This mountain biking is a sweet ride that offers a scenic riding experience and exposes the rich history tucked away in the Horseshoe Wild Forest. Enjoy riding along gravel roads and double track trails, which leaders you past Horseshoe Lake, Hitchen’s Bog and on to Low’s Upper Dam. An optional hike up Low’s Ridge is also available to riders once you reach the Dam near Hitchen’s Pond. 

Directions to the Trailhead

From the intersection of NYS Routes 3 & 30 (on Park Street) in Tupper Lake, head west for two blocks until you reach the intersection Park Street and Wawbeek Avenue (NYS Route 30). Turn left and follow Route 30 south for 8.7 miles to where you will turn right on to County Route 421. At this turn, you will see a DEC Trail Sign at this location for the Horse Shoe Wild Forest. 

After 1.6 miles, Route 421 will turn left, after turning, follow for another 3.9 miles. You will see a sizable parking area on your right with a handicap accessible fishing overlook. This is a great place to park and begin your trip. (Note: prior to reaching your destination, Route 421 will tradition from pavement to gravel)

Trail Description

The biking trip from Horseshoe Lake into Low’s Upper Dam will begin by continuing along the gravel road which you drove in on. The road will bend along the shoreline of Horseshoe Lake during which you will pass a variety of campsites as well as open views of the lake. After 1.1 miles of riding you will cross the old railroad bed and then begin passing through dense forest. If you were to follow this road you could bike all the way to Massawepie. 

After another .7 miles a road with a yellow gate will appear to your left. There is room to the right of the gate to pass around the gate with your bicycle.

From here the road will transition to double track trails which will lead towards Low’s Upper Dam. With little elevation change along the trail, the route at it’s hardest point is only gentle rolling hills. Along the way you will pass Hitchen’s Bog, beautiful marshy area as well a mixed forest. Throughout the year, this location proves to be a popular birding destination. 

Once you arrive at Low’s Lower Dam, you will find a short foot path to Hitchen’s Pond which will lead you pass interpretive signage and historic ruins from the Low’s Horse Shoe Forestry Company. Adjacent to the Dam you will find an optional 1.1 mile hike up Low’s Ridge. 

Length One Way: 4.3 miles / 6.9 kilometers

Length Round Trip: 8.2 miles / 13.2 kilometers

Difficulty: Beginner (great family biking trail)

Alternate Trailheads

If you are looking for a shorter ride, there is parking spaces also available near the railroad tracks to make your (one way) trip 3.2 miles. 

Additionally, you can park near the gate to the Upper Dam trail gate for a 2.5 mile trip (one way). If you choose this location, please use caution as to not block the gate or the road.