Colton
is a small community nestled within the northern footlhills of the
Adirondack
Mountains and along one of the most scenic and powerful series of
waterfalls
on the entire Raquette River, Stone
Valley. On a map from 1820, the community is identified as
Matildaville.
The township of Colton was established in 1843 and it's history
is visible throughout the community in beautiful 19th century
buildings. See a 1905 map
of the Raquette River from Potsdam to Colton.

Colton grew and prospered, harnessing the great power of the river
and played a major role in the lumber industry that harvested vast
tracts
of timber in the Adirondacks. The remains of some of the mills can
still
be seen along the river. Visit the Colton
Museum and Historical Society or the beautiful field stone Colton-Hepburn
Library to learn more about the community.
Recreational opportunities are unlimited - fishing, hunting,
cross-country
skiing, hiking, canoeing, sailing, boating, whitewater kayaking,
camping,
snowmobiling and more. The nearby Raquette River reservoirs
provide free access for a variety of water activities and
Higley
Flow State Park offers excellent camping and winter recreation. For
more recreation information, check the Colton
Home Page.
Stone Valley is a cooperative recreation area and the hiking
trails
that run along both the east and west sides of the river can be
accessed
from the bridge in Colton. Many unique geological features are
marked
with informative signs.
Visit Colton during any season of the year and you will find a friendly
community and a beautiful environment.
Meet Bill
Smith: Colton's Traditional Basketmaker & Storyteller, a
"Master
of North Country Folklife".