Horseshoe Lake to Hitchins Pond

Click to show Larger Image

Overview

This route leads to the site where entrepreneur Augustus Low once generated electricity, had a logging operation, and bottled and sold spring water among other enterprises. Occupying most of the southeastern corner of St. Lawrence County, the largest county in NY State and 5th largest east of the Mississippi, is the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. County Route 421 dead ends on the west shore of Horseshoe Lake where access is gained to 3 bike routes: Hitchins Pond to the west, (described here), Massawepie Road to the north, and Trout Pond to the south.

Difficulty:easy

Length:2.0 mi

Configuration:one way

Type and Surface:dirt road

Type of Riding:This route is along dirt roads that lead from Horseshoe Lake west and then south, eventually reaching the dam at the east end of Low's Lake, the remains of some of Low's buildings, and a picnic site on Hitchins Pond.

Season:Generally, trails are suitable for riding from mid-May to mid-October.

Directions:Southern access is at the end of County Route 421 off the west side of Route 30 at the Franklin/St. Lawrence County line.

Caution:Hikers also use this trail system. Always yield to other users. Avoid using trails in wet seasons or conditions.

The trail illustrated here is appropriate for mountain biking, however, not all trails in the Adirondack Park are open to mountain bikes. Both land ownership and land use classifications influence which trails are available for mountain biking. For example, bicycles are not allowed on Forest Preserve land classified as Wilderness, therefore, hiking trails that connect with this mountain biking trail may not be open to bicycles. Before you ride this trail or any trail in the Adirondack Park you are strongly encouraged to check at a local bicycle shop, information center, or NYS DEC office to confirm the suitability of your planned activity and to obtain the latest trail information

See Before You Ride for more suggestions on enjoyable and safe riding in the Adirondack Park.

For More Information

This online atlas information only provides introductory information additional information is required before you ride. See the following suggestions on guidebooks, bike shops, maps, etc. that should be consulted before starting your ride.

Nearby Bike Shops

• Lake Placid
• Potsdam
• Canton

Nearby Villages and Information Centers

• Tupper Lake

USGS Maps

• Piercefield
• Little Tupper Lake

Other Maps and Brochures

• Paddler's Map

Other Nearby Opportunities and Activities

While in the area you might enjoy some of these other activities in the vicinity of this trail.

Nearby Mountain Biking Opportunities

• Massawepie Road from Horseshoe Lake
• Horseshoe Lake to Trout Pond

Other Nearby Recreational Opportunities

From Horseshoe Lake, access is gained to 3 mountain bike routes: Massawepie Road to the north, Hitchins Pond to the west (described here), and Trout Pond to the south. A limited number of campsites exist near Horseshoe Lake. The Bog River Flow and Low's Lake are a popular canoeing and camping destination.

Neaby Sites & Attractions

• Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks
• Adirondack Museum (Blue Mountain Lake)

Disclaimer

The map and information presented here are not sufficient to implementing a safe and enjoyable mountain bike ride in the Adirondack Park. Users should first review guidebooks if available, obtain more detailed maps, and most importantly, discuss your planned route with a knowledgeable person just prior to beginning your ride. A quick visit to a local bicycle shop, Chamber of Commerce office, NYS DEC office, or sporting goods shop will provide you with important, up-to-date information on your selected ride.

This information is provided in the interest of informing the public on mountain biking opportunities in the Adirondack Park. The user of this information assumes all risk for any injuries or difficulties that result. Mountain Biking can be a dangerous activity and regardless of what is presented on this website, you always ride at your own risk. The listing of any businesses, organizations, or other sources of information on this website does not represent endorsement of those entities, does not guarantee the accuracy of any information they provide, and does not make them liable for any injuries resulting from any activity suggested by this website. The owners, managers, and sponsors of BikeAdirondacks.org and BikeAdirondacks.com are not responsible for any injury or misfortune that results from use of the information presented here. Comments and suggestions can be emailed to us.