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Loony Loop Challenge
Download this page (pdf) • Download registration form (pdf)
Loony Loop hikes in US •
Loony Loop hikes in Canada
The Saint Lawrence River Valley region is home to some of the most beautiful natural areas in New York, offering splendid views of rivers, wetlands and forests, plus unique vegetation and wildlife. While the coronavirus pandemic makes travel and hiking on crowded Adirondack trails more difficult, now is the perfect time to explore the natural wonders near the US/Canadian border.
The Laurentian Loony Loop Challenge is designed to provide some safe outing alternatives along low-traffic trails in St. Lawrence County and Ontario Province, Canada. The Challenge is open to all - Laurentian Chapter members, other ADK members, and the general public.
The Challenge hikes are suitable for all levels, including families with kids. All routes are also suitable for snowshoeing, and many are skiable. They are guaranteed to challenge your map skills. Links to maps are included with each description and are strongly recommended while hiking.
Loop trails have been identified on both sides of the US/Canadian border so that hikers from both sides of the St. Lawrence River can participate, even if border crossings are restricted. While we recommend specific loop trails for many destinations, the patch requirements are flexible.
| US Hikes | Canadian Hikes |
| Higley Flow State Park Red Sandstone Sugar Island Southville State Forest Bear Mountain Peavine Swamp Trails Tooley Pond Mountain Robert Moses state Park Wellesley Island State Park Indian Creek Nature Center Catamount Mountain Lost Pond Loop |
Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary Rock Dunder Marble Rock Parc Guindon Mac Johnson Wildlife Area Cooper Marsh Conservation Area Frontenac Provincial Park Rideau Trail Gould Lake Conservation Area Charleston Lake Landon Bay Center |
| US hike details | Canadian hike details |
You can earn the patch by completing any combination of US and Canadian trails. The goal is to get out, get some exercise and appreciate the natural resources of our region.
Safety first: BRING A MAP! Practice current social distancing recommendations when encountering other hikers.
To earn the Laurentian Loony Loop patch, complete 8 hikes from the destinations on the list. Hikes must be completed in 2020 or later can be done in any season. Canadian and US hikes can be combined to meet the 8-hike total.
Download the registration form and list of destinations to track your progress. Once you have completed 8 hikes, complete the registration form and mail it to one of the addresses listed on the form.