Make the Most of Winter
Take on the Tug Hill Winter Fun Challenge
The Tug Hill Winter Fun Challenge
Snowshoe, XC Ski, Downhill Ski, Tube Sled, Fat Bike, Mush and more — there's an adventure to suit everyone!
Join our winter challenge and explore the magical snow-filled landscapes and wildlife habitats in the Tug Hill Region
Choose any of Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust's scheduled winter programs AND/OR choose to experience an activity on your own. They all qualify!
Take part in a minimum of 8 adventures from the large range of possibilities, then go to the Winter Fun Challenge form, list your sites, tell us about your experiences, and submit!
Once your challenge form is received, we'll send you your choice of a Winter Fun Challenge Patch or Decal to congratulate you on your accomplishment!
To document your experiences, upload photos or stories:
- Nature shots
- Wildlife you've spotted
- Fun times with your family or pet
Would you like to have more winter fun options?
Help us protect more important Tug Hill winter landscapes by donating to Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust! Any amount makes a difference.
Find An Experience
Check out the Tug Hill Recreation Guide Winter Fun Challenge maps and information links below. Look for a XC ski icon on the trail map indicating that winter activity is allowed.
NOTE: With the exception of BREIA and Winona Forest trails, sites in the Recreation Guide are generally marked, but not groomed, so be prepared to break trail. This includes NYS Parks and Forests.
Hit the Trails
With 29 Trail Maps and a lot of local community information read the Tug Hill Recreation Guide
- Kanik Calcium Nature Trail
- Thompson Park Trails
- Black River Trail
- Poor's Island/Kamargo Trail
- Felts Mills Trails
- Carthage Park & Long Falls Park Trails
- Joseph Blake Jr. Wildlife Sancturary
- Tug Hill State Forest
- Glasier & Murrary Historic Farms Trails
- Washington Park Trails
- Winona Forest Trails
- Whitaker Park - not accessible in winter
15. Salmon River Falls Unique Area / Reservoir
17. East Branch of Fish Creek State Forest
18. Carpenter Road Cross Country Ski & Hiking Trails
19. Oswego County Nature Park at Camp Zerbe
21. BREIA Jackson Hills Trails
Use Avenza Maps® app to view the PDF on your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Using your mobile device’s built-in GPS, track your location, plot locations and photos, measure distance and area, and more.
Additional Sites to Experience
In addition to sites in the Tug Hill Recreation Guide, the following private facilities are also included in the Winter Fun Challenge.
Please note that most of these charge lift or trail use fees, and offer equipment rentals.
Click on the links or call the site directly for more info.
Do you want to snowmobile?
Start with the NYS Snowmobile Association.
Guided Snowshoe Outings with Great-Lot Camp
Jefferson County
Dry Hill Ski Area, Watertown
Downhill skiing, tubing
Dry Hill: A Family Ski Area
Lewis County
Winery, vineyard, and more
XC ski/snowshoe on property – no marked trails or grooming
Tug Hill Estate
Maple Ridge Center, Lowville
Longest tubing run in the region
Maple Ridge Center: Cross Country Ski & Tubing Trails
Snow Ridge Ski Resort, Turin
Downhill skiing
Snow Ridge Ski Resort
Osceola Ski & Sport Resort, Osceola
XC ski/snowshoe – groomed trails
Osceola Ski & Sport Resort: New XC Skiing in The Tug Hill
Osceola Tug Hill XC Ski Center, Osceola
XC ski – groomed trails
Osceola Tug Hill XC Ski in Camden, NY
Oneida County
Verona Beach State Park, Verona Beach
Snowmobile, ice fish, XC ski, snowshoe
Verona Beach State Park
Tug Hill Outfitters, Williamstown
Trails open only for special events such as XC ski/snowshoe events, navigation courses, races, etc.
Tug Hill Outfitters: Guided kayak & canoe trips. Kayak lessons. Skiing & snowshoeing events.
Oswego County
Winona Forest Recreation Association offers a variety of winter events in the Winona State Forest
Check WFRA's event schedule before heading out
Snowmobile, snowshoe, XC ski, fat bike, mush
Trails groomed and marked
Winona Forest Recreation Association
Tug Hill is Wild... Be Prepared
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.
There are considerations you should keep in mind to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Cell phone coverage is limited, especially in the core area.
Make sure you have the proper clothing, maintained equipment, and emergency and first-aid supplies. The weather in the Tug Hill region can be very unpredictable, especially with lake-effect storms in the winter. The area is wet in the spring and summer, consideration should be given for mosquitos, deer flies, ticks and other pests.
COVID-19
How to Social Distance on the Trails
Responsible, respectful, local recreation outdoors is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household and family members and friends, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing.
STAY LOCAL
Stay close to home. Keep visits short. Avoid high-traffic destinations.
BE SAFE
Avoid crowds and groups. Recreate only with members of your immediate household. Keep a distance of 6 feet or more from others. Alert others as you're about to pass or step aside to let people pass. Wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing.
BE READY
Move quickly through parking lots, trailheads, and scenic areas. If crowded, choose a different park, trail, or time to visit.
STAY HOME
If you're not feeling well, stay home. Anyone with a compromised immune system should postpone their visit.
STAY CURRENT
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