Things To Do on an eBike in St. Lawrence County, NY
St. Lawrence County's easiest eBike rides are short paved paths beside its rivers: the Maple City Trail in Ogdensburg, the Remington Recreational Trail in Canton and the Whalen Park Trail in Massena.
New York law limits eBikes on public trails to places that are designated and posted for them, so check the signs at each trailhead. This guide covers only routes inside St. Lawrence County.
Where to ride in St. Lawrence County
The county's STLC Trails site, run with the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, lists the routes below. The earlier version of this page listed the Adirondack Rail Trail, Junction Pass and Black River Trail, which are in Essex, Franklin and Jefferson counties, so they are not covered here.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Maple City Trail, Ogdensburg
Route: The City of Ogdensburg says the 2.2-mile trail starts at the visitors' center at 100 Riverside Ave., follows the north shore of the Oswegatchie River, crosses the Spring Street Bridge and continues along the south shore. STLC Trails lists it as an easy paved path, 4.8 miles round trip.
Access: Start at the Dobisky Visitors' Center, which has public restrooms and a summer concession stand. Other access points are Crescent Street behind the post office, the old Pumphouse, the Maple City Walking Bridge near Hosmer's Marina on West River Street, and the Spring Street Bridge off Lake Street.
2. Remington Recreational Trail, Canton
Route: STLC Trails lists this 3.4-mile paved loop, also called the Partridge Loop, around the Partridge Run Golf Course. It is supported by the Friends of the Canton Trail.
Access: Enter off Riverside Drive or on Sullivan Drive by the golf course parking. A playground is 0.1 miles west of the Sullivan Drive entrance. The loop is plowed in winter but can be icy.
3. Whalen Park Trail, Massena
Route: STLC Trails lists a 3.2-mile round trip, easy, along the St. Lawrence River. Its listed surfaces include pavement, crushed stone and grass.
Access: Start at the Whalen Park trailhead, or at the Massena Country Club if you are coming from the Richards Landing Bike Trail.
4. Edwards Nature Trail, Edwards (gravel)
Route: STLC Trails describes an out-and-back on the old G&O railroad grade with a gravel and crushed-stone surface. It crosses the Oswegatchie River on an 1893 trestle and ends at Talcville Road after 1.5 miles. The trailhead is 0.1 miles up Town Barn Drive from New Street, with parking for several cars. Treat it as a walking trail unless it is posted for eBikes.
New York eBike rules
- Under VTL 102-c, an eBike has operable pedals and a motor under 750 watts. Class 1 and Class 2 stop assisting at 20 mph. Class 3 (25 mph) exists only in cities of one million or more, so not in St. Lawrence County.
- Under VTL 1242, no one under 16 may operate an eBike.
- eBikes may not be ridden on public lands or property other than highways unless the land is designated and posted for eBike travel.
- eBikes may not be ridden on sidewalks unless a local law allows it, and cities, towns and villages may regulate eBikes by local law.
In practice, ride the paved trails above only where the trailhead signs allow eBikes. Where they do not, ride the quiet roads nearby instead.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Park at the Dobisky Visitors' Center in Ogdensburg and ride the Maple City Trail out and back, about 4.8 miles.
Full day: Ride the Remington loop in Canton in the morning, stop at Grasse River Outfitters on Main Street, then drive to Massena for the Whalen Park Trail along the St. Lawrence River.
What not to ride
Any public trail not posted for eBikes. New York law requires the designation.
Sidewalks. They are off limits unless a local law allows them.
Routes in other counties. The Adirondack Rail Trail, Junction Pass and Black River Trail are not in St. Lawrence County.
When to ride St. Lawrence County
Ride from spring through fall. The Remington loop is plowed in winter but can be icy.
eBike shops and service
Grasse River Outfitters, at 45 Main Street in Canton, sells outdoor gear and apparel and offers bike service. It lists hours of 10am to 6pm daily. The other listings below are a motorcycle repair shop, a motorcycle dealer and a campus repair station, so call before bringing an eBike.
Other local service contacts
Frequently asked questions
Where can I ride an eBike in St. Lawrence County?
The paved Maple City Trail in Ogdensburg, the Remington Recreational Trail in Canton and the Whalen Park Trail in Massena, where trailhead signs allow eBikes.
Are eBikes allowed on New York trails?
Only on public lands that are designated and posted for eBikes. Highways are open to them, but sidewalks are not unless a local law allows it.
How long is the Maple City Trail?
The City of Ogdensburg lists 2.2 miles, starting at the visitors' center at 100 Riverside Ave. STLC Trails lists 4.8 miles round trip.
Where do I park for the Remington Recreational Trail?
In the Partridge Run Golf Course lot on Sullivan Drive in Canton. The loop is 3.4 miles and paved.
How old do you have to be to ride an eBike in New York?
At least 16 to operate one, under VTL 1242.
Can I ride a Class 3 eBike in St. Lawrence County?
No. New York allows Class 3 eBikes only in cities of one million or more.
Where can I get a bike serviced in Canton?
Grasse River Outfitters at 45 Main Street offers bike service. Call ahead to confirm eBike work.
All eBike shops in St. Lawrence County
See the St. Lawrence County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our New York eBike laws guide for state rules.