Stony Creek in Warren County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Stony Creek
The Road to a Friendly Town is Never Long
| | First Wilderness Corridor | |
“The "Biggest Little Town” in NY State has more than thirty thousand acres of Forest Preserve waiting for hikers, hunters and campers. Fresh mountain streams feed into Stony Creek and the Hudson River, where native brook trout seek out the fisherman's lure. Horseback riding trails wend their way through the woods, providing spectacular views of the southern Adirondacks.
At the heart of Stony Creek, the 4 Corners, also known as Creek Center, offers great food, entertainment and basic amenities. Choose from a range of prices and features at local campgrounds, guesthouses, inns, and lodges. Along the winding roads, look for natural mountain water springs to quench your thirst. Bring your family to a campground on Stony Creek, enjoy the public park for a cook- out next to the old fashioned swimming hole, or play a round of golf along the banks of the Hudson River. Truly a place to get away, Stony Creek boasts fresh mountain air and a quiet reprieve.
The town celebrates its heritage through an annual Mountain Days Festival the first full weekend in August. Music in the Park is offered Tuesday evenings in July and August. Visit the information lean-to at Creek Center and take a free map of the area for a self-guided driving tour, locating trail heads, boat launches, or any of the local cemeteries dating to the Civil War. Remember, the road to a friendly town is never long.
HERITAGE & HISTORY
The Town of Stony Creek is in the southwest part of Warren County and is named for a stream that flows through it and is a main tributary directly to the Hudson. The town was first settled in 1795 and then incorporated in 1853 enclosing 82.4 square miles. Known to many where "the road to a friendly town is never long.” The east town line is marked by the Hudson River and the west town line is the border to Hamilton County. The newly constructed railway pavilion is located at the Stony Creek Ranch Resort, where the scenic train operations are seasonal. Tracks run parallel with the Hudson River from the North Creek to the City of Saratoga. Folks can then transfer to Amtrak and continue around the world.
The Hudson River Watershed
All Warren County townships have a portion of their land that drains into the Upper Hudson River. Stony Creek is one of 4 towns to have all its land within the Hudson River Watershed. Stony Creek the stream, drains nearly 50% of that land mass. A few of the waters that form Stony Creek are Lens Lake, Roaring Branch, Smears Creek, Willis Creek and Kenyontown Creek. Stony Creek merges into the Hudson, south of the old Stony Creek Station on the Warrensburg Road.
- Warren County Soil & Water
Photos (top to bottom):
Sisters hike the newly created Dean Farm Heritage Trail which is handicap accessible. Courtesy of Cynahia Cameron, Town Historian
Capture the spirit of adventure among friends. Courtesy of Sue Casana
Lens Lake offers access to pristine waters for fishing and a silent retreat. - Courtesy of Barbara Brooks
Cool mountain water feeds springs and meandering creeks. Courtesy of Tom Casana
stonycreekny.com
This kiosk panel was prepared with funding provided by the New York State Of Department of State under Tile 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund
Side Two
First Wilderness Corridor
The Adirondacks was the first place Americans embraced the wilderness as a feature of civilization. The First Wilderness Corridor follows the Upper Hudson River from Saratoga Springs to North Creek. This wild and scenic river rolls through rapids, past dramatic cliffs of magnificent marble before it slows to flow easily through ice meadows, kept perpetually cleared of trees by the annual scouring of spring ice floes.
The land along the river first served as a hunting ground for Indian people, who established trails connecting the Mohawk Valley with the Champlain Valley. American and European soldiers followed these trails during the French and Indian War. Once fighting had subsided, the vast tracts of timber spurred the logging and tanning industries. Construction of a railroad just after the Civil War gave vacationers easy access to hotels and resorts, and Americans discovered the lure of nature to restore their lives.
Today, communities along the First Wilderness Corridor celebrate their shared history along this route into the heart of the Adirondack wilderness. Drive along the scenic byway, or paddle the river course to America's "First Wilderness."
Train photo courtesy Greg Klingler.
Side Three
Rediscover The First Wilderness The Story
The hamlet of North Creek remains the Town of Johnsburg's central force and business district. Historically, garnet and titanium mining, mineral shipping and logging brought work, visitors and industrial entrepreneurs. The railway system provided transportation for

Photographed by Steve Stoessel, May 16, 2020
4. Stony Creek, part of the First Wilderness Heritage Corridor
Heritage Corridor website homepage
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Riparius/Riverside & Chestertown
Riparius/Riverside is a small and picturesque waterfront hamlet in the Town of Johnsburg. It parallels the Upper Hudson River and its original railway station is on the National Registry of Historic Places. This crossroad is located on Route 8 west of Chester, Horicon, Pottersville, Schroon Lake and Hague and east of Wevertown, Johnsburg, North Creek, Indian Lake and Blue Mountain. The community shares a wonderful past where Thomas Cole and Asher Durant first began to paint landscapes, thus beginning the Hudson River School of Painting. www.johnsburgny.com www.townofchesterny.org
Thurman/The Glen/ Glen Hudson Campground Thurman/The Glen/ Glen Hudson Campground
The Glen is a flagstop at a highway crossroad that sits in the Town of Johnsburg. In the 1930's however, this was a major rail stop for travelers moving into the area as summer guests. Here, you will find a lovely seasonal Adirondack B&B, grocery store and white water rafting company. Major attractions including horseback riding and fine dining are less than 20 minutes away. Regionally, the area is filled with folklore and bares a sensitive ecological community that extends south to Stony Creek www.thurmanny.com
Thurman/Warrensburg
Days gone by saw a thriving intersection here as these 2 towns and 2 major rivers, the Hudson and Schroon, came together to transport manufactured goods to Metro NY cities. The railway spurred off at Thurman Station, crossed the Hudson and traveled 2 miles into the historic garnet district. These communities continue to work, educate and support each other. They are home to small logging, maple and cottage industry businesses, health services, historic B & B lodging properties, roadside diners, and Oscar's Smokehouse. townofwarrensburg.org www.thurmanny.com
Stony Creek Ranch Platform Stony Creek borders the Hudson River, where small lumber mills, logging companies, and a large tannery were the center of business until after WWII. The changing logging industry brought a wave of country style living characterized by refurbished logging camps, ranch resorts, the creation of northeast rodeos and old fashion-fiddle stomping square dancing. Word spread fast and the "Four Corners” became the place to be. The station platform stop at the 1000 Acres Ranch still provides guests with western style atmosphere and uninterrupted tranquil views of the Adirondacks. www.stonycreekny.com
Hadley/Lake Luzerne
The Hadley-Lake Luzerne area serves two communities that span the Hudson River in two counties on two rivers. The Bridge of Hope showcases Rockwell Falls to the north and the Sacandaga confluence to the south. After the Civil War, the influx of tourists by train increased business and room nights at the local inns and dude ranches. This area is one NYS's most frequented whitewater rafting, tubing and kayaking sites. Hadley's fire tower and the parabolic bow bridge are listed on the National Registry. Hadley connects to Stony Creek and Saratoga Springs, while Lake Luzerne reaches to the Lake George Area, twelve miles away www.townofhadley.org www.townoflakeluzerne.com
Corinth/Queensbury
The quaint community of Corinth in Saratoga County lies adjacent to the Hudson River. The bend in the river exposes a cascading palisade wall creating a dramatic boundary to Pagenstretcher Park that connects to Curtis Park and onto the Corinth Village Park. The Hudson River's mighty power was a major influence here facilitating the creation of the International Paper Company's logging industry headquarters for nearly 100 years. Corinth's location is 15 minutes to neighboring Saratoga Springs, Queensbury, City of Glens Falls, The Adirondack Northway (Exit 18) and the Hadley/Lake Luzerne Areas. www.townofcorinthny.com queensbury.net
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a celebrated Victorian town, full of rich architecture and enriched by traditions. "Health, History and Horses” characterizes this American town including being historically known for its healing waters by the Native Americans. Drinking fountains and public bath houses still exist. Nearby is the historic Saratoga Battlefield, once a turning point of the American Revolution. Saratoga thrives with the same friendly atmosphere as it did when established in 1851. The horse racing industry has been a major attraction making it the place to be. www.saratoga-springs.org
The outdoor recreation industry is a primary generator of economics in this North Creek/Gore Mountain Area. Major snow and water sports can be found in these high peaks as well as gondola rides, garnet mine tours, a scenic train, unique shopping, fine dining and quaint lodging properties. The scenic train operator has reopened North Creek as a destination for travelers from around the world while also partnering with local attractions to provide a complimentary shuttle to local venues. The Tannery Pond concerts and Main Street projects are continuously evolving for audience delight. www.gorechamber.com
Riparius/Riverside & Chestertown
A quiet community less than 5 miles from North Creek and the North Warren Area of Chestertown, Riparius provides easy access to quaint lodging, restaurants, major activities and events. Canoe, kayak and rafting are just out the back door, while downhill and water skiing, mountain climbing, hunting. trapping, fishing, biking and hiking are available a short distance away. In either direction are many wonderful gift shops, artisan galleries, natural caves, music venues, a miniature train museum and an abundant array of outdoor sports and amusements. www.gorechamber.com www.northwarren.com
Thurman/The Glen/ Glen Hudson Campground Thurman/The Glen/ Glen Hudson Campground
Thurman's visitors are renewed with the many outdoor offerings that are close by. Besides the many river activities, the nearby neighboring communities offer horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing and camping. To compliment educational learning and exploration, opportunities are available through local history museums, art galleries and outdoor adventure guides in the neighboring towns of Chester, Thurman and Warrensburg. As a vacation destination, there are plenty of natural resources, arts and crafts, historical sites, and local history museums. Spring Maple and Fall Farm Tours are favorite activities for all ages. www.thurmanstation.org
Thurman/Warrensburg
Thurman and the Town of Warrensburg are just a river crossing apart. Snowmobiling remains an important winter activity for residents and wilderness snow lovers. River floating and winter skiing are actually walkable from the train station. Thurman provides visitors with a flash from the past with Maple Sugar and Fall Farm Tours. Residents are proud of their culture, their music, homespun tales, history tours and hard work. Trapping, logging and farming continue to be an important way of life while local museums, amusement parks and cultural institutions are nearby. www.thurmanstation.org www.warrensburgchamber.com
Stony Creek Ranch Platform
1000 Acres Ranch rests on the shores of the Hudson River and remains a seasonal resort providing horseback rides and golf everyday. The Town of Stony Creek accents the four seasons of recreation with camping, hunting, fishing. biking, hiking. rafting, kayaking, canoeing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and trapping, to name a few. The new Dean Farm Recreational Park Area is the latest FWHC project to be developed for residents and guests to enjoy the opportunity for good healthy exercising and relaxation within the pristine mountains of the Adirondacks. www.stonycreekchamber.com
Hadley/Lake Luzerne
These communities offer 3 miles of flat water, and a variety of round sports including hiking, sledding, horseback riding, snowmobiling, river rafting, kayaking, and canoeing The spring season kicks off with a Maple in April Festival that leads to lots of hiking, bicycling, fishing, summer concerts, a triathlon, and town-wide book and garage sales. Smead Memorial Park, the Hadley Historic Rivers Trail, Dean Mountain Park and Benjamin C. Butler Park are recreational locations. The Adirondack Folk School and the Luzeme Music Camp are a must see. Hadley Business Association (Facebook) www.lakeluzernechamber.org
Corinth/Queensbury
The Jessups Landing Trail connects the Corinth parks and is the focal point for many special occasions. Year-round themed events and summertime camping and water sport activities are plentiful while snowmobiling and snowshoeing adom Corinth's wintry countryside. Queensbury's West Mountain Ski Resort is less than 15 minutes away. Local organizations are sponsors to many events as this community has a strong pride in working together to spotlight small businesses like antiques and collectible shops, a specialty guitar shop, a winery, produce, honey and maple farms that can all provide for an interesting educational experience. www.CorinthMerchantsAssociation.com
Saratoga Springs
Since the 1700's, Saratoga Springs has been attracting visitors year round with its diverse array of venues such as horse racing. horse shows, race and dance museums, racino, battlefields, a national cemetery, Victorian B & B's, spas and hotels, gourmet restaurants, convention centers, colleges, music and performance entertainment centers, NYC Ballet, Jazz festivals, celebrity shows, arts, golf, lakes and boating, world class shopping, grand wedding locations, and wineries. It also provides robust medical services, an Amtrak station, and a northbound scenic train. Saratoga is a vacationer's delight and a photographer's paradise. www.saratoga.org
Warren County Planning Department
Municipal Center, Human Resources Building. Third Floor
1340 Street Route 9518.761.6409
Lake George, New York 12845
For more information visit www.FirstWilderness.com
Erected by First Wilderness.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1795.
Location. 43° 25.71′ N, 73° 55.82′ W. Marker is in Stony Creek, New York, in Warren County. It is at the intersection of Harrisburg Road and Lanfear Road, on the right when traveling north on Harrisburg Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stony Creek NY 12878, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Capital District. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Warren County (a few steps from this marker); Stony Creek War Memorials (a few steps from this marker); History of Stony Creek (approx. 0.3 miles away); John P. Bowman (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named John P. Bowman (approx. 0.3 miles away); Town Line (approx. 3.7 miles away); (Hadley Mountain) Fire Tower (approx. 4 miles away); James Cameron (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stony Creek.
More about this marker. This is a wooden kiosk with three panels and a posting board.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 1,147 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 19, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.


