Pandemics and snowstorms and midterms oh my! I am feeling more stressed by the minute as midterms arrive and my usual outlet, the wonderful Adirondacks, are off limits. However, there are some awesome trails nearby that are fun, beautiful and not nearly as much work as a high peak. This week I have decided to help you all out and put at your disposal a wonderful list of places within the county to get outside and blow off steam. Before we dive in though, it is important to remember that while headed off campus one should limit contact with non-campus communities. If you do decide to get outside remember to pick up your snacks at the pub beforehand as to avoid a gas station interaction. 

Let’s start it off nice and easy, two lovely nearby gems are Heart’s Falls Preserve in Russell, and Lampson Falls in the town of Clare. Heart’s Falls preserve is only a .7mile round trip trail that will bring you right out to some frozen, falling, sparkling water. Lampson Falls has much larger falls and a 2.4mile network of trails that are nice and easy breezy. 

Another nearby favorite for cross county skiers is Higley Flow State Park, and now is the time to go, because unlike in the summer, in the winter you do not have to pay an entrance fee to go to Higley. Higley Flow has groomed trails and most of their trails are tracked for cross country skiing, but worry not, there is room for hikers and snowshoers alike at Higley Flow.  

If you are looking for a view, there are a couple mountains in the county that should do the trick. Bear Mountain, in Clifton is a 2,117foot peak with a beautiful view of Cranberry Lake, the whole hike is 4.5 miles. Cat Mountain, on the other (longer) hand is a 10mile long hike, also in Clifton with outstanding views of the five ponds wilderness. 

These are just a few fantastic places that you SLUzers should visit if you find yourself getting antsy in the basement of ODY, or realize you haven’t seen the sun since three weeks ago on the third floor of the student center. If nothing here floats your boat or toasts your bagel, just google St. Lawrence county trails, and find the St. Lawrence County Trails website that is full of Laurentian Pact friendly places to visit.

Don’t have snowshoes? Need Nordic skis? Stop by the Outing Program Gear Room in the basement of Newell from 3:00-6:00 Monday-Thursday to rent Nordic skis, snowshoes, backpacks and more, or just to ask for advice.