LEWIS COUNTY
Barnes Corners Ski Trails
Access to these cross-country ski trails is from the north
side of Rt. 177, about two miles west of Barnes Corners and .75 mile
east of the intersection of Routes 177 and 189.
Homerun Trail: Novice Skill - 1.0
miles
This trail starts at the parking area in a stand of European larch and
red pine. You pass Snowbird Loop on the left and further on Whiteway
Trail to the right. Proceeding northerly, thee is a slight uphill slope
for 200 yards, followed by a half-mile run through a fine
northern-hardwood forest. Snowbird Loop then intersects from the left.
When you go downhill, after crossing a tributary of Fish Creek, you pass
through a hemlock stand used by over wintering deer. The Homerun Trail
ends at Times Square, one mile from the access point.
Snowbird Loop : Intermediate Skill - 1.5
miles
This loop runs westerly from the parking area and parallels Rt. 177 for
.5 mile. You will pass through plantations of red pine, larch and white
pine and then turn northerly, reaching a knoll of hardwood overlooking a
bridge over Fish Creek. A short steep pitch to the bridge is followed
by a long stretch of hardwoods, that includes black cherry, white ash
and beech. You then climb a long grade, followed by a gently downhill
run, before intersecting the Homerun Trail again. If you reverse your
direction on this loop not recommended for most skiers you will have a
challenging downhill run. Some maintenance to Snowbird and Linkup is
done by the Black River Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
Electric Loop: Novice Skill - 2.2
miles
This loop traverses plantation of red pine, white pine and white
spruce. The westerly section parallels the Lighthouse Hill transmission
line. Completed in 1925, this electric line carries 115,000 volts from
Black River generating plants to Altmar NY. No matter which direction
you take on the Electric Loop, you will circle back to Times Square.
The entrance to Explorer Trail is adjacent to the lean-to built in 1982
by Steve Wood of Boy Scout Troop 7, with help from the Black River
Chapter ADK.
Zigzag Trail: Novice Skill - 1.8
miles
Does just that it zigzags: it turns north off ?Snowbird Loop, bypasses
some hills and joins Snowbird again, where a bridge crosses Fish Creek.
Whiteway Trail: Novice Skill - 1.8
miles
This trail leaves Times Square in an easterly direction and passes
through stands of white spruce, red pine and native hardwood. It also
crosses two open wetlands. Williams Truck Rd. a DEC maintained access
road, lies just to the north. A short 10% slope about .25 mile from the
intersection with Homerun Trail, gives an exciting downhill run to
skiers going clockwise around the loop. Turn left here to return to the
parking lot, 700 feet away.
Linkup Trail: Intermediate Skill - 2.5
miles
Connecting to the County Trail System, this trail runs easterly from the
parking area and soon turns south, crossing Rt. 177. Watch out for
vehicles! You will ski through stands of Japanese larch, northern
hardwoods, young white spruce and mixed conifers, up two steep hills,
and across a bridge built by ADK over a tributary of Grunley Creek.
Cross Denning Rd., then ski through some scotch pine and across Grunley
Creek. Proceeding through white spruce, hardwood, and red pine, you
reach Loomis Rd., where the county trail system starts. Before crossing
either road, watch out for snowmobilers.
John Young Nature Trail: Intermediate Skill - 1.7
miles
This trail winds along Inman Gulf. It was constructed by the Black
River Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club in memory of a beloved
member who spent many volunteer hours building and maintaining
recreational trails. You will pass many interpretative nature signs and
a picnic area with a swing donated by relatives by John Young.
Inman Gulf Glide: Intermediate Skill, No Beginners
- 1.5 miles
Cut by Forest Ranger Dave Larrabee, with help from Bill Blodgett this
trail runs along the edge of Inman Gulf and through some hilly
sections. Scenic Rainbow Falls may be seen on the north side of the
rim; Gulf Stream courses along the bottom of Inman Gulf. Be cautious
when crossing Williams Truck Rd. because it is a main snowmobile route.
In summer, five parking areas along Williams Truck Road allow people to
choose loops of different lengths.
Explorer Trail: Intermediate Skill - 1.4
miles
This trail was constructed in 1990 by the Explorer Scout Troop of
Sackets Harbor. The trail allows skiers on the Electric Loop to
increase the trail by .9 mile and experience different scenery. Located
in the northwest section of the ski complex, this trail runs through
numerous stands of white spruce.
Of Special Historical Note
These trails are in the Tug Hill State Forest, which totals 12,000
acres. Much of the land was purchased for $4.00 per acre in 1933, when
it was abandoned agricultural land.
In July 1995, a severe windstorm, called a microburst swept through the
area. The valuable downed timer was salvaged by numerous local
loggers. DEC's Operations Unit and local volunteers reopened the
trails. The dramatic impact of this storm on the local ecosystem will
be evident for many years to come.
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