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.
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