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".