With over 500 miles of groomed trails and over 200 inches of snow annually, Lewis County, New York, is the place for winter enthusiasts! Lake-effect snowstorms cover the area in a canvas of white, waiting to capture the traces of your winter adventure.
The Tug Hill Region
Most of the snowmobiling is done in the Tug Hill region which is on the southeastern side of the county. Besides the raw wilderness, including deer, rabbits, the occasional bald eagle, foxes, beavers and opossums, you and your group can enjoy dining at remote eating establishments.
You’ll definitely want to check out Boondocks Restaurant in Lyons Falls. It’s quite a popular bar/restaurant due to the fact it has an actual stream running through the dining room! The business is also conveniently located on the trail and adjacent to The Edge Hotel. Another great restaurant is Myers Towpath Inn located in Turin on the trail, which also has lodging on the premises. For a more upscale experience, Steak and Brew is located across the road from the Towpath Inn.
Northern Lewis County
If you prefer a quiet ride, visit the northern part of Lewis County featuring the towns of Harrisville and Croghan, home of the world-famous Croghan Bologna. This area remains undiscovered by the masses, and there are many lodging and dining facilities located on or near the trails.
You can reach Lewis County from many trail systems. With connections to Redfield, Oswego, Plattsburgh, Old Forge, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, the Champlain Valley and the New York and Quebec corridor trails, it’s quite possible for you to travel the area entirely by snowmobile.
Keep in Mind…
Just remember any snowmobile operated in New York State must be registered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), even if it is registered in another state or province, except under special circumstances. Registration is done at the time of sale by the dealer. A snowmobile obtained in a private sale or from an out-of-state source may be registered by the new owner at any motor vehicle office or by a dealer participating in the state’s prepaid registration program.
Remember to ride on the trails and respect private landowners. Without them, there would be no snowmobile trail system. Remember to ride safely and protect yourself and the other riders at all times. The operator of a snowmobile on any snowmobile trail must yield the right-of-way to trail grooming equipment whether such snowmobile operator is approaching or overtaking the grooming equipment. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $100.
Other Activities
In addition to snowmobiling, the Tug Hill region’s larger snowfalls make it an ideal area for other winter recreation activities. You’ll find a complete downhill skiing and snowboarding resort, cross-country skiing trail systems and snowshoeing opportunities.
Find out more about snowmobile trails, events, lodging, dining and other attractions in the region at AdirondacksTugHill.com.
Anne Merrill is the Executive Director of Lewis County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion agent for Lewis County. Anne’s passion for snowmobiling comes from growing up on a snowmobile from the age of seven. Growing up in the country, she and her friends rode from morning until night. She even rode her snowmobile until two days before she delivered her son!
