Is Another ADK Rail Trail Possible?
Could the Saratoga Springs north to Tahawus rail corridor have potential to become another Adirondack Rail Trail? Guest blogger Phil Brown certainly sees the possibility.
Spearheaded by the Adirondack Rail Trail Association and managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the trail follows the old New York Central rail line for 34 miles between the communities of Lake Placid and Tupper Lake. While currently under construction, the first of three sections of the trail is open as of December 1, 2023 with the subsequent sections opening in 2024 and 2025.
PHASE 1: Lake Placid to Saranac Lake - OPEN - 10 miles - This section was officially opened on December 1, 2023 and contains 10-miles of firmly packed stone dust surface. The section through the Village of Saranac Lake is paved.
PHASE 2: Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road - CLOSED - 15 miles - Construction of the finish surface of this section began in June 2023 and will continue through the fall of 2023 spring/summer of 2024 with a current planned opening of fall 2024.
PHASE 3: Lake Clear to Tupper Lake - OPEN/UNIMPROVED - 9 miles - This section isn't scheduled for construction until 2025, but when finished will complete the entire corridor and will be one of the most stunning sections to ride. Riders can traverse it now, but a fat bike or full suspension mountain bike is recommended.
For the latest construction info, visit dec.ny.gov/lands/124911.html.
The final finish surface of the Adirondack Rail Trail will be heavily compacted stone dust. The material will support running, walking and cycling, including road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, recumbents, fat bikes and class 1 e-bikes. A 2-mile section within the Village of Saranac Lake is paved and supports roller skates/blades, skateboards and strollers.
To stay updated on progress, subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter - the Adirondack Gearzette - which hits inboxes the first week of every month. In addition to Adirondack Rail Trail news and info, the Gearzette is full of all things bikes in the Adirondacks.
Lake Placid
Locally known as the snow fields, this lot is located on Old Military Road behind the Lake Placid Fire Department. This lot is being used as a temporary parking lot while a permanent trail head is being constructed by the Open Space Institute at the Lake Placid Train Depot.
Saranac Lake
Parking at the Saranac Lake end is available on both sides of Rte 86 as the highway enters the Village from Lake Placid. A second sizable lot is located at the Saranac Lake Train Depot located next to the Adirondack Carousel on Depot Street.
Additional information about parking will be added as Phase 2 and 3 are completed. Parking is also available within the downtown communities of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, each of which provide easy access to the trail.
BikeADK offers shuttle service for you and your bike from either the Lake Placid or Saranac Lake ends. Bookings are by appointment only and must be pre-arranged at least 48 hours in advance of your trip.
Just drop us a line at fun@bikeadk.com with general information about your needs and we'll be back in touch swiftly to arrange details.
Shuttle Includes
Pricing**
*Final pricing may change if a special shuttle destination is requested that is a substantial distance from either the Lake Placid or Saranac Lake ends of the trail.
**All shuttles must be paid in advance in order to reserve the booking.
Just drop us a line at fun@bikeadk.com with general information about your needs and we'll be back in touch swiftly to arrange details. Pricing depends on the type of bike, duration of rental, and distance for delivery.
Of course, the Adirondacks are full of incredible locally owned bike shops, many of which offer bike rentals, in addition to sales and repairs.
Currently, Phase 1 between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake is the only section that is open. Construction is happening on Phase 2 between Saranac Lake and Lake Clear and will be beginning this summer between Lake Clear and Tupper Lake.
The final finish surface of the Adirondack Rail Trail will be heavily compacted stone dust. The material will support running, walking and cycling, including road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, recumbents, fat bikes and class 1 e-bikes. A 2-mile section within the Village of Saranac Lake is paved and supports roller skates/blades, skateboards and strollers.
Yes, class 1 pedal assist e-bikes are allowed on the Adirondack Rail Trail. Class 2 & 3 e-bikes are not.
Ample parking with portable restrooms are available at planned hubs in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. Please refer to Parking tab above for details. Additional parking is readily available within the communities, all of which provide easy access to the trail.
Yes, portable restrooms have been placed throughout the entire Phase 1 corridor by the Adirondack Rail Trail Association. Please use them respectfully and do not leave refuse in them. If you pack it in, please pack it out.
Yes, Bike Adirondacks can arrange for bike rental and delivery. Click the Bike Rental tab above for details. Most area bike shops also have bicycles available for rental.
Yes, BikeADK offers pre-arranged, one-way shuttle service from either the Lake Placid or Saranac Lake ends of the trail. Click the "Shuttle Service" tab above for details.