Clinton County Military Road

Built during the War of 1812 to move troops and supplies toward the Canadian border, Clinton County Military Road remains one of New York’s most challenging backcountry routes. The original corduroyed sections have given way to rutted two-track that climbs through dense hardwood forest toward the Adirondack foothills. Stone foundations from military camps dot the route, while the infamous “Artillery Hill” climb tests modern 4WDs just as it challenged horse-drawn cannons two centuries ago. The road culminates at an overlook near Chazy Lake where you can see into Quebec on clear days.

This is expert-level terrain demanding serious 4WD capability, skid plates, and recovery gear. The combination of steep grades, loose rock, and narrow passages between massive boulders has claimed more than a few oil pans and differentials. Summer brings the most stable conditions, but expect mud holes that don’t dry out until late July. No permits required for the road itself, though some camping areas require reservations. Stock up on everything in Plattsburgh—once you’re committed to the route, the nearest services are 40 miles of rough road away.