The VisitTugHill.com web site is an all-season guide featuring a variety of recreational opportunities available in the Tug Hill Area, including cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, motorized and non-motorized trails, canoeing, kayaking and fishing access. The Tug Hill region is relatively unknown to most people. The activities listed
on this site are in keeping with the rural character of the region. This web site is an effort to encourage an appreciation of Tug Hill in a manner compatible with its character. Click here for a free copy of the printed version of the Tug Hill Recreation Guide.

 

The Tug Hill region is located roughly in the triangle formed by Watertown, Rome, and Syracuse. It encompasses approximately 2000 square miles. The area is relatively flat compared to other areas in New York State.
The most outstanding characteristic of the Tug Hill region is its undeveloped state. There are some small, scattered hamlets and villages along the outer edges of the region, but the core area is heavily forested and relatively unpopulated.
The area, because of its landform and location east of Lake Ontario, has the perfect conditions for lake effect snowstorms. These storms are responsible for the majority of the 200-300 inches of snow which fall each year, turning the region into a winter wonderland. The heavy snowfall is one of Tug Hill’s greatest recreational assets.
The region is also home to a variety of fish and wildlife. This, along with the vast areas of forested land, numerous rivers and streams, and heavy snowfall make this area prime for many recreational activities including cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and canoeing.

 

This recreation guide provides maps of the trails that give a general concept of the configuration of the trails and relative locations of landmarks. For more detailed trail planning, you may want to consult town and county highway maps and USGS topographic maps, which are available at some bookstores.

 
 
  While Tug Hill is not wilderness in a strict sense, its densely forested terrain can become confusing even to the most seasoned hiker and cross-country skier.
Wherever you plan to take an outing to go skiing, hiking, biking, or fishing, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Make sure you always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. In an emergency, you will be easier to locate.