Bloomingdale Bog Hiking Trail

The Bloomingdale Bog Trail is a 16-mile rail-trail located in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. It follows an old rail bed from Lake Colby in Saranac Lake (State Route 86/Harrietstown Road) north to Lake Kushaqua. The southern segment of the trail runs through a bog. The trail surface consists of dirt, gravel, and sand, with some bumpy sections due to tree roots. It is mostly flat, making it suitable for mountain biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. In the southern bog section, beaver activity can cause flooding, requiring users to walk bikes through shallow water during spring and early summer. Black flies and other insects are prevalent from Memorial Day until late June or early July. The trail is accessible year-round, with winter use for skiing and snowshoeing. Parking for the south trailhead is about 1.3 miles north of the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, accessed by turning right on a dirt road off NY 86, then bearing left to park at the gate. Parking is also available at the northern end off County Road 60 (Gabriels-Onchita Road). Cyclists are advised to give way to hikers.