Since the access of all of these falls are from the same place, we have opted to provide this page for the common information.  There are separate pages for each of the falls.  Please note that although this area is legally named as the Stone Valley Cooperative Recreation Area, we consider this a common name since it is not registered on the USGS GNIS.  Likewise, none of the falls here are officially named.  Most get their names from the whitewater community.

There are actually two trails through this area.  our preference for seeing the waterfalls is the trail that runs from south to north up the east side of the river.  The trailhead parking for this is behind the fire hall as described in the directions side-bar.  The west side trail will also give you access to the river and views of the falls.  It is probably debatable, but we just feel that the waterfall views are a bit better from the east side.  This is also the best route for those looking for the shortest path to see the waterfalls.  There are also parking areas on both sides of the river at the northern ends of the trails.  These are accessible from the Brown's Bridge Road, about 3 miles on the Potsdam side of the hamlet of Colton.

A couple of hundred feet in from the parking area behind the fire hall is a registration kiosk.  The hike from here is "vigorous."  Multiple ascents and descents make the trip moderately strenuous and will give you a good cardio workout.  of course, you can make the trip at a leisurely pace.  There are plenty of vantage points and places to rest.  To see the falls, you are looking at about a 3-1/2 mile walk.  The only disadvantage with this route is that the falls are over your left shoulder as you walk in.  Of course, you are facing the flow on your return.  

You will pass, in order, Colton Dam, Colton Falls, The Bubbler, an unnamed drop we refer to as Stone Valley Falls, the Narrows, the Tubs and Lucy's Hole.  The rest of the trail is along fairly level water.  For those out to view the waterfalls, you have hiked about a mile-and-a-half by the time you get to Lucy's Hole.  Most people find they see sights on their return trip that they missed on the way down.  For those looking for a longer hike, there are several options.   Both the east and west trails are promoted as being 3.2 miles.  You can complete part or all of that and then return for a total trip of just under 6.5 miles.  If you're looking for something even more, the two south trailheads are a little less than 1/2 mile apart while the north trailheads are just under a mile from each other.  If you complete either trail, cross the river and return on the other side, you have covered about 7.8 miles.

This area is enjoyed by many during all four seasons.  It is a relatively untamed area and there are no fences or rails separating you from the river.  This is especially noteworthy in the winter when the ice and snow make things very slippery.  In the spring, the water volume is intense.  During periods of lower water in the summer, several swimming holes beckon.

Maps of the area are available at registration kiosks.  There are also informational signs along the way that describe the section or perhaps the geology of the area, which is somewhat unique.

The Raquette River empties into the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York.

Last update:  August 25, 2016

Hover on any of the thumbnails to see an enlarged image