a maximum elevation of 1,600
feet, climbing over 2,800 feet in the process. At the edge of the
Adirondack Park you will pass by Higley Flow State Park, great for a
swim or a picnic. There are few places for water or provisions along
the route, so stock up when you can.
Visit www.NorthCountryGuide.com
for more rides, mountain biking options, maps and
other fun things to do in St. Lawrence County.
DIFFICULTY RATING GUIDE:
1. Mostly flat, with some light
rolling terrain
2. Rolling to small hills
3. Little to no flat terrain, and
primarily moderate hills
4. Very hilly, with no flat terrain and
moderate to steep climbs
5. Most steep climbs are short,
except in some Adirondack
Mountain areas.
CALL TOLL FREE TO
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
1.877.228.7810
All loops include customized
mileage and location starts,
with accommodations in bed &
breakfasts, hotels and campsites.