
Railway historical group opposes Lewis County rail-to-trail conversion
The Railway Historical Society of Northern New York opposes removing rails as part of Lewis County’s proposed rail-to-trail project, while county officials say trails alongside the tracks remain possible.
By the ClickNNY North Country Desk
The Railway Historical Society of Northern New York is opposing Lewis County’s plan to convert miles of railway into recreational trails if the project requires removing the rails. Society members say the tracks support local history and tourism and that a trail could instead be built alongside the existing rail line.
The group is not opposed to a trail system but wants to preserve the railway’s use for historical and tourism activities. County Manager Tim Hunt has said several designs remain under consideration, including the possibility of placing trails alongside the tracks. The society says tourist rail operations could attract visitors to the area.
This story was written from a community submission and reviewed by a ClickNNY editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.

ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
Your first North Country winter: a survival guide for Fort Drum soldiers from the South
Never driven on snow, owned a snow blower or felt a February morning at Fort Drum? Here's what to wear, what to keep in your car and how to get through your first lake-effect winter.

ClickNNY Guide · Winter
Are we ready for another North Country winter?
From heating bills and snow tires to lake-effect storms and the first big snowfall, Northern New York is getting ready for another winter. But how prepared are we really?

ClickNNY Guide
Driving on wet leaves in the North Country: what to know this fall
Wet leaves, farm equipment, school buses, low sunlight, frost and deer can create seasonal driving hazards in Northern New York, according to safety guidance from AAA Northeast, AARP, New York agencies and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.