In depth trail guide and report for Stone Valley Trail in Colton, New York. This beautiful, moderate trail should take you about 2-3 hours out and back. Follow the Raquette River to view waterfalls and a rare phenomenon called “Potholes”.
Note: this report is the out and back trail for the Eastern side of the Raquette River. You can make this a loop by crossing to the other side and hike a total of 8 miles round trip.
Table of Contents
Basic Trail Information for Stone Valley Trail
- Trail Name: Stone Valley Trail
- Location: Colton, New York
- Length: 6.6 miles
- Elevation: 600 feet
- Difficulty: moderate
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 650 feet
- Type of Trail: out and back
- Who I Recommend this to: most people that hike
- What season did I go: Summer
- Gear Recommendations: bug spray, hat, sun block
- Cell service: yes
- Water availability: yes, it’s on the Raquette River but filter the water before drinking
- Special Requirements: none
- Must see feature: waterfalls, potholes
Location of Stone Valley Trail
My Trail Report and Experience on Stone Valley Trail
It’s early August. Sunny. And warm! I’ve been waiting all summer for this moment. Why? My first summer in New York was the cold and rainy. (This California girl struggled a bit with that.) I looked forward to doing some major hiking June, July and August but the weather and BUGS kept me off trail. (And a full-time job).
Today I hiked and started a new hobby – nature journaling.
This is Stone Valley Trail, a little local place many like to walk, hang out and hike. On my 7 miles that day I came across waterfalls, lots of trees like Sugar Maple and Yellow Birch, a few mosquitos (DEET helps to keep them away) and some sweet sounding birdies.
WATCH my hike in YouTube: Hiking Stone Valley Trail New York // Nature Journaling
Start your walk at a dead-end after the fire station and a couple of houses, you can’t miss the trail head, there’s a huge gate announcing the trail. Don’t forget your snacks, bug-spray, water and to read the signs. There are some warnings that need to be learned before heading into the woods.
The first 1/2 mile meanders up and down a bit in the shade. At the end of this 1/2 mile be sure to stop for your first glance of the Raquette River. Isn’t it pretty?
I love this trail, it’s a calming walk yet a pretty good workout. I love how it’s mostly in the shade unless you head to the river where you can soak in some sun.
At about 3/4 of a mile is when the fun truly begins- rapids and potholes. Heading down to the river again from the trail you’ll see a gorgeous, refreshing waterfall and cool features called potholes.
What are potholes, you ask? I’m glad you did, because I bet you were thinking of the ones on the road that destroy your car. These potholes in the rock here are formed from water and pebbles swirling about over the rock until they form these indentations and eventually holes. Super cool, right?
Here you can sit awhile to enjoy the cool river or like me head out for some more fun in the dirt.
At about 2 miles I’ve moved away from the rushing sounds of the river to a quiet part of the trail. It’s peaceful here. Yet soon after I hear the sound of water again yet it’s not the river but a secret waterfall even my local friend didn’t know about!
Continuing my hike for another mile I find a nice spot along the river to begin my newest hobby- nature journaling. I’ve never been an artist but I’m a very curious person when it comes to nature and this is where I’ll keep all my notes on trees, flowers and the critters that run the natural landscapes.
Here’s my first page ever in my new nature notebook:
After a Clif bar and orange I head out to finish the “out” part of the hike. At 3.50 miles I hit the end and head back.
August is a wonderful time to hike Stone Valley trail, it’s warm out and the trail is primarily dry. Though there are a few mosquitos nothing bug spray, walking and sitting by the river won’t solve for.
Resources for this Trail
- Grab lunch and a beverage at the Raquette River Pub, just seconds from the trail head
- My Alltrails hike of this trail.
- Hiking to Yesterday Stone Valley Trail. History of the area and the trail.
- Please Leave No Trace when enjoying the outdoors
FAQs for Stone Valley Trail
For sure! Dogs would love hiking this trail with you and if you have a water-loving dog it would especially love a dip in the calmer parts of the river!
If you only do the east side of the trail it’s about 7 miles out and back. If you make it a loop, it’s about 8 miles.
It’s a moderate hike with a little elevation but mostly small hills and a couple of trees to climb under. You don’t need to hike 7 miles, the beauty of this hike is you make it your own. If you like hike just 2, 3 or 5 miles.
No. Please use the restroom before you hit the trail.
Watch My Hike of Stone Valley Trail
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Hi, I’m Allie, obsessed hiker, explorer of our world and reinventor of my life in my 50s.
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