Franklin County: Waterways, Culture and Nature

The southern 68 percent of Franklin County lies within Adirondack Park. Its waterways, hiking challenges and cultural sites offer different ways to shape a trip here. The St. Regis Canoe Area covers 18,400 acres and includes 50 ponds of various sizes that can be used for water activities.

On the Water, in the Forest and on the Trails

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail offers an opportunity to paddle in Franklin County. The Paul Smith’s College VIC’s guided paddle trip on Barnum Pond offers a naturalist’s perspective on the water. The Wild Center also offers canoe trips, on its own river. Check availability before your trip. Trails at the Wild Center wind through the Adirondack forest; access may vary by season. The Wild Walk rises 30 feet above the Adirondack forest floor.

Those planning to hike can take on the Adirondack 46er Challenge or the Saranac Lake 6er Challenge in Franklin County. For a different kind of outdoor experience, Titus Mountain Family Ski Center has three mountains. The family-friendly Wild Center complements its nature themes with hands-on experiences focused on the diverse ecosystems of Adirondack forests, lakes and rivers. Specific offerings may change.

Events also bring their own seasonal highlights: the Adirondack Canoe Classic, also known as the 90-Miler, is a three-day event held annually in September. The Henderson Hatch Fly Fishing Tournament takes place every June on the Salmon River between Chasm Falls and State Route 37 in Westville. Paddling and fly fishing are thus featured in events with clearly defined dates.

Museums, History and Local Culture

The Six Nations Indian Museum opened in Onchiota in the summer of 1954. The Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center houses Haudenosaunee artifacts, contemporary art and crafts, as well as displays and posters. The Akwesasne Museum presents Mohawk culture from the perspective of the people of Akwesasne. Its collection includes photographs, art, baskets, wampum belts and cornhusk dolls connected to the Mohawk community of Akwesasne. Visitors can explore on their own; anyone who would like a guided tour can book one in advance during regular business hours.

The Wilder Home has a special architectural connection to the Little House series: it is the only building from the series still standing in its original location. By contrast, the schoolhouse at the Almanzo Wilder Homestead is a replica built in 2013. The Adirondack Carousel is a community-built attraction celebrating Adirondack wildlife, art and imagination. Its hand-carved figures are inspired by Adirondack wildlife.

The Saranac Laboratory was the first laboratory built in the United States to study tuberculosis. The Saranac Laboratory Museum features exhibits on scientific research, patient care, tuberculosis and local history. Historic living spaces and exhibits on local history are among the topics at the Franklin County Historical Museum.

Seasonal Visits and Regional Traditions

The Malone Farmers’ Market takes place on Wednesdays from June through October at Malone Airport on Route 11. Check the specific dates and hours before your trip. At Prairie’s Orchard, you can pick your own apples on weekends; availability depends on harvest conditions. The seasonal farm stand offers locally produced maple syrup and honey, which may not always be available. The Franklin County Fair has been running for more than 170 years, offering entertainment and highlighting the county’s agricultural heritage.

For seasonal offerings and planned tours, it’s worth confirming dates and arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saranac Lake, Bombay, Malone, Hogansburg, Saint Regis Falls, Tupper Lake, Fulton, Oswego.

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