This leisurely ride from Conifer through the Massawepie Mire to Grass River Flow is an excellent jaunt for nature lovers of all varieties. As you ride through the bogs, peatlands and boreal forest keep a keen eye (and ear) out for birds as you are traveling through one of the most extensive birding habitats in New York State.

Getting there

From the intersection of NYS Routes 3 & 30 in Tupper Lake (on Park Street near Stewart’s), follow Route 3 down Mill Street, then turn right onto Lake Street and follow Route 3 west towards Piercefield. In the Town of Piercefield (after approx. 7 miles), you will see a left for Conifer Road. Follow 2.6 miles until you reach a “T” in the road in the Hamlet of Conifer - turn right onto Main Street. The road will bare to the left and you will see a dirt road and gate on your right.

The route

After passing around the gate, the trail transitions between old logging road to at times double track riding trail as you move for 2.6 miles through very gentle rolling hills towards Massawepie Road and the “4 Corners.” When you reach the intersection continue straight until you come to a “Y” in the road where you will bare right toward Massawepie Mire. 

As you begin to ride through the first portion of Massawepie Mire you will notice that your are riding on an old railroad bed. Please use caution as some of the old rail ties are still exposed and you will most likely need to ride to the sides of them through this portion of the trip. In about a half mile, you will cross a wooden bridge at the South Branch of the Grass River. After which the trail will continue through a mix of boreal forest and bogs as you approach Silver Brooke and then on Grass River Flow.

• Length One-Way: 7.5 miles / 12 kilometers
• Length Round-Trip: 14 miles / 24 kilometers
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate (Due to some exposed old rail ties, the trail can pose some technical difficulty - particularly after a substantial rain when the shoulders get soft.)