Railway historical group opposes Lewis County rail-to-trail conversion

The Railway Historical Society of Northern New York is opposing Lewis County’s plan to convert miles of railway into recreational trails if the project requires removing the rails. Society members say the tracks support local history and tourism and that a trail could instead be built alongside the existing rail line.

The group is not opposed to a trail system but wants to preserve the railway’s use for historical and tourism activities. County Manager Tim Hunt has said several designs remain under consideration, including the possibility of placing trails alongside the tracks. The society says tourist rail operations could attract visitors to the area.