Why watch a New York winter from the inside? Sure it’s cozy and warm, but there’s time for that later – after you’ve explored the forests, skimmed across frozen ponds, zig-zagged over fields covered in freshly fallen snow, all from the comforts of a snowmobile. With more than 10,000 miles of trails and numerous snowmobile clubs, not only can you get from here to there in the most adventurous way, you can meet all sorts of fellow fun-lovers along the way.
Need help getting started? The New York State Snowmobile Association says, “The best way to enjoy snowmobiling in New York is to purchase a trail map from a local club and ride marked trail system where landowner permission has been obtained for everyone, snowmobile laws have been complied with, trails have been maintained, snow has been groomed, and signs are in place. That's where you can ride without concern of breaking the law, irritating a landowner, waking up the baby, damaging forest growth and cropland or disrupting Sunday services.”
In other words, you’ll find all the support you need in many locations around the state. Here’s a sample of several clubs, groups and venues eager to share their knowledge and their enthusiasm for snowmobiling.
The Adirondacks
A well-known winter playground, and if sleds could vote, no doubt they’d name the region, “Miss Congeniality.” Sleds often outnumber cars in places like Old Forge, a snowmobiler’s haven in the midst of more than 700 miles of trails located in Herkimer & Hamilton counties. (Note: you’ll need a separate trail pass for the Old Forge area.)
The Hague Sno-Goers Club operates and maintains snowmobile trails in the northern end of gorgeous Lake George and into Essex County. Nearby in Chestertown, the North Warren Trailblazers oversee trails around the northern part of Warren County; Chestertown, Pottersville, Brant Lake, Warrensburg. And, the Thurman Connection Snowmobile Club covers more than 120 miles of trails in northwestern Warren County.
Other Adirondack destinations include:
Inlet, Moose River and Long Lake Trail Systems. The area has a large system of interconnecting snowmobile trails between the Moose River Plains, and the towns of Indian Lake, Inlet and Long Lake.
Piseco, Lake Pleasant & Speculator. Groomed snowmobile trails from Wells to Morehouse which connect with 600 miles of county trails.
Tug Hill Plateau. Thousands of acres of public lands in and around Lowville, the region boasting more annual snowfall than any other place in the state (the winter of 1976-77 boasted more than 450 inches!), with more than 600 miles of groomed trail. Locals say, “The lake-effect storms off the east end of Lake Ontario guarantee the earliest and latest riding.”
Heading towards the Thousand Islands-Seaway?
Check out the St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association in Parishville. Along with maintaining the snowmobile trails in St. Lawrence County, the group will keep you up-to-date on the latest information about trails, locations, parking, etc. They’ll suggest beauties like:
Macomb Reservation State Park in Schuyler Falls, surrounded by state land. Here, you’ll find yourself in the heart of winter wilderness. Stop and savor the famed Salmon River.
Mongaup Pond State Campground, attracts outdoorsmen year round to Livingston Manor in the Catskills. Sledders love the 29 miles of snowmobile trails that weave through Forest Preserve land, surrounding a beautiful 120-acre lake.
… and beyond…
Hamlin Beach State Park lies at the south shore of Lake Ontario in the Finger Lakes region. Warm up in the Environmental Education Center in the Yanty Creek Marsh area after a day exploring the trails.
Letchworth State Park in Castile, called, “The Grand Canyon of the East,” boasts more than 14,350-acres of stunning parkland with several gorges reaching 600 ft., carved by the Genesee River.
Bound for the border?
If you plan on crossing into New York from Canada, there are things you must remember, like carrying the same paperwork you would if you planned on touring by automobile — photo ID, passport, proper registrations and insurances. The New York State Snowmobile Association has a list of helpful information on these and other questions you may have, like how to join a club, or where to buy or rent a sled!
Happy Trails!
Need help getting started? The New York State Snowmobile Association says, “The best way to enjoy snowmobiling in New York is to purchase a trail map from a local club and ride marked trail system where landowner permission has been obtained for everyone, snowmobile laws have been complied with, trails have been maintained, snow has been groomed, and signs are in place. That's where you can ride without concern of breaking the law, irritating a landowner, waking up the baby, damaging forest growth and cropland or disrupting Sunday services.”
In other words, you’ll find all the support you need in many locations around the state. Here’s a sample of several clubs, groups and venues eager to share their knowledge and their enthusiasm for snowmobiling.
The Adirondacks
A well-known winter playground, and if sleds could vote, no doubt they’d name the region, “Miss Congeniality.” Sleds often outnumber cars in places like Old Forge, a snowmobiler’s haven in the midst of more than 700 miles of trails located in Herkimer & Hamilton counties. (Note: you’ll need a separate trail pass for the Old Forge area.)
The Hague Sno-Goers Club operates and maintains snowmobile trails in the northern end of gorgeous Lake George and into Essex County. Nearby in Chestertown, the North Warren Trailblazers oversee trails around the northern part of Warren County; Chestertown, Pottersville, Brant Lake, Warrensburg. And, the Thurman Connection Snowmobile Club covers more than 120 miles of trails in northwestern Warren County.
Other Adirondack destinations include:
Inlet, Moose River and Long Lake Trail Systems. The area has a large system of interconnecting snowmobile trails between the Moose River Plains, and the towns of Indian Lake, Inlet and Long Lake.
Piseco, Lake Pleasant & Speculator. Groomed snowmobile trails from Wells to Morehouse which connect with 600 miles of county trails.
Tug Hill Plateau. Thousands of acres of public lands in and around Lowville, the region boasting more annual snowfall than any other place in the state (the winter of 1976-77 boasted more than 450 inches!), with more than 600 miles of groomed trail. Locals say, “The lake-effect storms off the east end of Lake Ontario guarantee the earliest and latest riding.”
Heading towards the Thousand Islands-Seaway?
Check out the St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association in Parishville. Along with maintaining the snowmobile trails in St. Lawrence County, the group will keep you up-to-date on the latest information about trails, locations, parking, etc. They’ll suggest beauties like:
Macomb Reservation State Park in Schuyler Falls, surrounded by state land. Here, you’ll find yourself in the heart of winter wilderness. Stop and savor the famed Salmon River.
Mongaup Pond State Campground, attracts outdoorsmen year round to Livingston Manor in the Catskills. Sledders love the 29 miles of snowmobile trails that weave through Forest Preserve land, surrounding a beautiful 120-acre lake.
… and beyond…
Hamlin Beach State Park lies at the south shore of Lake Ontario in the Finger Lakes region. Warm up in the Environmental Education Center in the Yanty Creek Marsh area after a day exploring the trails.
Letchworth State Park in Castile, called, “The Grand Canyon of the East,” boasts more than 14,350-acres of stunning parkland with several gorges reaching 600 ft., carved by the Genesee River.
Bound for the border?
If you plan on crossing into New York from Canada, there are things you must remember, like carrying the same paperwork you would if you planned on touring by automobile — photo ID, passport, proper registrations and insurances. The New York State Snowmobile Association has a list of helpful information on these and other questions you may have, like how to join a club, or where to buy or rent a sled!
Happy Trails!
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