From the gate, pass through and hike along an old road to an old bridge over the Bog River. Cross the bridge and quickly come to a second intersection. This intersection is not as obvious, head more left. This trail is quite obvious but doesn’t get a ton of use from hikers, it is more of a ski trail, and not marked. The trail is rather flat for most of its course. There is one decent hill you will ascend and a long descent will bring you down to the Shore of the Bog River. Herd paths follow the shore in both directions. Be aware that this trail is very wet in sections along the old carriage road, especially under spring conditions. 

Bog River Trail follows several old haul roads through the WF between State Route 421 and the Bog River. Depending on the combination of routes used, loops ranging from 5 to 8 miles are available. This trail ends at Winding Falls on the Bog River.

Trailhead

From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in the Village of Tupper Lake follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Continue to Route 421 (Horseshoe Lake Road) on your left. Follow Route 421 for about 0.1 miles to a yellow state gate on the left, park here. 

Distance Round Trip:

3.0 Miles

Elevation Gain or Loss: 

~20’

Time Round Trip:  

Family with Young Kids:     3 to 4 hours

Experienced Hiker:         2 to 3 hours

Out of Shape Hiker:     3 to 4 hours

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

From the gate, pass through and ski along an old road and approach an old bridge over the Bog River. Cross the bridge and quickly come to a second intersection. This intersection is not as obvious, but there is a faint trail heading slightly right of straight, avoid this and head more left. This trail is quite obvious but you may notice it gets use from only a few skiers, mainly those who know about its existence. The trail is rather flat for most of its course. There is one decent hill you will ascend and a long descent will bring you down to the Shore of the Bog River. Herd paths follow the shore in both directions.

Ascent:

~20 Feet

Distance Round Trip:

Approx. 3.0 miles

Approximate Time Round Trip:

Families with Kids:    4 to 5 hours

Experienced Skiers:    3 to 4 hours

Out of Shape Skiers:    3 to 4 hours

Trailhead Location:

From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in the Village of Tupper Lake follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Continue to Route 421 (Horseshoe Lake Road) on your left. Follow Route 421 for about 0.1 miles to a yellow state gate on the left, park here.

Difficulty: 1=easiest, 5=hardest

Two: Mainly due to varied conditions

Additional Important Information:

This trail, at this time is not marked, and can be found under various conditions of use.

Skiing over a frozen body of water is a cross-country skiing past time; it can access you to areas not seen by most in the summer. With that being said it is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies and should be done with care and respect for your environment. Know the ice conditions and be prepared for anything including heavy winds, snow drifts, whiteouts, slushy conditions, and thin ice.