Railway historical group opposes Lewis County rail-to-trail conversion
The Railway Historical Society of Northern New York opposes removing rails as part of Lewis County’s proposed rail-to-trail project, while county officials say trails alongside the tracks remain possible.
By the ClickNNY North Country Desk
The Railway Historical Society of Northern New York is opposing Lewis County’s plan to convert miles of railway into recreational trails if the project requires removing the rails. Society members say the tracks support local history and tourism and that a trail could instead be built alongside the existing rail line.
The group is not opposed to a trail system but wants to preserve the railway’s use for historical and tourism activities. County Manager Tim Hunt has said several designs remain under consideration, including the possibility of placing trails alongside the tracks. The society says tourist rail operations could attract visitors to the area.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.
ClickNNY Guide · Thousand Islands
Fishing the St. Lawrence River after summer: a fall and ice fishing guide to the Thousand Islands
When the tour boats leave, the St. Lawrence becomes a different river. Here's what's biting in the fall, how ice fishing works, exactly what to bring, how to stay safe, and where to stay, whether you're visiting for the first time or have lived here all your life.
ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
Your first North Country winter: a survival guide for Fort Drum soldiers from the South
Never driven on snow, owned a snow blower or felt a February morning at Fort Drum? Here's what to wear, what to keep in your car and how to get through your first lake-effect winter.
ClickNNY Guide · Winter
Are we ready for another North Country winter?
From heating bills and snow tires to lake-effect storms and the first big snowfall, Northern New York is getting ready for another winter. But how prepared are we really?