Canton Pyrites Loop (14 miles, rated 3). This scenic ride takes the rider along the flat to gently rolling county and town roads between Canton and Pyrites, bypassing the hamlet of Pyrites. Road surface conditions along this tour are generally good to excellent with little traffic.
Crary Mills Loop (20 miles, rated 3). There are some rolling hills on part of this route with plenty of flat portions in between. Roads are good to excellent.
Foothills Loop (27 miles, rated 3). Rolling all the way, this takes you along the edge of the foothills of the Adirondacks. There is an elevation gain of around 500 feet, but you’ll climb a total of 700 to reach that.
Old Mill Town Loop (32 Miles, rated 3). The real hills start around the 9 mile point and continue off and on until the return to Canton. Take plenty of water as there are no services on this route. Though you can hardly tell it today, the little hamlet of Pyrites was a bustling paper mill town until the mill closed in the late 1920s. Hidden behind vegetation, the mill ruins are still visible between mile 23.6 and 23.8. Among the thriving businesses was Dominic Benedetto’s grocery store. Dominic’s young nephew, Antonio Benedetto went on to achieve fame as singer Tony Bennett.
Raquette River Loop (34 miles, rated 3). This loop takes the rider over the hills from the Grasse River valley to the Raquette River valley at Hannawa Falls and back by way of the crossroads community of Pierrepont. It is one of the more challenging middle distance rides. None of the hills is really formidable but several are more than gentle rises. After you cross the river in the hamlet of Hannawa Falls there are a couple of stores as you leave the village you will come to the entrance of Postwood Park, a good place for a picnic lunch or a swim.
Lampson Falls Loop (48 miles, rated 3+). After a good climb out of Russell, there are a couple of options for breaks at either Poor Ol’ Satchs’ or the Bear Paw at Whippoorwill Corners. About 10 miles beyond is the stopover at Lampson Falls, with a short walk into the falls. This series of falls features a basic camping and picnic area, and is unusual in that you can stand or sit at the very edge of the falls.
Whippoorwill Metric Century (63 miles, rated 3+). This ride, though outside of the Adirondack Park itself, give you the full North Country and Adirondack treatment, with winding and twisting hilly back roads weaving through farmland and wooded areas.
Tooley Pond Loop (44 miles, rated 3, and 84 miles rated 4). This loop is actually two separate rides. Leaving from Canton is the total 86 miles, while a report start from Degrasse results in a 44-mile total. In either case, this is one of the beautiful wilderness trips for which the Adirondack Park is known. Part of both rides follows the Oswegatchie River. Along the Tooley Pond Road, you will either see deer or be seen by them – count on it! You’ll pass logging roads, as well, and stay alert for herons, hawks and other birds. THIS IS NOT A RIDE FOR BEGINNERS. There may be some sections of the road that are dirt, and some steep downhill sections with rough pavement, check your brakes before the ride.
South Colton Loop (41 miles, rated 4). This ride ascends into the Adirondack foothills, making a loop through South Colton and Colton, which lie just outside the Adirondack State Park. The terrain is mostly hilly with a few challenging longer climbs. A stopping point at mile 32.3 (after that surprise climb you’ll deserve a break) provides a long view across the St. Lawrence River Valley atop the hills in Pierrepont. From there the descent into Canton on State Highway 68 is enjoyable and fast, but requires caution because of hills, curves and narrow shoulders. Along this route is the picturesque hamlet of Colton, with White's General Store at the top of the hill, with the Sandstone Zion Church across from the Heburn Library at the bottom. As you enter South Colton, you will pass Sunday Rock, the legend is in the lumbering days this was the divide between civilization and the lawless. There was no law south of the Rock, and no Sunday recognized, as the days all flowed together as they worked 24/7.
Joe Indian Loop (72 miles, rated 4+). This is a truly challenging ride, climbing a total of over 2,600 feet with some steep grades. It has many beautiful vistas typical of the Adirondack Park and a spectacular view from White Hill of the St. Lawrence River Valley and over into Canada on a very clear day. There are no services between South Colton and Parishville, so a good supply of water is necessary.
Adirondack Century (103 miles, rated 4). A scenic trip from rolling farmland to hilly sections of the Adirondack Park. From a beginning elevation of about 300 feet, you’ll gradually reach a maximum elevation of 1,600 feet, climbing over 2,800 feet in the process. Watch for deer, hawks, and herons. There are few places for water or provisions along the route, so stock up when you can.
Adirondack Overnight (approximately 100 miles in 2 days, rated 4). This is essentially the Adirondack Century broken up into two days. Over the years this has ranked with the Kingston Overnight as one of the club’s favorite rides. An overnight stay can be arranged, please see lodging for details.