Public Encouraged to Find Alternative Paddling Destinations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded the public that the gate on the access road leading to the Bog River Dam, also known as Lows Lower Dam, is closed for dam maintenance. The Lower Dam Road and parking area near the end of the road will be closed to public use for the duration of the construction project. Access to the site by water, including the portage around the dam, is also prohibited.
Construction activities are expected seven days per week and anticipated to continue through fall 2024. The project will bring the dam into compliance with New York State dam safety regulations.
The public is encouraged to seek alternative paddling destinations during the construction project. Alternative destinations for wilderness paddling and camping include Round Lake, Little Tupper Lake, Lake Lila, the St. Regis Canoe Area, and the Essex Chain of Lakes. There are additional destinations throughout the Adirondacks for paddling associated with day use and non-wilderness camping. DEC's paddling and places to go webpages feature information for those seeking alternative destinations.
Opportunities for recreational users to access Hitchens Pond and/or Lows Lake during the construction period include:
- The Horseshoe Lake Outlet is located off the Otter Brook Road, approximately 0.4-miles past the Lower Dam Road. This channel is very narrow, flows through dense alders, and contains many beaver dams. This route is not recommended during low water conditions. Parking for approximately eight vehicles is available near the kiosk at Horseshoe Lake. There is no roadside parking available near the launch site along the Otter Brook Road. The Horseshoe Lake Outlet enters the Bog River between the Lows Lower Dam launch site and Hitchens Pond.
- The Upper Dam Road is located on the left through a closed gate, off the Otter Brook Road, approximately 0.9-miles past the Remsen-Lake Placid Railroad crossing by Horseshoe Lake. Boats can be carried for about 2.5 miles on the relatively flat road to reach Lows Upper Dam. There is room for about 10 vehicles to park at nearby campsites or by the gate near the Otter Brook Road. Users also have the option to park at Horseshoe Lake. Access to the gate must not be blocked.
- Other, more challenging, portages provide access to Lows Lake, including the 3.5-mile Oswegatchie River Canoe Carry, from the Oswegatchie River above High Falls, and the 4.4-mile Cranberry Lake Grass Pond Trail, from Chair Rock Flow in Cranberry Lake. These routes are difficult and only recommended for highly experienced wilderness paddlers with a lengthy time commitment.
For any questions or concerns, contact Henry Dedrick, Supervising Forester at the DEC's Potsdam sub-office at (315)-265-3090.
