Scenic Destinations
Three must see drive-up Scenic Destinations
Tupper Lake’s scenery is very hard to limit to three locations, there are so many to choose from. However, in order to keep this blog from becoming a short novel I had to make three very hard choices and I limited the field a bit more by having them all be drive-up locations, or very close too.
Roadside waterfalls, wetland vistas, birding landscapes, mountain views, quiet sounds of loons, the splash of a beaver tail under the light of dusk, a rainbow casting its colors over the glass like waters of Raquette Pond, I could go on and on (and over time I will), but for right now let me introduce three spectacular scenic destinations.
Bog River Falls
Getting there: From the intersection of Route 30 and Route 3 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Continue for 9.1 miles to Route 421 on your right. Turn down 421 and continue for 0.75 miles to the parking for Bog River Falls on the left.
You can view the falls by walking back up the road only a few feet to the top of the bridge. This bird’s eye view is one of the best of the falls. If you are feeling adventurous walk down to the shore and get a close-up view of the waters. Maybe even venture under the bridge for the unique sound of waves crashing under the bridge and the views out over Tupper Lake.
Low’s Lower Dam
Getting there: From the intersection of Route 30 and Route 3 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Continue for 9.1 miles to Route 421 on your right. Turn down 421 and continue for 5.6 miles to the dirt road for Lows Lower Dam. Turn down Lows Lower Dam Road to its end and park. The final portions of Route 421 and Lows Lower Dam Road are both dirt and have been known to be quite rough in areas, drive with care.
Once you arrive at the parking area, which has limited spaces available you will have to walk about 100 feet to the dam. The walk is on a well graded road and is perfect for anyone. Once on the dam look downstream at the lovely Bog River and take in the bright reds of the Cardinal Flower as it lines the shores. Look upstream and snap some pictures of the widening of the river as it flows past tall pines and rocky ledges. Watch the parade of paddlers as they come in from a long weekend adventure on Lows Lake, or maybe as they head out for a quick paddle to Hitchens Pond.
Moody
Getting there: From the intersection of Route 30 and Route 3 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake. Continue for 1.25 miles to where the road has the wetlands of Big Simon Pond on your left and Tupper Lake on your right, several parking areas along this next 3/4 mile stretch of road give ample opportunity for vistas.
This short section of road is one of the most scenic drives in the area. While the drive through is over quite quickly there are some parking areas along the way to take in some really excellent scenery. This area is outstanding for birding, leaf pepping in the fall, wildlife viewing, and killer sunsets. Drive through early in the morning and awe in the splendor of the mist rising from the cool waters. Moose like these shallow waters and the vegetation that grows there, so don’t be surprised if a caravan of cars lines the street someday taking in the rare Adirondack moose.
When plans change...
Are you just driving through and decide you want to stay longer? Check out some of Tupper Lake’s dining experiences and local lodging to get a good night’s sleep. Want to get out on the waters and see firsthand some of the beauty you can see from your car, look up one of our local guides for details.