East

New York

Published: Wednesday, October 03, 2007
AmSnow's 2008 Adirondack Shootout (Mark Boncher)
Don't let the first thought that comes to your head be a big bustling city with the traffic, yelling and crowded streets. How about sashaying down a mountain bluff, weaving through freshly fallen powder or racing your nemesis out on the lake? We know there are a lot of hardcore sledheads in the Empire State.

You can zoom through Oneida, Madison, Herkimer and Otsego counties in the Central Leatherstocking region, which itself is rather large, so certainly pick up local trail maps. Oneida is the most popular area here, with 540 miles of groomed trails that connect with the Tug Hill area and span the state. You will find forests, mountains and gorges to play in.

Lake George, just south of the Adirondacks, offers an extensive trail network that connects the towns of Lake Luzerne, Queensbury, Glen Falls, Brant Lake, Chestertown, Pottersville and Warrensberg. To get a great view of Lake George and the mountains, take some time on the trail along the summit of Prospect Mountain.

If you're looking for some lake-effect snow, visit Lewis County in northeastern, N.Y. The Tug Hill area here will challenge you. Other areas to try in New York include the foothills of Adirondack Park and the scenic Black River Trail in Black River Valley.

With more than 500 miles of trails, the Inlet/Old Forge area in upstate N.Y. is sometimes referred to as the "snowmobile capital of the East." (See AmSnow, Nov. 2005, p. 118) The Old Forge trail system is perfect for couples and families seeking a more leisurely weekend. Inlet provides you miles of trails through 50,000 acres of wilderness.

For the biggest trail system in N.Y., take a trip to Hamilton County. Its 750 miles will have you rubbing your thumb at the end of the day, but asking for more. Nature takes over here with abundant wildlife, panoramic views, frozen waterfalls and a population of less than 3 people per square mile. Awesome!

Helpful Sites
N.Y. State Snowmobile Association: www.nyssnowassoc.org
N.Y. State Department of Motor Vehicles: www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmvfaqs.htm#Snowmobiles
N.Y. State Tourism: www.iloveny.com

Lodging
The Golden Shamrock
6205 Blue Street, Glenfield
315-376-6689
www.thegoldenshamrock.com

Tug Hill Sports Lodge
1539 Pinckney Rd., Copenhagen
570-416-0690
www.tughillsportslodge.com

Other
Adirondack Regional Tourism
PO Box 2149, Plattsburgh
518-846-8016
www.visitadirondacks.com

Lewis County
7383-C Utica Blvd.
315-376-2213 Lowville
www.lewiscountychamber.org