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| Home > New York > Lewis County |
Lewis County ATV Trail System
Friday, February 7, 2025
| Other Names | Tug Hill ATV Trails, Black River, Adirondacks |
| Last Known Status | Closed For Season |
This area was created by a cooperative effort between the county with some private land owners and offers a total network of over 84 miles motorized trails and 450 miles of seasonal roads plus a separate 144 acre play area. The trail system is open to quads, side by sides and dirt bikes.
Most of the trails wind through dense forest to open grassy meadows. Terrain ranges from wide hard packed dirt and gravel roads to twisty and narrow ATV trails with scattered mud puddles and loose chunk rock. The trail system is regularly maintained by local clubs and has signage and bridge crossings.
There are numerous campgrounds and restaurants located along or close to the trail system that cater to offroad visitors during the summer season and to snowmobiles during the winter months.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Lewis County ATV Trail Permit |
| Dates Open | After April 1st (based on conditions) - Tuesday after Columbus Day | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (70 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | (maximum width 70 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | |
 Camping | Some Areas | permitted in designated camping areas |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) permitted in designated areas |
| Night Riding | No | daylight to dusk, only forward momentum after 12am |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | keep vehicle on trail |
| Rule Enforcement | Yes | Dedicated Rangers/Officers Armed OfficersATV/Saddle Mounted Patrol Lewis County Sheriffs Department |
| Comment | Vehicles must have current insurance to obtain trail permit. | |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 12,000 acres (19 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 100 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 900 to 1200 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Some | |
| Hard Pack |  Mostly | |
| Sand |  Little | |
| Mud | Some | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees | Some | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Water Crossings |  None | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Few | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | Some | |
| Shade | Some | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little | |
| Comment | Trail system has over 84 miles of off road trails and 450 miles of seasonal roads open to OHV's up to 2000lbs. | |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | Private, County Land |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | Lowville, NY | See Map or adirondackstughill.com |
| Diesel | Lowville, NY | See Map or adirondackstughill.com |
 Water | Lowville, NY | See Map or adirondackstughill.com |
 RV Hookup | Lowville, NY | See Map or adirondackstughill.com |
 RV Disposal | Lowville, NY | See Map or adirondackstughill.com |
| Campground | 1-5 Miles (S) | See Map or adirondackstughill.com |
 Conv Store | Lowville, NY | See Map or adirondackstughill.com |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | Yes ($65.00 per OHV) $65.00 for the first OHV annual pass, then $20 for any additional in the same household) ($20.00 for a 3 day pass per OHV) |
| Camping | (None)Select locations by permit |
| Comment | Riders with an active club membership to a participating ATV Club get a $20 discount. |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Very Good |
| Recommended Stay | 1-2 Days |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Lowville, NY | ||
| From: Lowville, NY
1)**See trail map for multiple staging areas. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Recreation, Forestry, And Parks 7660 N State Street Lowville, NY 13367 (315) 376-5972 trails@lewiscounty.ny.gov lewiscountyny.gov |
Lewis County Trail Photo
Lewis County is home to the Annual SNIRT Run, a snow and mud poker run usually held around mid April. The event is very popular, and usually attracts about 5,000 riders.
Lewis County Trail Photo
Autumn is one of the most popular times to explore the Lewis County Trail System (peak fall color usually begins around early to late October).
Lewis County Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 10/18/2013 (Thanks!)
Lewis County Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 2/24/2014 (Thanks!)
Lewis County Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 8/7/2011 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS