Discover South Colton to Russell ATV Multi-Use Trail

A long ATV route through small towns and along remote multi-use trails.
TRAIL ACTIVITY
LENGTH
38.00 miles, One Direction
DIFFICULTY
Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Advanced
TOWNS
Clare, Colton, Russell
SURFACE
Gravel/Crushed Stone, Pavement/Cement, Groomed Snow
PETS
Permitted
FEES
Yes

Description

The center section of the trail opened in 2019. Starting in South Colton, this north–south route serves as a key link in the multi-use trail network, connecting riders to the Lewis County trail system. The trail extends approximately 39 miles one way, traveling primarily through a mix of private lands and state conservation easements.

Riders will experience a diverse landscape of scenic wooded trails, logging roads, wetlands, and picturesque stretches along Little Cold Brook and Pleasant Lake. The route passes through several conservation easement areas, including Molpus, Long Pond, Grass River, and Tooley Pond, offering a remote and immersive outdoor experience. Along Tooley Pond Road, riders can also enjoy views of a series of scenic waterfalls. (See the County Chamber waterfalls brochure).

Food and fuel stops are available in South Colton and Russell, making this a well-supported and enjoyable ride through the heart of the Raquette Valley region. 

Other Information

As of June 1, 2021, a multi-use trail permit is required for ATVs in St. Lawrence County. Purchase your permit here

ATV trail riding is a popular outdoor recreational activity in Northern New York. The St Lawrence County Multi-Use Trails are designated ATV trails that include trail segments on public and private lands, with a key feature being a trail system thru Ft Jackson and Brasher Forests and the newest trail thru NYSDEC Easements from South Colton to Russell. Select Town and County Roads are used to connect the off road sections of the trail and are identified with brown signs that include an ATV symbol.

St Lawrence County Multi-Use ATV Trails are open May 15 to September 15 (unless otherwise posted).

Trail Manager

For more information about ATV riding in St. Lawrence County, please contact:

St. Lawrence County Trails

St. Lawrence County Trails
Deb Christy
stlawrencetrails@twcny.rr.com
View website

Nearby Businesses

Trail Tips

Keep Wildlife Wild
Do not feed, follow, approach, or otherwise harass wild animals. Doing so may alter their natural behaviors. Store your food and trash securely and keep your camp tidy to prevent unwanted animal guests.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

Parking can be found at the

  • Racquette Valley Fish and Game in South Colton. 
  • Whippoorwill Corners Trail Head Parking by GT’s Restaurant in Russell.

Click on the Parking icons to get custom directions to the parking lots from your location.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Sign In or Create Account to add comments.
browntabby25
May 27, 2025
It should be noted that all OHVs are illegal on all roads in Colton so you should plan to either walk or drive a legal (i.e. car, truck, bike, or motorcycle) from the trail head in South Colton to the restaurants listed.
June 22, 2021
Hello Kim,
Thank you for your recommendation. We will look at making an easier filter for surfaces.
At this time, you can click on discover trails and filter a bit. For example, you can click to filter by hike or walk and then type gravel in the search box.

Each trail has use (hike, bike, etc) and surface identified, so it is possible at this time, but we can look at adding a surface filter on that search area.

Please let us know if there is something specific you are looking for and we can help give a few recommendations. Note that there is a Great 8 Challenge called the Riverside Run, which is great for trail running. There is also a loop challenge on the badges page for road cycling.

I hope this helps a bit.
Thank you again for your feedback.

Happy Trails
Brooke
ktwangler
June 22, 2021
It would be great to have a legend with a trail map that shows surface types for road bikers and runners.
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of STLC Trails: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…