Rivergate Trail Community Connection

The 7.5-mile multi-use Sissy Danforth Rivergate trail, named after TILT’s former director who inspired its development, runs along an old railroad between the town of Clayton and the hamlet of LaFargeville and has been out of use since the 1970s. The trail has many access points and serves as a pedestrian trail with biking, hiking,  & skiing.

The most visible and crucial phase of the overall project included the McCarn Trestle Bridge located over McCarn Creek. The 160’ long - 60’ high trestle which was built in 1880s had deteriorated and was repurposed and restored to allow for pedestrian traffic as a continuation of the trail. This connection point of the trail between Clayton and LaFargeville created a continuous recreational space between the two communities.

Aubertine and Currier provided Professional Design Services for the Thousand Islands Land Trust for the project. The project began with a comprehensive engineering evaluation report. Once funding was secured the project moved ahead for the trail/restoration project. The trestle bridge features girder bearings, wood support beams, decking, and safety rails. ADA compliance was an important feature to allow access for all. Additionally, visitors are able to utilize the interpretive signage and observation platforms such as the McCarn Creek overlook platform where they can see the trestle structure.