The 1.2 million acres that make up the Tug Hill Region lie in rugged country between Lake Ontario and the Adirondack Park. It’s one of the most remote, rural areas of New York State. The Tug Hill got its name in the 1800’s from teams of oxen “tugging” wagons up long trails to higher elevations of the plateau.
About ten percent of the region is public land with the rest used for the timber industry, privately owned forest, farms, and homes. Most of the Tug Hill’s population of 100,000 is concentrated in small villages around the edges of the region. At its core, the Tug Hill region is comprised of about 275 square miles of dense forest with a sparse population and few public roads.
The counties included in The Tug Hill Region are: Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and Oswego.
This is a partial list of the towns included in The Tug Hill Region: Adams, Champion, Lorraine, Rodman, Rutland, Watertown, Worth
Rising more that 2,000 feet from the shores of Lake Ontario, the Tug Hill has fantastic views of the Adirondack Mountains and the farmlands of Lewis County. It’s a haven for hunters, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake effect snowfall averages 200 inches a year, making the Tug Hill a popular destination for snowmobilers who enjoy miles of established trails.