| Directions
From the hamlet of Colton head
southeast on NY 56. The first right after
crossing the Raquette River is the East Higley
Road. Near the end of the road, the road makes
a 90 degree turn to the right. There is a metal gate
at that point. |
| County: |
St. Lawrence |
| Town: |
Colton |
| USGS Map: |
Colton |
| Waterway: |
Raquette River |
| Latitude: |
N 44.53071o |
| Longitude: |
W 74.93229o
|
| Drop: |
4' |
|
This stretch of the Raquette River, which more or less follows
NY 56 from its start in Sevey, New York, to below Potsdam, is a
major hydro-electric producing area. There are literally
dozens of hydro dams and several major reservoirs.
According to signs at this particular facility, it is owned by
Niagara Mohawk, the utility provider in the region. The
signs are somewhat dated because that company has not existed for
several years. National Grid now serves the area. Below
the dam is Higley Falls. This entire area is privately owned
and not publicly accessible. Our pictures were taken downstream
of this facility where a property owner gave us permission for
access. Having said that, there is very little to see here. The Higley Dam contains a region of the Raquette
River known as Higley Flow. One of many reservoir areas
along the river, this is a popular residential area, both seasonal
and year-round. It is also the furthest downstream of all
the reservoirs in this area. Before the dams were built, there was a waterfall here. Now, below the dam,
all there is left is a very small drop, perhaps of four feet or
so. It barely qualifies as a waterfall.
The Raquette River empties into the St. Lawrence River in
Massena, New York
|
