Stone Valley
The trail in Stone Valley is one of the most popular nature walks in the North County. Following the shores of the Raquette River through Colton, you will be amazed with the scenery. There are a series of waterfalls that continue for a mile or more along the trail, which extends for two or more miles. Some falls offer swimming holes during the summer months when water is low. During the spring, be amazed with the power of the high water from the snow melt in the Adirondacks. In winter months expect the beginning of the trail to be slippery and use caution when walking along the river.
The river offers experienced kayakers a challenge and canoeists should not consider paddling this section of the river. There are a series of signs along the path describing some of the geological features of the area. To geologists this is a unique area, the connection of the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence Lowlands. Watch for the signs posted on the trees to learn more.
Directions:
If coming from the north take a left off of Route 68 onto Main Street in Colton, which is before Colton water tower. Continue down this road until reaching the stop sign. Go across Route 56 (this is the beginning of the directions if coming from any other direction), continuing on Main Street, proceed to the bridge over the Raquette River.
There are trails on both sides of the river.
- Just before the bridge there is a parking area on the left. Walk along the dirt road beyond the Hydroeletric dam until you come to a "wooden bridge" over the dam's giant outflow pipe. You can follow this trail to the end of the Stone Valley area at Brown's Bridge.
- Right after crossing the Raquette River bridge take the next left, onto Mill Street. Follow road for less then .2 miles and the road will dead end. This is the parking area. The trail starts at the end of the road and continues as a path to the waterfalls.
