NY 56 proceeds northeastward through the hamlet of Sevey along a two-lane highway through dense woods of the Adirondack Park, paralleling the Raquette River past Chander Pond.

After leaving the park, NY 56 enters the hamlets of Irish Settlement (the site of a very dangerous S-Curve until 2010) and South Colton.

In South Colton, NY 56 passes a long stretch of residences before turning westward at a crossing of the Raquette River.

NY 56 through Willisville remains primarily residential as the two-lane highway bends northward along the Raquette River.

Along this northern stretch, the backdrop remains residential, intersecting with CR 59 (West Hannawa Road).

NY 56 turns eastward at this junction, crosses the Raquette River for the third time since South Colton and entering the hamlet of Hannawa Falls.

Hannawa Falls is a mix of residences and commercial buildings along NY 56 before leaving to the hamlet of West Parishville.

Soon after leaving the village of Potsdam and re-entering the namesake town, NY 56 loses its Market Street moniker, entering the hamlet of Sisson.

Returning to the riverside of the Raquette River, NY 56 intersects with Dry Bridge Road, which connects to CR 48 at the Norwood village line.

The route began in Potsdam, headed northwest to Madrid, then turned northeast and continued to its northern terminus in Norfolk.