North Country (New York) facts for kids
The North Country is the northernmost part of New York State in the United States. It shares a border with Canada to the north. To its east is Lake Champlain, and to its west are Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. South of it are the Adirondack Mountains and other New York regions like the Mohawk Valley region. This area is mostly rural, meaning it has many farms and open spaces rather than big cities.
The North Country includes seven counties. It is also home to Fort Drum, a large base for the U.S. Army. A big part of the famous Adirondack Park is also located here. In 2024, about 420,311 people lived in the North Country.
The name "North Country" became popular in New York around 1900. This was thanks to a novel called Eben Holden written by Irving Bacheller.
Counties in the North Country
The North Country is made up of several counties. However, different groups define the exact area of the North Country in slightly different ways.
Seven Counties: The State's View
According to the Empire State Development Corporation, which is a state agency, the North Country includes these seven counties:
- Clinton County
- Essex County
- Franklin County
- Hamilton County
- Jefferson County
- Lewis County
- St. Lawrence County
This definition is often used by state organizations like the New York State Department of Labor.
Fourteen Counties: A Wider View
Another group, the Adirondack North Country Association, sees the North Country as a larger area. They include the seven counties listed above, plus seven more:
- Fulton County
- Herkimer County
- Oneida County
- Oswego County
- Saratoga County
- Warren County
- Washington County
These additional counties are included because a part of the Adirondack State Park is located within them. This wider definition covers almost 40 percent of New York State's total land area. It is used by groups that focus on economic development and tourism in the region.
