A vibrant history
The town of Piercefield, New York, was founded in 1801 in a portion of the western Adirondacks that later became part of St. Lawrence County. At the turn of the 19th Century, the town was setting records — it became well-known for having the largest hydropower dam in the northeast, and it's home to numerous maple syrup-producing sugarbushes!
In those days paper mills were booming, the logging industry was growing, spring water was being bottled at a record speed, and Piercefield was thriving. The mill closed in 1933 and slowly the town of Piercefield transitioned from a booming industrial community to a tranquil residential and vacation area just a few miles west of Tupper Lake.
Piercefield's roots haven't been forgotten. The history of this mill town still lives on at the Piercefield Museum, which is located in the former Piercefield School on Waller Street.
The Adirondacks at its best
A variety of hamlets comprise the town of Piercefield, including the villages of Piercefield, Childwold, Conifer, Mount Arab, Eagle Craig, Gale, Gull Pond, and Horseshoe Lake.
Visitors and residents alike consider Piercefield a gold mine of breathtaking natural attractions such as the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest, which is home to Horseshoe Pond, Bog River Falls, Hitchens Pond, and Low's Ridge. Located west of the village of Piercefield is Massawepie Mire, the largest peatland in New York state. Birders from across the region flock to the Mire for a glimpse of the increasingly rare spruce grouse, more than 18 species of warblers, and the common loon. The nearby Mount Arab is a popular year-round hiking trail which takes you to a beautifully restored fire tower and ranger cabin complete with an active steward and interpretive program in the summer to complement the breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Explore a four-season playground
Piercefield shines in the summer! The backcountry is never far away, making this Adirondack town an ideal base camp for hiking, paddling, fishing, biking, and camping.
In the winter, Piercefield's trails become a haven for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The Childwold Snowpackers, one of the oldest snowmobile clubs in New York, meticulously groom and maintain the trails. Riders not only populate the trails here; they can also be found congregating at the popular snowmobile destination the Thirsty Moose Pub & Grub in Childwold.