§ Field Notes
About John Dillon Park.
Located in Long Lake on land owned by International Paper and operated by Paul Smith's College, John Dillon Park was designed from the ground up for accessibility. Its entire 3.5-mile trail system is wheelchair-friendly, and its lean-tos and fishing platforms accommodate visitors with mobility needs. The park's mission is to provide an inclusive outdoor experience for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers, though it is open to all. It serves as a quiet day-use area with flat trails through a working forest, and camping is available by reservation.
Important: The park will not open for the summer 2026 season due to required improvements to its potable water system. During this closure, Paul Smith's College is also undertaking a review of longer-term stewardship plans. Visitors are advised to confirm the park's reopening status before planning a trip. When open, it is a rare park within the Blue Line built specifically for an audience often underserved by traditional trail networks.

