The Stone Valley Trail - Colton, NY
The Stone Valley Trail: Dog-Friendly Hiking in Colton, New York
The Stone Valley Trail in Colton, NY, is a scenic and dog-friendly destination renowned for its beautiful river views, waterfalls, and forested hiking paths. As one of the premier pet-friendly trails in the North Country region, the park offers approximately 6 miles of moderately challenging terrain, making it a favorite among both hikers and their canine companions. The trail features an array of natural highlights, including shaded wooded areas that provide relief for both pets and owners on warm days, as well as several picturesque spots to stop and enjoy the waterfalls or even set up a campsite.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the varied elevation changes that keep the hike interesting without being overly strenuous. For dog owners, the Stone Valley Trail stands out due to its welcoming atmosphere—you’ll find dogs are allowed to enjoy the trail with you. Swimming spots like “Lucy’s tub” along the trail give water-loving dogs (and strong swimmers) a chance to take a dip. With its dog-friendly ambiance, lush scenery, and close proximity to the town of Colton, this trail is a top choice for those seeking fun adventures in Upstate New York with their pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Stone Valley Trail is primarily a hiking area stretching several miles along the river, with various access points and loop options.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, much of the trail is tree-lined, providing natural shade throughout your walk.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, there are spots along the river, such as Lucy’s tub, where dogs who are strong swimmers can swim under supervision.
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leash for safety and to respect other visitors.
- Are there any unique features for dog owners? In addition to the pet-friendly trails, there are spots where you can set up a small campsite, making it a great destination for extended outings with your dog.
Reviews
Stone Valley is a fantastic place to hike, especially if you love waterfalls and scenic views. The trail winds through beautiful forested areas and offers a nice mix of elevation changes—just enough to keep it interesting without being too strenuous.
One thing to note: completing the full loop can be a little confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the area. To make the full circle, you’ll need to walk to the end of the trail, hop onto the road, cross a bridge, and then re-enter the woods on the other side. I likely would’ve missed the full loop if I hadn’t had someone with me who knew the way. If you’re unsure, sticking to one side of the trail is still a great experience.
The shade from the trees was a lifesaver on a hot day, and the fall foliage made the hike especially beautiful. Be sure to bring plenty of water! Even though we packed a good amount, we ran out during the last mile—so plan ahead, especially in warm weather.
Highly recommended for nature lovers, especially in the fall!
Really great place to go for a hike. Took my wife and I almost 5 hours to meander through both ways out and back. Well marked and easy to follow
The Stone Valley Trail is my favorite river walk in the North Country. There are so many waterfalls and unique features along the way. The trail stretches from Colton to a Brookfield Power dam about 3 miles down river. If you mountain bike, you’ll really appreciate how well the SLMBA maintains the trails.
The Stone Valley Trail is a beautiful little trail to take a hike with the family. It has some areas with some ups and downs but for the most part small kids and non-hiking people can handle the terrain. The views are beautiful and there is enough distance to make a decent workout with it. Roughly 3 miles in and 3 miles back give you a 5-6 mile jaunt.
It’s a beautiful trail with lots of water falls, dog friendly and also there’s a few spots to set up a small campsite. A friend and I camped out there last night and it was beautiful! Lucy’s tub is a great spot to swim if you are a strong swimmer. There is a rock shelf you can sit on and just enjoy the current and cool water 🙂 once you get out past about 5W it gets pretty hilly so be prepared for a rough hike then. Otherwise it is worth the time and effort!!