Best Walking & Hiking Trails in Canton

(see more from the STLC Blog)

Top 6 Trails in Canton, New York

St. Lawrence County is home to countless miles of trails and other outdoor spaces, and the town of Canton is no exception. Popular for walking, running, and hiking (along with cycling and cross-country skiing), Canton offers any array of trails, including those with paved trails for accessibility, soft surfaces ideal for running, and beautiful views of the local trail system throughout. Many of these trails are also conveniently located on the two main college campuses and their surrounding areas. Both the State University of New York at Canton, better known as SUNY Canton, and St. Lawrence University act as trailheads to a large system of enjoyable spaces that are ready for public use.

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Easy and Moderate Trails

Canton trails offer something for everyone.

stairs and gravel trail along the cascade falls trail

1. Heritage Park Trail / Cascade Falls

The Heritage Park Trail is a short, well-maintained trail that loops around Coakley and Falls Islands in downtown Canton. The trail passes remnants of an old industrial site and cross a short boardwalk before leading back to the initial footbridge. The trail is marked by information boards on the industrial history of Canton and the local flora and fauna. Unmarked offshoots from the main trail open up to rocks and views along the Grasse River and Cascade Falls. Detailed info and maps HERE.

Easy

0.3 Mile Loop

Pavement/Cement, Dirt/Forest Floor, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Grass, Woodchips

kip trail lookout covered in snow in winter

2. Kip Trail

The Kip trail runs quite closely to the Saddlemire trail. So much so that you can connect them on Pike Road to create one large trail loop. Kip features approximately 2.2 miles of soft, bouncy footing through a beautiful forested area. My favorite time to use this trail is in the fall when the vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves scatter the air and ground to create an autumn dream land. This trail also features a boardwalk lookout over a scenic wetland. Detailed info and maps HERE.

Easy

2.2 Miles

Dirt/Forest Floor, Boardwalk/Bog Bridging

view of the remington trail paved path through the trees

3. Remington Recreational Trail

The Remington Trail, also known as the Partridge Loop, is a popular paved recreation loop that winds its way around the Partridge Run Golf Course. The smooth pavement is great for bikers, walkers, rollerbladers, and runners. There are two main entry points for the loop, one off Riverside Drive and the on Sullivan Drive where it is crossed by the Remington Trail next to the golf course parking. There is a playground 0.1 miles west of the Sullivan Drive entrance. Detailed info and maps HERE.

Easy

3.4 Mile Loop

Pavement, Cement

view along the saddlemire trail with a bench overlooking the river

4. SLU Saddlemire Trail

The Saddlemire trail is a 2.1 mile trail that covers scenery such as the Little River, tall grassy fields, a horse pasture, and more. This trail is a mixture between dirt terrain and sturdy boardwalks, to protect your feet from the marshy ecosystem below. It has two convenient entrances -- a newly developed parking lot located on Pike Road, and the aptly named Avenue of the Elms that connects directly to the St. Lawrence University campus and near its parking lot A. Along the way you will find educational kiosks, featuring information on local wildlife and plant species. Detailed info and maps HERE.

Easy

2.1 Miles

Dirt/Forest Floor, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Boardwalk/Bog Bridging

view of the river along the susan ferguson trail

5. SLU Susan Ferguson Trail

The Susan Ferguson Trail travels the perimeter of the St. Lawrence University athletics fields and is a popular spot for students, community members, and town visitors to take a stroll. The Woods Trail connects to add on another mile along the Little River on a more forested terrain for those wishing to extend their walk, run, or bike ride.

This spot is also home to the St. Lawrence University Cross Country course, you will find race mile markers all through the trail. Along the trail you will also come across a boat launch a short walk away on the other side of the river (just cross the bridge), a canoe shack available for student recreational use, tree species markers with educational signs, and spectacular views of the Little River. Detailed info and maps HERE.

Easy, Moderate

2.5 Miles

Dirt/Forest Floor

view of the canton cross country trail footbridge in winter

6. SUNY Canton Cross Country Trail

The SUNY Canton Cross Country Trail is a diverse trail that is promised to never be boring. Covering terrain from quaint footbridges over the Grasse River, to pavement, moving to grassy fields, and also forest floor, the SUNY Canton Trail is enjoyable all around. Detailed info and maps HERE.

Easy, Moderate

3.7 Miles

Dirt/Forest Floor, Gravel/Crushed Stone, Grass

Have You Tried a Great 8 Hike?

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Pick your favorite trail and start there, or complete the Great 8 Challenge by hiking all 8 trails in any category to earn yourself a Great 8 badge!

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