Many Tug Hill communities in the Northern Mohawk Valley fall at the foothills of the breath-taking Adirondack mountains and are reached by NYS Route 12, which runs north and south across the valley.
The Tug Hill region covers eastern Oneida County, an area that was developed with the construction of the Black River Canal System in 1850. This 35-mile canal connected to the Erie Canal at the lower portion of the valley in Rome and had a total of 109 locks.
The heritage of the Black River canal is celebrated in this region with a historical museum in Boonville and a trail system developed along portions of the former canal system known as the Black River Feeder Canal and the Black River Towpath.
The Northern Mohawk Valley is filled with scenic parks, lakes, rivers and trails that are ideal destinations for camping, hiking, kayaking, boating, and exploring hidden waterfalls and scenic gorges that characterize the Tug Hill terrain.
As with many Tug Hill communities, these Northern Mohawk Valley ones don’t lack for snow, and their large snowfalls attract many visitors for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling opportunities.
This region has also earned a reputation for its many antique shops and markets, filled with large varieties of furnishing, decors, books, and toys. Many items displayed reflect the quality craftmanship and materials used to create timeless pieces. For many visitors, rummaging through these shops is not only a relaxing experience, but also a challenging treasure hunt.
Of course, the region has several traditional festivals that draw thousands to the area to celebrate the Tug Hill heritage, including the annual Woodsmen’s Field Days in Boonville, which has competitors from throughout the world.
For those looking for an established downhill ski area, Woods Valley in Rome is located just outside the boundary of Tug Hill in the lower part of the Mohawk Valley. Opened in 1964, the facility has expanded over the decades and offers two-double chairlifts, a base lodge, state-of-the art snowmaking and grooming, extensive lighting for nights, three terrain parks and a new snow tubing area. woodsvalleyskiarea.com
Did You Know?
- Geologists estimate the rocks in the Trenton Area gorge within the Northern Mohawk Valley are approximately 450 million years old, and its limestone is reported to be abundant with fossils.
- The remains of several locks from the old Black River Canal System are visible along NYS Route 12 near Boonville.
For more information:
- Oneida County Tourism | oneidacountytourism.com
- Boonville Chamber of Commerce | boonvillechamber.com
- Trenton Chamber of Commerce | trentonchamber.com