Low’s Ridge – Upper Dam Trail Outing: Leaf Peeping and Birding!

Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 7:00 AM

Meeting Location: Long Lake Town Beach, Long Lake, NY. Restrooms are available at the meeting location.

Join Joan Collins for a fall walk to beautiful Hitchins Pond and the Upper Dam on the Bog River. This scenic route follows an old dirt road through a variety of habitats, including boreal bog, marsh, mixed forest, ponds, and lakes—offering plenty of opportunities for birding and enjoying peak fall foliage along the way.

The walk to Hitchins Pond is approximately 2.5 miles over mostly level terrain. Once there, we’ll take a food break at a scenic picnic area. Participants will also have the option to order lunch from the Adirondack Trading Post. Menus will be provided before departure, with warm paninis delivered to the picnic area.

For those looking to extend the adventure, there will be an optional 2-mile round-trip hike up Low’s Ridge, featuring spectacular views of the Bog River Valley and High Peaks. The total round-trip distance is approximately 5 miles without Low’s Ridge or 7 miles with the additional hike.

Participants traveling from the west may meet the group at the Bog River Falls parking area at approximately 7:20–7:30 AM. We can carpool to the trailhead from there, although participants are welcome to drive their own vehicles. An outhouse is available at Hitchins Pond.

This field trip is jointly sponsored by Northern New York Audubon and the Long Lake Parks and Recreation Department.

Registration: Contact Joan Collins at JoanCollins@ADKAvian.com or 518-624-5528. Participation is limited to 12 people.

What to Bring: Food (lunch can be ordered at departure), water, jacket, appropriate attire/hiking shoes, binoculars, hat, and sunscreen.