Until recently, my idea of outdoor adventure was something intense – climbing an Adirondack High Peak, embarking on a multi-day canoe trip, or flying down a steep ski slope. That was until I tore my ACL, an injury requiring surgery, crutches, and a minimum recovery time of six months.  While I was initially disappointed, I was heartened to find that St. Lawrence County has an abundance of flat and handicap accessible recreation areas.    

See below for just a few of the spots where you can enjoy some of the North Country’s waterfalls, forests, and wildlife without the challenge of a long or rugged trail. The places I mention are all free and open to the public, and with spring now in full swing, I look forward to some “microadventures” exploring the more accessible recreation opportunities that St. Lawrence County has to offer.

1. Heritage Park

Heritage Park encompasses two islands in the Grasse River in Canton. Established by the Grasse River Heritage Area Development Corporation, it features wide crushed-stone pathways, a boardwalk, waterfall views, and highlights the history and ecology of the Grasse River. While not fully ADA accessible, the unique bowstring bridge and views of Heritage Falls are accessible to all. This is a great little pocket of nature in downtown Canton.

2. Indian Creek Nature Center

Indian Creek Nature Center is located in the town of Canton, NY with two entrances on County Route 14, which is about 6 miles outside of the Village of Canton, off of Route 68. It has a total of nearly 8 miles of trails that overlook the Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area. The Boardwalk and Observation Deck trail begins from the parking lot at the main entrance, and is a fully handicap accessible, mile-long loop. It is an interpretive trail with informational signs, an overlook deck, and views of a pond and beaver impoundment.

3. Remington Recreational Trail

Also known at the Partridge Loop, the Remington Recreational Trail is a paved path that runs 3.2 miles around the Partridge Run Golf Course in Canton, NY. It has two points of entry – one at Riverside Drive (no parking), and the other at Sullivan Drive, where the golf course parking lots double as a parking lot for the trail. There is a playground near the Sullivan Drive entrance and leashed dogs are allowed, so it is the perfect place to bring the kids or for an afternoon stroll. The trail is plowed in the winter, so it is accessible year-round.

4. Lampson Falls

The trail to Lampson Falls begins at County Route 27 in Clare, NY. The walk is about 15 minutes on a wide, gradual trail that is also handicap accessible, and it brings you to an overlook of the waterfall. I love visiting Lampson Falls because you can spend as much or as little time as you want there. It does not take long to get to the waterfall, but the scenery provides a great place to picnic and sightsee.

5. Maple City Trail

The Maple City Trail begins at the Ogdensburg Visitors’ Center on Riverside Ave, and is a 2.2-mile loop that hugs the shore of the Oswegatchie River. The trail is popular for walkers, runners, and bicyclists. With a number of different benches along the trail, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, and lookout points along the river allow for wildlife viewing. The Maple City Trail is welcoming to people of all ages and interests. 

6. Robert Moses State Park

Robert Moses State Park in Massena, NY is located both on the mainland and on Barnhart Island. It is accessed through a tunnel under the Eisenhower Lock. The park offers something for everyone, with facilities for picnicking, camping, fishing, swimming, and tennis. The Robert Moses Nature Center has outreach programs and trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Visitors can experience fields, forests, wetlands, or beaches, and pets are allowed within most areas of the park. Visit their website for more information about the park’s amenities and activities.

7. Long Pond Conservation Easement

The New York DEC has acquired several thousand acres of land through conservation easements, which are permanent legal agreements in which the landowner places restrictions on the usage of the land in order to protect its natural values. Conservation easements can allow land to continue as working forests while still providing recreation opportunities for the public. The Long Pond Conservation Easement is located in South Colton, on the west side of State Route 56 – 10 miles north of the Route 3 intersection (Sevey Corners). The Long Pond Conservation Easement had five handicap accessible drive-to campsites, and the use of motor vehicles, including ATVs is allowed on roads and trails posted as open to motor vehicles.

Regardless your fitness or mobility level, there is a trail for you in St. Lawrence County. See you out on the trail!