County to begin review of trail system

CANTON — St. Lawrence County is taking the first step toward a far-reaching multipurpose trail system.

Legislators recently approved diving into the state's environmental review process for a countywide hiking, cycling, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trail.

"Before we get into any of that, there's a lot that has to happen," said Legislator Alex A. MacKinnon, R-Fowler.

The trail is the county's lofty goal, but the recreational trail committee is instead looking to develop smaller projects throughout the county that could be connected someday.

By starting the environmental review process for the whole county, the committee's work will be eligible for funding from a $25,000 Essential New York grant the county's Economic Development Office received to boost the economy in its mountainous eastern areas.

The smaller projects likely will be similar to the approximately 22-mile pilot trail expected to open in a few weeks in Parishville.

"To do anything beyond the pilot system, we need to look broader," Mr. MacKinnon said. "We're looking to get the SEQR process started in the event we want to go that route."

It took almost four years of planning to create the Parishville trail. The county was encouraged by ATV users who wanted a dedicated place to ride.

That trail is open to all users.