Together these elements contribute to a land of charm and rugged beauty where logging, hunting, fishing, trapping and winter recreation shape the region's way of life. The New York State record snowfall occurred during the winter of 1976-77 in the Town of Montague on Tug Hill. Because of the abundant snow and terrain, no place is better for winter sports than Lewis County. There are hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails, state and county maintained cross-country ski trails, and the Snow Ridge Ski Center for down hill skiing. Expansive forests, isolated marshes and swamps, steep gorges combine with limited public roads and few human inhabitants to make for a special home for wildlife including white tailed deer, beaver, mink, muskrat, otter fisher, coyote and fox.
Abundant wetlands are home to mallard, wood duck, hooded merganser and black duck.
The Black River offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the North Country, including walleye, small mouth bass and northern pike. And for the canoeist, the smooth waters of the river provide endless hours of relaxing paddling. Canoe and boat launches, and picnic launches with interpretive signs that include river maps and historic and recreational information dot the Black River Canoe Trail. Running along Rte 12 and Rte 812 through the county is the Black River Trail, one of New York State's designated scenic byways. Since Lewis County is the state's top producer of maple syrup, you'll find many road side stands along the way where maple syrup and farm fresh produce are sold.