The Trail of Hidden Treasures

It’s been a busy summer, no doubt about it. Seems like everyday there is something more important to do then the day before. When I get lucky, Saturday mornings are filled with trout fishing and Sundays, well Sundays I’m not sure what happens. I wake up, have coffee and the next thing I know I’m heading to bed to prepare for the next week of work. However this Sunday I took a stand, I was going to get out and have myself an adventure. I wanted to hike but didn’t want to travel too far from home. Last year I was told by a friend of mine that one of my favorite trails along the St. Lawrence had some extra trails that were a bit hidden in plain sight. I decided to head out with my camera and find out for myself. It turns out my friend was right and I found myself a bit of a hidden treasure. Welcome to the Richards Landing Dike Trail.

The Richards Landing Dike trail sits about 2.5 miles from my front door so it’s become one of my favorite places to go for a quick jog after work. I get my 2 miles in and make it back home in time for dinner. But today I was going to take a different approach to it. I wanted to find the smaller, less traveled paths that took me away from the rest of the people. I was looking for some soul searching alone time. I parked the truck, grabbed my gear and walked past the yellow gate.

I give the gate a quick tap like I always do when I walk by. The wide gravel roadway makes for a wonderful place to walk, run, and bike. I had made it just around the first bend just before the large boulders lining the trail and noticed a small opening in the tree line. I decided to investigate.

I ducked in behind the first trees and found a well maintained dirt path. I slowly walked along the trail.

I could hear the river lapping along the shore just out of view as I meandered along. About half way down the trail there was an opening. As I cleared the opening to get a view of the river I spooked a bald headed eagle. It thrashed out of the trees above me and flew over the river. It was an amazing sight. I took in a few deep breaths of that St Lawrence River air and embraced the wild flowers of purple, orange and yellow that surrounded me. In true St Lawrence River fashion, a ship passed by as loons called in the distance.

It was a great start to my adventure. Once I took a few pictures I decided to move on. The next opening I came to kind of surprised me. I was at the town beach. I wondered to myself if I had started at the beginning or the end of the trail. I decided to walk back along the path to the main trail. Back on the gravel road I continued to head west. Just before I made it to the first bay along the road I noticed another trail. The grass had been recently mowed down to the start of the path.

Once I was away from the freshly mowed grass the trail became a bit more challenging to navigate. High grasses and plants surrounded me. It seemed to be more of a game path than a trail but I continued along. Wild flowers encompassed me as frogs croaked and geese honked. Busy bumble bees danced from flower to flower and dragonflies zipped around my head as I worked my way down the path.

I came to a stop when I arrived at a small pond. Water lilies and water fowl caressed the surface of the calm water.

I quietly crept closer to the edge of the water. I was surrounded by wildlife. I took some pictures and slipped back out of there trying not to disturb any of the creatures.

Once I was out of there I walked the next half mile along the bay. As usual the stunning view of the river didn’t disappoint.

Once I made it to the first peninsula I began to look for an opening in the tree line. I walked along the freshly cut grass in search of the opening. Once I found it I was met with a well maintained dirt path. The trees were thinned out just enough to have a slight view of the river along the way.

I quietly walked through the woods listening to the squirrels and blue jays chatter. As I approached one of the many openings along the river bank I spooked a doe and her two fawns. I watched them jump into the shallow water along the shoreline, splashed their way behind me and ran through the woods. I stepped down to the riverbank where they had been bedded down and looked out over the river as I replayed the entire encounter in my mind. Interactions like this are what keeps me exploring everything the North Country has to offer. I spent the rest of my time on the trail observing all the wild flora and fauna that surrounded me.

Back out on the main trail I had to make a decision, Do I keep going or call it a day? I took a quick look at my watch and decided I had enough time to keep going. The next third of a mile along the trail I was again greeted with another stunning view of the St. Lawrence.

Along this part of the trail there was also a wonderful view of the first-class River Course at Louisville landing golf course. The lush green fairways and pristine tee boxes alongside the river and forest really showcased the diverse beauty of this region.

There is truly something for everyone here. I found a dirt road on the side of the trail and decided to investigate. The road went from well maintained to a two track to a single path through the woods.

Again I was surrounded by thick forest and multiple spots to see the river. Along the way I found puff balls and a beautiful little grass snake sunning itself on a rock.

Once out of the woods it was time to head east back to my truck. The sun's reflection on the water looked like thousands of mirrors reflecting across the river. I stood there looking out over the large waterway as 10 sailboats softly glided between the buoys.

In the bay, ducks and geese lazily floated along in search of something to eat. It was a terrific way to end my adventure.

Back at the truck I took a moment to think about everything I had seen. The North Country is truly a beautiful place. Full of diverse landscapes and opportunities to explore them. The entire region is full of Northern NY Adventures.

About the location:

The Richards Landing Dike Trail sits next to the Massena Town Beach on State Highway 131. The land is owned by NYPA and is meant for public use. The main trail is about 1.6 miles long from gate to gate. The trail is designed for walking, biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

It is a popular place for dog walking as well as wildlife viewing. Along the trail you will be greeted with wonderful views of the St Lawrence River. At the western end of the trail you will also encounter the golf course. With the added trails I found, I walked about 5 miles total. These wooded trails make for a whole new experience. They do not have trail markers on them but I found them very easy to follow.

The combination of forest and river really makes this a special place. If you are visiting the area or just looking for something a little different to do look no further than the Richards Landing Dike trail. It showcases what makes this area so special and makes for a great Northern NY Adventure.

Aaron Hardy

Northern NY Adventures

“Make Life an Adventure”