Here's Why You're Going to Want to BYO-Bike to St. Lawrence County, New York

  
As the largest county in New York State, St. Lawrence County is packed with everything that makes upstate NY so great. We’re talking about waterfalls, apple orchards, quaint bike-friendly B&Bs and award-winning wineries. Scenes so beautiful you could paint them, and museums full of paintings. Grazing cattle, sky-high hawks, very industrious beavers. Mountain climbs and river views. When summer comes, the best way to see everything is to hop on your bike and pedal.

 

Plan your route

The newly launched St. Lawrence County Trails website details more than 60 routes within and around the county. With more routes being added regularly, you’re sure to find a path worth taking as a walker, as a hiker, as a runner, or as a biker – especially as a biker. This cool interactive map lets you sort by road biking from mountain biking, which means you can easily determine distance, difficulty and, most importantly, what you’ll see along the way.
  

Pick your pace

Lampson FallsThe Whalen Park Trail, for example, is an easy ride along the St. Lawrence River. Plenty of benches mean ample opportunity for breaks to rest, read or relax. The 73-kilometre Lampson Falls Loop, in contrast, offers more experienced cyclists the chance to stop off at the falls – and experience the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. 

Frederic Remington Art Museum

Fans of artist Frederic Remington will want to take the ride named in his honor. Its 91 kilometres includes a stop in Ogdensburg to a museum dedicated to Remington’s work and conclude in scenic farmland that just happens to be home to the renowned River Myst Winery.  

The things you'll see along the way

If your bike comes with a basket, consider packing a fishing pole. The county has more than 200 rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes (check out the Wolf Lake State Forest Trail for especially good fishing in pristine surroundings). It also has one of the state’s fastest-growing Amish populations. Stands sell strawberries, maple syrup, furniture and other crafts, and you’ll almost certainly pass a horse-and-buggy. 

In 2014, barn quilts began appearing on buildings in St. Lawrence County. Barn quilts range from elaborate kaleidoscopes to simpler geometric shapes. You can see more than 100 barn quilts in the county, making for a vibrant panoramic as you ride through its rural communities.
  

Social cycling

If you’d prefer to go it with a group, consider registering for the Harvester. This annual cycling tour takes place on September 21, with proceeds going to local non-profit GardenShare, which combats food scarcity and hunger in the region by promoting healthy eating and sustainable farming. You’ll visit farms, stop at historical sites, and get to gape at the foliage. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the county’s cycling in a low-stress, high-impact way.
 

WHEN YOU GO:
Note that you’ll want to tote your passport if you plan to cross the US-Canadian border. Cross at the Seaway International Bridge in Cornwall or at Thousand Islands Bridge from Ontario into St. Lawrence County.