The Lewis County woods and waters provide an endless source of outdoor entertainment and, in the summertime, one can enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, hiking, biking, golfing, and camping. ATV trails are also available for all-terrain enthusiasts.
THE TRAILS
Lewis County is filled with scenic trails, abandoned roads, and deserted railroad beds which allow for mountain biking, ATV riding, backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding. Much of the county is public land, and a quarter of the county is located in the Adirondack Park. The horse trails at Otter Creek on Chase Lake Road in Glenfield offer over 65 miles of diverse, winding trails along spirea flats and wooded areas. The biking in Lewis County can't be beaten for scenery and trail diversity, satisfying all ages and levels of skill. For an overview of the region, try the -Tour de Tug-, an annual 30 mile bicycle tour of the Hill.
* County bike map is available at the Chamber office.
* Otter Creek Trail Map is available at the Chamber office.
* ATV Trail Map is available from the Chamber for a nominal fee.
CAMPING
To the camper, Lewis County offers a full range of facilities. There are several private campgrounds, as well as Whetstone Gulf State Park, Whittaker Falls Park, Happy Hollow, and Babcock Campgrounds. Many of the sites have electricity and water for the camper, and there are hundreds of sites with full hook-ups. In addition, the state lands (including the Adirondack Preserve) have many primitive sites for those who like to rough it.
GOLF
Lewis County has four golf courses open to the public upon payment of greens fees.
The 18-hole Turin Highlands Golf Club in Turin is about one mile from both Route 12 and Route 26. The restored colonial farmhouse offers players food and drink.
The Brantingham Golf Club, about eight miles from Route 12 near Brantingham Lake, is an 18-hole course. It includes a restaurant and bar.
The semi-private Carlowden Country Club is just off Route 26 at Denmark. This 18-hole course and restaurant overlooks the beautiful Black River Valley.
The Cedars Golf Course is located on the East Road (County Route 19) between Castorland and Lowville. Its facilities include a club house and pro shop.
CANOEING
For the canoeist, there is a choice between the rapid, swiftly flowing waters of the Moose River through a wild remote area or the smooth and quiet waters of the Black River and Beaver River. There are also a number of small lakes and ponds where quiet solitude grants the canoeist a chance to observe wildlife in its native habitat, to fish, or just relax and enjoy nature's bountiful assets.
* The Black River Canoe Trail map and guide, as well as other waterways maps, is available at the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce.
* The Lewis County Chamber of Commerce sponsors an annual RiverFest on the 1st Saturday of August along the quiet waters of the historic Black River.
FISHING
With the abundant number of fish stocked in the waters of Lewis County, the only tough decision an avid fisherman needs to make is deciding where to cast off. The lakes, rivers, and streams in the region provide some of the best fishing opportunities in the North Country for trout, bass, pike, perch, bullhead, and many other varieties. From novice to expert, young or old, everyone can find that special spot where the fish are biting. Important information about watersheds is available at The Lewis County Soil & Water Conservation District.
OTHER WATER SPORTS
The four largest lakes in Lewis County are Lake Bonaparte, Chase Lake, Brantingham Lake, and Beaver Lake. On these, the vacationer may sail, water ski, fish, canoe, kayak, or swim. There are also a number of small lakes, ponds, and streams. State, local, and private boat launching sites provide access to all water sports.
On Tug Hill every summer, the annual snowmobile watercross races in Martinsburg attract thousands of anxious snowmobilers waiting for the winter snows to arrive.
