The Bloomingdale Bog Trail near Saranac Lake follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way once used by the Chateaugay Division of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad, which connected Plattsburgh to Saranac Lake.

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Today, the level trail provides easy walking along an elevated sandy, dirt, and gravel pathway with expansive views of Bloomingdale Bog, one of the largest bogs in northern New York. The trail winds through a variety of habitats, including bog, cedar woods, sedge marshes, and conifer forests, offering opportunities to enjoy both boreal birds and wetland wildflowers.

Birding Here

 

Bloomingdale Bog is considered one of the best locations in the Adirondacks to experience boreal bird habitat.

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It is a wonderful place any time of year, but it becomes downright magical in winter.  Listen for the tapping of a Black-backed Woodpecker, and experience the friendly Canada Jays, Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Be sure to bring unsalted, shelled peanuts because these birds are delightful beggars!

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Summer brings the beauty of blooming wetland plants, and breeding birds, although it can also bring plenty of insects. With a little planning, you can avoid the worst of the bugs and enjoy the bog at its most vibrant.

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For Canada Jays, after parking, walk the trail that is across the road from your car. 

Visitor Information

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Facilities

• None.

 

Accessibility

• The trail is an elevated sandy, dirt, or gravel walkway with many open views of the bog. The walking is easy along the level trail, it not, however paved.

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For more information and directions visit the Bloomingdale Bog page of the Wild Adirondacks website. 

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County Route 55

Bloomingdale, NY​​​

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For a list of current bird sighting and more information on this hotspot, visit eBird. 

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