Let’s Hit the Adirondack Rail Trail Now that summer finally...
Read MoreLet's Hit the Adirondack Rail Trail
Now that summer finally seems to be here – let’s hit the Adirondack Rail Trail!
About the Adirondack Rail Trail
The Adirondack Rail Trail is a multi-use, year-round recreational trail that will eventually span 34 miles between Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, and Tupper Lake.
The first two sections of the Rail Trail (Lake Placid to Saranac Lake and Saranac Lake to Lake Clear) are complete, with the third section set to be finished in the fall of 2025.
The Rail Trail will enable residents and visitors to enjoy safe, healthful exercise, commune with nature, and soak up Adirondack history. All this in a peaceful, safe, scenic setting along a path with no more than a 2% grade. People of all ages and abilities can experience the flora, fauna, geology, and communities intimately, needing nothing more than a sturdy pair of shoes or an inexpensive bike.
What can the Adirondack Rail Trail be used for
In warm weather, people can enjoy biking (including class 1 e-bikes), running, birding, and dog walking. Rollerblading can also be done on the 2.5-mile section through Saranac Lake.
In the winter, the Rail Trail is perfect for fat-tire bikers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, kick-sledders, and cross-country skiers.
Let’s Hit the Adirondack Rail Trail
Starting from Lake Placid, you can take the Adirondack Rail Trail 9 miles to Saranac Lake. The Lake Placid trailhead for the Rail Trail is located on Station Street, near the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society. From this point in Lake Placid, cyclists and walkers will follow the Chubb River for just over a half-mile before crossing the river. At 0.75 miles, you will cross Old Military Road, the only major road until reaching Fowler’s Crossing (just outside Saranac Lake.) At the Old Military Road crossing you will find Bike Lake Placid, a great bike rental shop offering e-bikes and unpowered bikes.
Between the two villages, the trail passes wetlands, crosses streams, and offers views of nearby peaks. Most of the trail is surfaced with compact stone dust that’s suitable for road bikes. Before reaching Saranac Lake, you will first pass through the hamlet of Ray Brook. Ray Brook offers a handful of dining options if you’re looking to stop, including Ray Brook Brewhouse, ADK Street Eats, and The Pine Cone. Just before entering the village of Saranac Lake is another popular access point to the Adirondack Rail Trail. This area is known as Fowler’s Crossing. If you’re riding or walking from Lake Placid, please use caution when crossing here! The trail crosses over Route 86 which can be busy.
The 2.5 miles of the Adirondack Rail Trail from Fowler’s Crossing through the village of Saranac Lake to the crossing at Broadway is paved. This is my personal favorite section of the Adirondack Rail Trail because it allows for rollerblading! I’m not a biker, but love rollerblading and the Rail Trail has made for a safe and scenic way to do so. On this section of the trail, you pass by McKenzie Brook, the North Country Community College athletic fields, and the old train depot.
Leaving Saranac Lake the scenery changes as the terrain becomes wilder, with lake crossings, wetlands, woods, and open fields. Not far from Saranac Lake, you will come to Lake Clear Junction. Here you will find Charlie’s Inn, a local restaurant that is popular with snowmobilers.
Skirting the southern shore of Lake Clear the rail trail next takes us to the Floodwood area where the trail ends (for now.) This point is 25 miles from Lake Placid. The remaining 9 miles of the Rail Trail are currently under construction with an eventual ending point at the Tupper Lake Train Depot.
The final surface will be multiple layers of gradually smaller crushed stone. This surface will be constructed consistent with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and will accommodate bicycles, wheelchairs, and strollers when snow is not present.
The Adirondack Rail Trail is a great way to get outside and explore the Adirondacks in a safe and scenic way. It’s great for the whole family, including pups! I try to get out on the trail as often as I can and have only had great experiences. While you tend to see a good amount of people, it never feels too cramped or overcrowded. Everyone is always very nice and says hello. I’ve been on the Rail Trail in the spring, summer, and fall, and my only complaint would be that depending on weather, the trail can be covered in pine needles. Not a huge deal for walkers, runners, and bikers, but something to be cautious of if you’re rollerblading!
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