Ten Rivers Recreational Area
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The Ten Rivers Region is centered at precisely the point where three great counties meet, on the base of historic Coney Mountain, along the famous Totten and Crossfield boundary line that crosses N.Y. Route 30, known as the Adirondack Trail. They are Franklin, St. Lawrence and Hamilton Counties. From here a secluded, but well worn trail will lead you to the summit of Coney Mountain, |
| From here a secluded, but well worn trail will lead you to the summit of Coney Mountain, the core of the Ten Rivers Region. You can gaze out atop Coney upon the Heartland of the Adirondacks. Within thirty miles of Coneys summit are the headwaters to ten renowned Adirondack rivers and thousands of crystalline lakes, hidden ponds, frothy brooks and winding streams. | |
Cold River: Headwaters at Duck Hole/Preston Ponds
Raquette River: Headwaters at Blue Mountain Lake
Beaver River: Headwaters at Lake Lila
Marion River: Headwaters at Blue Mountain Lake
Hudson River: Headwaters at Lake Tear in the Clouds/Upper Works
Oswegatchie River: Headwaters at Cranberry Lake/Partlow Mill Dam
St. Regis River: Headwaters at Upper St. Regis Lake/Fish Pond
Bog River: Headwaters at Lows Lake
Grass River: Headwaters at Massawepie Lake/Center Pond
Saranac River: Headwaters at Upper Saranac Lake
1. St. Regis Wilderness Canoe Area
This is a pond-hoppers paradise. Many of the carries are short and most routes can be done as an unencumbered day trip. The classic is the "Seven Carries Route," a nine-mile trek from Little Clear Pond to Paul Smiths, traversing ten lakes and ponds. Various loop-trips start from Follensby Clear, Floodwood and Fish Creek ponds. Short carries connect these popular series of small ponds and channels. You can expand these loops by including the traverse between Long and Hoel ponds. A loop around the St. Regis Lakes, which requires a 0.6-mile carry, offers the opportunity to view several Great Camps and take a side trip into Black Pond. You may need more time and a lightweight canoe for the "Nine Carries Route." A cluster of ponds and a unique esker awaits you at Fish Pond after a demanding 1.5 mile carry. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
From the top of Upper Saranac to the east end of Lower Saranac is a 17.5 mile waterway with only one half-mile carry. There are several lean-tos and many campsites along the shore and on the islands. A fee is charged for DEC administered state campsites on Lower and Middle Saranac. For Memorial day to Labor Day call 1-800-CAMP for information. This popular route continues through Oseetah Lake into the village of Saranac Lake. Launch sites are available at Saranac Inn on Upper Saranac (Rt. 30), the South Creek entrance to Middle Saranac (Rt. 3), and the State boat launch on Lower Saranac (Rt. 3). There is also a public launch (no parking at the site) at the southern end of Upper Saranac near the site of the old Wawbeek Hotels. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
3. Raquette River / Piercefield (Check the International Scale of Difficulty and guidebook before attempting.)
The 17-mile stretch from Piercefield to Carry Falls Reservoir offers the Raquettes most exciting whitewater. Starting at the dam near Piercefield, the river winds north through a series of rapids and over two waterfalls. Park your car at the rest area off Rt. 3 and launch at Dead Creek. Go 0.8 miles to the river. State land boarders most of this area and carry trails skirt some of the harder sections. Water level is critical and it can fluctuate due to dam releases. Below Carry Falls begins a 27-mile stretch of the Raquette and is the setting of the largest inland hydroelectric installation in New York. Niagra Mohawk maintains carry routes between reservoirs as well as picnic areas, boat ramps, beaches and campgrounds. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
This lake is fed by the Raquette River at the north end and by the Bog River at the south. Moody Wildlife Marsh, a shallow delta and emergent wetland connect Tupper Lake, Simon and Raquette Ponds. Access from the state boat launch on Rt. 30 south of Tupper Lake Village or take the cross lake trip from the Rock Island Bay turn-off on route 30, 7-miles south of the state launch. State land on Tupper Lakes undeveloped western shore has a lean-to and campsites. Numbered campsites are also found along the road to the Bog River, NYS Rt. 421.
A steep, 0.4 mile well maintained trail leads into Bridge Brook Pond from a secluded bay on Tuppers west shore. Its worth a trip, if only to see the huge beaver lodges found in numbers at its upper end. A tour of Tupper Lake isnt complete without paddling by the sheer 100-foot cliff of Devils Pulpit on Bluff Island or viewing the 30-foot Bog River Falls as it cascades into the lake beneath a historic stone arch bridge. Carry to the top of the falls and you enjoy a still-water paddle upstream for two miles. Watch for the return of bald eagles in the Moody Wildlife Marsh during the March ice-out. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
5. Lows Lake / Bog River Flow (Check the International Scale of Difficulty and guidebook before attempting.)
Just getting into Lows Lake is an adventure. From the lower dam, this 11-mile paddle, with one short carry at the upper dam, traverses a beautiful narrow waterway. The wide expanse of Lows Lake then opens up with marshes to the south and a backdrop of rugged mountains to the north. Islands and bays provide refuge when its windy. There are 39 designated campsites. The Lower Bog has 7 miles of intermittent class 11 water. Study is required before going over Pas Falls. High water levels and expert level skills are required. For the ambitious, a three-mile carry at the west end of the lake leads to the Upper Oswegatchie River. Your reward is huge white pines, vast wilderness and an 18-mile downstream cruise to Inlet, the site of a former grand Adirondack hotel. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
This area is known for the virgin white pines that tower over the waterway above High Falls. Starting at Inlet, you must first paddle upstream on this scenic winding river. Stopping at one of the campsites along the way may be more enjoyable than staying in the High Falls area, which is often filled to capacity. Above the falls you leave the crowds behind as you lift over beaver dams, paddling deeper into a remote wilderness. This 40-mile round-trip paddle takes a minimum of two days. The many hiking trails winding through the area are accessible at several points along the river. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
Flows and bays extending out in every direction invite exploration and offer refuge on windy days. Many hiking trails originating on the lake shore lead to remote ponds and overlooks on mountain tops. There are 46 designated campsites on the lake. On the Outlet of Cranberry Lake, the Oswagatchie River, a brief section of Class II rapids can be avoided by starting 1.8-miles downstream. The rest of the river is a flatwater winding through Chaumont Swamp on its way to the Newton Falls reservoir. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
Pond-hop among the many small lakes or paddle 8.5-miles down through the Massawepie Mire and Grass River Flow. Access is from Route 3 through the Boy Scout Camp at Massawepie. Look for the many well marked parking lots. Glaciers formed this unique area into a scenic wonderland of kettle ponds, eskers, and a 900 acre peatland with the 40-foot Burnt Rock in the midst of it all. The area is closed to the public from June 15 to August 31. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
9. South Branch Grass River / Tooley Pond Tract (Check the International Scale of Difficulty and guidebook before attempting.)
It's best to make this trip during the spring or periods of high water. Travel 4.5-miles south of Route 3 through the Boy Scout Camp at Massawepie to the four corner intersection, turn right and then bear left to the John Hancock gate. There is a small parking lot. Put in at the bridge. This is a beautiful trip through wetlands and marsh over many beaver dams. At the end of the flow, portage around the dam, and on the right look for a landing with an uphill slope. Portage a few hundred feet to the state-owned Balsam Pond. A parking area is within 150' of Route 3.
The first 1.2 miles north of Route 3 consist of Class 1-111 rapids. The rest of this scenic corridor is a flatwater, about 7 miles to the Spruce Mountain Road and the beginning of the Tooley Pond Tract. From here on the rough waters (falls and rapids) are relatively well dispersed. Wildlife sightings may be frequent in this remote area. Each carry around rapids and falls will be clearly marked as well as several take-out points, with an unrunnable falls at Copper Rock (just above the Tooley Pond Road) at the Newbridge takeout. It is recommended that guidebooks be obtained and read carefully before kayaking, canoeing or rafting on this river. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
This exciting new acquisition contains an extensive and historic system of navigable lakes and streams which are readily accessible by canoe and kayak. Hand launch from the headquarters lot, as this is the only approved location for waterway access. From this single put-in you can explore Little Tupper Lake. With a short carry on Rock Pond Outlet, easily paddle to Rock Pond. A canoe carry trail has been cut from the northern shoreline of Lilypad Pond to Shingle Shanty Brook for the more adventurous. Be prepared to carry around beaver dams and blowdown on your paddle to Lake Lila. Little Tupper Lake is the home of a genetically unique "heritage" strain of brook trout. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
This beautiful lake has 17 designated campsites and is surrounded by state land. Access the Beaver River form the southwest shore of the lake. There are seven islands, tall white pines and sandy beaches. A 0.3-mile carry leads from the parking area to the sandy launch site. For a great view of the lake and the high peaks beyond, follow the blue markers from Lilas western shore. Start near the lean-to and take the 1.6-mile hike up to the top of Mt. Frederica. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
12. Raquette River between Long Lake and Tupper Lake
For thirty miles the Raquette River meanders between sandy wooded banks in one of the largest wetland complexes in the Adirondacks. Traveling with the current, this leisurely paddle allows time for unparalleled bird watching and wildlife viewing. The best viewing is in the spring and fall during peak waterfowl migration periods. Campsites and lean-tos appear at intervals along the way. A 1.3-mile canoe carry is necessary at Raquette Falls. By paddling up the outlet of Stony Creek Ponds you access Upper Saranac Lake and routes to the north. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
The prevailing west to east winds are usually to your back on this 14-mile "long" lake. There are a number of campsites and lean-tos on state land along the eastern shore, north of Long Lake Village. For an enjoyable paddle through a scenic corridor lined with white pine, red spruce and balsam fir, take the 4.7-mile cruise up Big Brook. The entrance to Big Brook can be found about half-way down the lake along the western shoreline and north of the village. It is a difficult upstream route best done at high water in the spring. At the north end of the Lake you will arrive at wilderness beach, a beautiful 0. 7 mile sandy beech near the outflow of the Raquette River. Nearby, Cold River flows into the Lake. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
The best access is from Rt. 30 at Long Lake. Canoe up the lake to the headwaters and watch for signage. Cold River flows into the Raquette from the Northeast. Travel up Cold River for excellent brook trout fishing. Highbush cranberry abounds along the streambanks of this river and will atract a myriad of wildlife to view during autumn. The Adirondack hermit Noah J. Rondeau had his camp on this famous Adirondack river. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
15. Forked Lake (Check the International Scale of Difficulty and guidebook before attempting.)
The shores of this lake are mostly privately owned and underdeveloped. State land boarders the southeast shore, and the east and west end of this beautiful 7-mile lake. To continue down the Raquette you must carry the 1.5 miles. This is followed by several short carries, flatwater and Class II rapids to Long Lake. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
Raquette River, the longest canoeable waterway in the Adirondack Park begins here. The many bays of this large lake will provide hours of exploration. Along the way youre sure to spot at least one Great Camp. Take time to paddle the two-mile channel of South Inlet. To the west, Browns Tract Inlet winds through a marsh that provides excellent wildlife viewing to a one-mile carry that connects to Eighth Lake on the Fulton Chain. From the northeast outlet bay, a half-mile carry leads to Forked Lake. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
17. Blue Mountain Lake / Marion River
Paddle among the many small islands on this mountain-ringed lake before heading west to the outlet and into narrow Eagle and Utowana lakes. A half-mile carry at the west end of the lakes follows the route of the former railroad. View wildlife though open meadows and marsh as the Marion river winds its way to Raquette Lake. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
A 3-mile long shallow body of water has a beautifully situated State campsite on its shore and at its upper end. There are several rocky points and islets suitable for picnics. It is located on the west side of Route 30, four miles south of Blue Mountain Lake hamlet. At Lake Durants upper end is a low wooden bridge marking the entrance to a the "wilderness" pond. Otters have been seen playing just beyond the bridge. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
Start on the public beach at either lake for a scenic 7.5-mile round-trip cruise. The Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center occupies part of Rich Lakes shoreline. There are small navigable riffles between most of the four bodies with a short portage. Warning! Do not proceed south, beyond the Route 28N bridge or you will be committed to running the turbulent Hudson River Gorge. You can add to this trip by going upstream. If you enter the Hudson beyond Lake Harris you will enjoy 2 miles of scenic viewing. Take out at the bridge on the Lake Harris campsite access road. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
20. Upper Hudson River and Hudson River Gorge (Check the International Scale of Difficulty and guidebook before attempting.)
The 12 miles from Newcomb to the Indian River is a beautiful remote stretch (boarded by private land) with Class III rapids at Ord Falls. This otherwise inviting section of river leads directly into the turbulent Hudson River Gorge which packs in a series of difficult Class V rapids with powerful hydraulics, souse holes and high standing waves. These 13 miles are for the expert paddlers only. Several outfitters offer rafting trips through the Gorge. Periodic releases from Indian Lake maintain high water levels through June, September and October. Open canoes should not be used here except by experts at mid-summer levels. Back to Twenty Canoe Trips
Forest Preserve Regulations
150' Rule. Camping within 150 feet of any road, trail, spring, stream or body of water except at camping areas designated by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is prohibited. Wash yourself and your dishes at least 150 feet from water sources. Bury human wastes under 4 inches of soil and leaf litter at least 150 feet from any trail source of water.Designated Campsites. DEC designates back-country campsites to keep use to previously disturbed areas, to mark locations where camping is acceptable, and to limit adverse impacts to resources and other campers. Designated sites are identified by DEC sign or disk. Outside the designated camping areas, backpackers may choose their own campsites provided they comply with the 150 foot rule mentioned above.
Camping Permits. A permit is required if camping on State land in one location exceeding three consecutive nights or if in a group of ten or more (regardless of length of stay). The number of people per campsite may be limited in certain areas to reduce environmental and social impacts. Group camping permits will not be issued to groups exceeding twelve persons along the canoe routes. Groups from the same organization may camp at least 1/4 mile apart. Free permits may be obtained from DEC Forest Rangers. No permits will be issued to anyone under the age of 18.
Lean-tos. Do not count on lean-to availability. Occasionally lean-tos will be relocated or moved entirely. Often they are already occupied. A lean-to must be shared by anyone who wishes to use it up to capacity. You may not occupy a lean-to for more than three consecutive nights unless you have a camping permit. Tents may not be set up inside lean-Lean-tos. No nails or fasteners may be used to secure tarps or ropes to the lean-to.
Private Lands. Some canoe trips may pass through private land. Please always respect private landowners wishes and pay attention to postings you may encounter along travel corridors.
International Scale of River Difficulty
Class I. Moving water with a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions.
Class II. Easy rapids with waves up to three feet and wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering is required.
Class III. Rapids with high irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. May require scouting from shore.
Class IV. Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary, and conditions make rescue difficult. Generally not possible for open canoes. Boaters in covered canoes and kayaks should be able to Eskimo role.
Class V. Extremely difficult, long, and very violent rapids with highly congested routes which nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is a significant hazard to life in event of a mishap. Ability to Eskimo roll is essential for kayaks and canoes.
Class VI. Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and with all precautions taken.
Cold water temperatures below 50 degrees and extended trips in remote areas increase normal difficulty by one class.
Signs of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is loss of body heat and energy that can cause death in a few hours. If anyone shows the symptoms listed below, it is critical to get out of the weather and get the person warm and dry quickly.1. Feeling Cold. Stop and put on warm clothes. At this point its easiest to stop and warm up.
2. Shivering. May become more wrenching as time goes on. Put on dry clothing and sit near a heat source.
3. Disorientation. Very serious. Take off wet cloths. Wrap in sleeping bags. Maintain body to body heat. Call for help.
4. End Stages. Sleepiness. Can lead to death. Call the DEC Forest Ranger emergency dispatch at 518-891-0235
Water Levels / Guide Books / Brochures
Adequate water levels are essential to running most of the river and whitewater routes noted in this brochure. Extreme water levels alter the difficulty classification of rivers. Minimum and ideal levels are suggested in the guidebooks listed below. Most rivers are best done in the Spring (April to May), Fall or after heavy periods of rain. Some rivers may have gauging stations which help determine how high the water is running."Waterline" gathers daily gauge readings from many Adirondack Rivers. For more information call: 800-945-3376
Listed below, are guide books you can purchase.
Adirondack Canoe Waters - North Flow. Paul Jamieson & Donald Morris, Adirondack Mountain Club, 1993.
Fun on Flatwater. An Introduction to Adirondack Canoeing. Barbara Mc Martin, North Country Books 1995, revised, second printing 1999.
Adirondack Canoe Map 1:31,680 scale. Available in local bookstores.
Adirondack Map Series. High Peaks Region, Northwest Lakes, West-Central Wilderness Area, Available at area stores.
Canoe Franklin County. Franklin County tourism, Call: 518-483-2900.
Rotary Guide to Adirondack Canoe Routes with-in 35-miles of Tupper Lake. Call: 518-359-3328. Go to web page at
http://www.tupperlake.net/rotary.htmDepartment of Environmental Conservation. For brochures call the Region 5 office at Raybrook (518) 897-1200 or the Region 6 office at Watertown (315) 785-226.
Fishing Hotline Number. (518) 891-5413.
Highroad Guide to the Northern Adirondacks. Available in local book stores, Longstreet Press, 1999.
Adirondack Regional Tourism Council. http://www.adirondacks.org/brochures.shtml
Additional Information
1. Tips for Using State Lands, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, P.O. Box 296, Raybrook , NY 12971 (518) 897-1200, http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/index
2. Adirondack Waterways, Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, P.O. Box 51, West Chazy, 12992, Ph. (518) 846-8016, http://www.adirondacks.org/frontpage.htm
3. Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce, 60 Park Street, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, Ph. (518) 359-3328, Fax (518) 359-2507, http://www.tupperlakeinfo.com, email the Tupper Lake Chamber at tuppercc@northnet.org
4. Town of Newcomb, Box 405 Newcomb, NY 12852, Ph. (518) 582-3211 Fax (518) 582-2061, http://www.newcombny.com, email the Town at adksupv@aol.com , Contact the Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center at (518) 582-2000
5. Hamilton County Regional Tourism, County Office Building, P.O. Box 771, Indian Lake, NY 12842-0771, ph. (518) 648-5239, http://www.hamiltoncounty.com, email Hamilton County at info@hamiltoncounty.com
6. Long Lake / Raquette Lake Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department, P.O. Box 496, Long Lake, NY 12847-0496, Ph. (518) 624-3077, http://www.longlake-ny.com or email the tourist department at longlake@telenet.net
7. St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Drawer A, Canton, NY 13617, email the chamber at slccoc@northnet.org
NYS DEC Forest Rangers (518) 891-0235 (24 hours a day)
NYS DEC Environmental Conservation officers (518) 897-1326 or dial 911
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Historical background from Discover the Northern Adirondacks, by Barbara McMartin, used with permission
A traveler on the Adirondack Trail (NY Route 30), between Long Lake and Tupper Lake crosses a historic boundary line. In 1772, surveyor Archibald Campbell laid out the north line of the Totten and Crossfield Purchase. He was accompanied by a delegation from the Indian tribe from which the vast tract was being purchased. About three tenths of a mile east of today's Route 30, they intersected the north end of the "Line of Mile Trees" which had recently been run 55 miles from the "Landing House Tree" on the Hudson River.
Beyond this junction Campbell did not continue his line, but he did take his Indian companions up to the shoulder of Coney Mountain where they could look east to the High Peaks and be satisfied that the line was correct.
In 1776, after the American Revolutionary War, Campbell's line was used as the south line of the Macomb Purchase; for this, Medad Mitchell continued the original T&C line east of the Coney Mountain terminus. It was not until 1799 that Benjamin Wright, later chief engineer for the old Erie Canal, carried the T&C/Macomb line all the way to the Old Military Tract at today's Preston Ponds.
Over the succeeding century, there were numerous property line problems with the original line. It was finally verified by a resurvey which is covered in detail in the Reports of the State Engineer and Surveyor for 1903 and 1904. Along this 50 mile line there are now almost 300 I-beam monuments and innumerable paint blazes. The south line of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, and the corresponding north boundaries of Herkimer and Hamilton counties, are coincident with the T&C/Macomb line.
Trail Description:
The present trip to Coney Mountain begins where the county line crosses Route 30, a highway that did not exist until approved by the voters in 1918. This is not a difficult trip and easy enough for beginner bushwhackers. There is a parking turnout on the west side of Route 30 at the county line. Across the road spot a utility pole, with its transformer at the top of a high bank on the east side. You are now looking along the Totten and Crossfield line.
Before setting out, make a right-about-face and walk about 100 feet west into the woods. There you should find one of the steal I-beams (#158) of the 1903 survey, daubed with red and yellow surveyor's paint and surrounded by paint-blazed witness trees. Yellow blazes will be helpful companions during the day's trip.
Now climb the bank on the east side of the road and enter the woods behind the utility pole. Follow the occasional yellow blazes and the path that parallels it on the north. Head up the slope, detouring around blowdown and tangles as necessary. Each time, the yellow blazes will put you on the right track. On the south side of the blazed line is the private Sperry Ponds property.
Just as you see the grade steepen ahead, you will come to the I-beam #158 at the junction of the above mentioned Line of Mile Trees. This is where Campbell's measurements ended. Climb, steeply to the top of Coney Mountain's shoulder and hunt for the I-beam #159. This is also the point at which the rum was to have run out, so the survey party wanted to go no farther. Attempts to verify this apocryphal part of the story have yielded no results.
Hikers have worn a path that heads left from the boundary line toward Coney's summit, bypassing a bushwhack into the saddle that lies south of the summit. Follow this path to the summit and the scenic part of your day. As you emerge on the open rock summit, carefully notice the end of the path so you can find it on the return.
From vantages along the bare rock there is a full 360 degree view. Clockwise from Tupper Lake on the north, the principal landmarks are nearby Litchfield (Goodman) Mountain, Coney's twin; Mount Morris (Big Tupper); the Sewards, the MacIntyres to the east, and Marcy; and Santanoni, Blue Mountain and several lakes and ponds to the west. At your feet you will find three USGS benchmarks and some eye bolts. The view of the MacIntyres may be the one that Campbell detoured from the line to show his Indian companions.
To round out your historical day you may want to return to I-beam #159 and follow the yellow blazes to the east along the Mitchell/Wright portion of the line. It is easier to start your descent to the south of the I-beam. Near the foot of the gradual east slope you will come to Monument #160, a double I-beam at a tri-county corner with its associated witness items. This is the southwest corner of the Macomb Great Lot #1 (the southeast corner of Great Lot #2) and the southwest corner of the Litchfield Tract. It was also the original Franklin/St. Lawrence/Hamilton corner, but has since been moved about 7 tenths of a mile west, beyond Route 30, probably to place all of the east shore of Tupper Lake in Franklin County.
About a 100 feet before reaching I-beam #160, you may notice, as you cross an abandoned tote road, a 15-foot birch stub at the east edge of the road. This may well be Medad Mitchell's corner birch of 1776 for the south end of the boundary between MaCombs Great lots #1 and #2.
The mountain was not always called Coney. During the century between Campbell and Colvin, it acquired the name "Peaked Mountain". Then in 1882, because of its proximity to the Franklin/St. Lawrence/Hamilton county corner, Colvin incorporated it in the triangulation network as Monument Mountain. On Stoddard's 1891 map it appears as "Cone" of which Coney is a corruption.
Twenty Canoe Trips in the Ten Rivers Region * Heartland Adirondacks
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