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BLUEWAY TRAIL GUIDEBOOK This Blueway Trail Guidebook is an introduction to the outdoor recreation resources and waterfront communities along the Oswegatchie River in New York’s North Country. It includes three sections: • About the Blueway Trail: An introduction to the Oswegatchie River and its recreation opportunities; • Stops Along the River: A description of the Blueway Trail’s North Country communities, highlighting attractions to help plan your trip; and • Visitor Services: A listing of things like places to stay, restaurants and general stores to ensure a comfortable stay. The guidebook welcomes you to experience the serene wilderness and rural lifestyle that define the Oswegatchie River Blueway Trail. Funding for the Guidebook provided by: St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency Special Thanks to: Barbara Lashua, Mayor, Village of Heuvelton Village of Heuvelton Andrea Smith, Planning & Community Development Director, City of Ogdensburg BLUEWAY TRAIL 1 Blueway Trail Guidebook Inside the Guidebook About the Blueway Trail 3 The Oswegatchie River 4 Mapping the Blueway Trail 6 Stops Along the River 13 North Country Communities 14 Ogdensburg 16 Heuvelton & Rensselaer Falls 20 Gouverneur 22 Edwards & Harrisville 24 Cranberry Lake 26 Visitor Services 29 Business Directories 30 Communities 30 Hospitals 31 Places to Stay 31 Restaurants 32 Shops 34 Tourism Websites 37 The Oswegatchie River 2 The Oswegatchie River Blueway Trail invites you to come spend the day paddling along the river and exploring the outdoors of New York’s North Country. BLUEWAY TRAIL 3 About the Blueway Trail The Oswegatchie River Blueway Trail connects and supports recreation along the River. The trail follows the River as it flows quietly through flatwater, trips through rapids and cascades over dams and falls. Experience the Oswegatchie from the water and be rewarded with views you won’t see from a car. Leave behind the busy streets for a voyage into the true North Country. Photograph by Mwanner 4 The Oswegatchie River Winding through pristine wilderness areas, farmers’ fi elds and historic communities, the Oswegatchie River provides a glimpse into life in the North Country. Here you can reconnect with the raw beauty of nature. A place where your compass is your guide and you can see the stars at night. About the River The Oswegatchie River covers approximately 450 miles and flows north from its headwaters in the Adirondacks to the City of Ogdensburg where it empties into the St. Lawrence River. The elevation of the River and its watershed ranges from 2,503 to 239 feet above sea level. With areas of flatwater and whitewater, the Oswegatchie River has an array of water-based recreation opportunities. Refer to the back cover for a Regional Context Map OswegatchieO River Blueway Trail Context Map BLUEWAY TRAIL 5 Outdoor Recreation Capturing your sense of adventure, the Oswegatchie River Blueway Trail offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Trail is a destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of activities including... Paddling Boating With flatwater and whitewater In the flatwater areas of the areas, the River offers a wide range Oswegatchie River, visitors can of canoeing and kayaking trips for enjoy motorized and non-motorized experienced and novice paddlers. boating excursions. Access to the River can be found on New York State Department of Camping Environmental Conservation (DEC) No outdoor retreat is complete Land and at specific boat launch without a chance to sleep under locations. the stars. Throughout the Blueway Trail there are several types of camping facilities available Fishing including campgrounds, lean-tos A variety of warmwater fish can and primitive campsites. be found in the Oswegatchie River including large and small mouth bass, northern pike, pan fish, brook Exploring trout and splake. Check with the The River connects to hiking, biking, New York State DEC for fishing cross-country skiing, snowshoeing license information (www.dec. and snowmobiling trails for a ny.gov) complete water and land expedition into the North Country. 6 Mapping the Blueway Trail All along the Blueway Trail are opportunities for outdoor recreation that will make your journey into the North Country a memorable one. The four Blueway Trail Area Maps shown in this chapter identify the outdoor recreation facilities and att ractions to help plan your trip. Key Map The Blueway Trail is divided into four Area Maps that detail the outdoor recreation facilities and attractions along and around the Oswegatchie River. Each map is numbered and corresponds to the numbered rectangles on the adjacent key map. Additional Resources For more detailed paddling and hiking maps, the New York State DEC has extensive trail and fishing guides. See the map collection and interactive mapping tool on the DEC website (www. dec.ny.gov). Also available on the DEC website is information regarding hunting and fishing licenses. Other map sources that may be helpful are the US Geological Survey Topographical maps that show bbodiesodies ofof waterwater andand elevationelevation (www.usgs.gov).(www.usgs.gov). BLUEWAY TRAIL Safety First When paddling on the river always be sure to wear a life jacket, scout the river for hazards before departing and follow other proper safety precautions. Additional hiking and paddling 7 safety information can be found at www.dec.ny.gov Each Blueway Trail Map highlights the following features: Rapids Campground Waterfalls Lean-to Dam Primitive Campsite Boat Launch (Motorized) Trails Boat Launch (Non-Motorized) Winter Trails Beach Blueway Trail Area Map #1 8 BLUEWAY TRAIL Blueway Trail Area Map #2 9 Blueway Trail Area Map #3 10 BLUEWAY TRAIL Blueway Trail Area Map #4 11 12 BLUEWAY TRAIL 13 Stops Along the River As you meander through the North Country along the Oswegatchie River Blueway Trail you’ll find unique attractions off the beaten path. The Blueway Trail reveals a variety of places to stop for a picnic, to see and experience authentic local heritage and culture or pick up some local goods in the area’s small community hubs – all while enjoying the River’s rustic charm. Photograph by Mwanner 14 North Country Communities Located at the northern reaches of New York State, the Blueway Trail is characterized by its scenic qualities and isolated countryside. This area is also rich in cultural and industrial heritage refl ecting its wealth of natural resources and position at the State’s northern frontier. Today the Oswegatchie River is dott ed with quaint North Country community hubs, the largest being the City of Ogdensburg and Village of Gouverneur. The following section highlights primary stops along the Blueway Trail from the north at the City of Ogdensburg and traveling south to the River’s headwaters in the Adirondacks. Top Left: Horse and buggy traffic through Heuvelton Top Right: Edwards Opera House Bottom Left: Grand View Island ParkPark inin HHarrisvillearrisville BottomBottom RRight:ight: MMapleaple CitCityy Trail inin OgdensburOgdensburgg BLUEWAY TRAIL 15 Fort La Présentation at Lighthouse Point 16 Ogdensburg Photograph from the St. Lawrence County Chamber At the mouth of the Oswegatchie River where it meets the of Commerce St. Lawrence River, the City of Ogdensburg is the largest urban area along the Blueway Trail. Here you can gear up for your trip into the wilderness of the North Country, but fi rst be sure to visit these key att ractions... Frederic Remington Art Museum Ogdensburg Public Library and Library Park Showcasing an extensive collection Frederic The Ogdensburg Public Library is set in a Remington’s artistic works and personal beautiful Victorian mansion that overlooks artifacts, the Frederic Remington Art the outdoor amenities of the Library Park. Museum provides a great opportunity to During the summertime the park features learn about American art history. The concerts and weddings. museum is also home to Kid’s Place at the Eva Remington Education Center, 312 Washington St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 (315) 393-4325 www.ogdensburgpubliclibrary.org where children of all ages can take part in interactive art exhibits. Ogdensburg Command Performances 303 Washington St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 The George Hall Auditorium is home to the (315) 393-2425 www.fredericremington.org Ogdensburg Command Performances, which presents professional touring productions Fort de La Présentation for theater entertainment in the North Located at Lighthouse Point, Fort de Country. Skyline La Présentation is home to an historic View of 1100 State St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 monument and interpretive signs at a Ogdensburg (315) 393-2625 www.ilovetheatre.org picturesque spot along the waterfront Photograph by P199 in Ogdensburg. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Commerce St, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 (315) 394394-1749-1749 www.www.fort1749.orgfort1749.org BLUEWAY TRAIL 17 Bird’s-Eye View of Ogdensburg Historic Places While walking along the streets of 18 Ogdensburg you’ll find a collection of historic resources including: Acker & Evans Law Offi ce at 315 State Street Judge John Fine House at 422 State Street Liberty Park Historic District along Washington Street and Caroline Street New York State Arsenal at 100 Lafayette Street Ogdensburg Armory at 225 Elizabeth Street Oswegatchie Pumping Station on Mechanic Street US Customs House on North Water Street US Post Offi ce at 431 State Street Top: US Customs House Bottom: Ogdensburg Armory Maple City Trail A walk along the Maple City Trail takes you on a 2.2-mile paved pathway that follows the banks of the Oswegatchie River. From here you can see different types of trees, aquatic plants and flowers. Many different creatures have been spotted here, including fox, beaver, mink and deer. www.ogdensburg.org/facilities/facility/details/Maple- City-Trail-9 Eel Weir State Park Just south of Ogdensburg along the Oswegatchie River amid towering oak and pine trees is the small charming Eel Weir State Park. The park features 38 campsites, showers, a picnic area with grills, pavilion and boat launches.