ADK Rail Trail Connects Saranac Lake Singletrack
Saranac Lake is blessed with four mountain-bike networks, and the new Adirondack Rail Trail makes it easy to ride from one to another without getting on busy roads.
When fully completed in 2025, the Adirondack Rail Trail will be a 34-mile vehicle free recreational trail connecting the communities of Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear and Tupper Lake. 
ABOUT THE TRAIL
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 two sections of the trail are open with Phase 3 anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2025.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
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 - OPEN - 15 miles - This phase is entirely firmly packed stone dust and links the paved surface within the Village of Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road in Lake Clear.
PHASE 3: Floodwood Road to Tupper Lake - CLOSED - 9 miles - This section is currently under construction. When finished it will complete the Adirondack Rail Trail from Floodwood Road in Lake Clear to the Tupper Lake Train Depot.
For the latest construction info, visit dec.ny.gov/lands/124911.html.
FINISHED RIDING SURFACE
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.
KEEP UPDATED
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.
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News & Info
2025 Bike Adirondacks Event Schedule Announced
Mark your calendar! It's time to announce the 2025 Bike Adirondacks event schedule featuring 1, 2, 3 & 4-day fully supported road and gravel rides.
ADK Rail Trail: The Adirondacks' Newest Sneak Route
There’s something special about a trail. The way it shortcuts a corner, connects backyards, leads to forts and hide-e-holes. Some have official names, associated maps, icons on kiosks. That sort of thing. Others are simply known as the “sneak route.”
Adirondack Rail Trail Etiquette
The Adirondack Rail Trail already has proven its popularity with tourists and local residents, so you’re likely to encounter others. Following are some of the more important rules for biking the trail.
ADK Rail Trail Phase 2 Now Open
IT'S OFFICIAL! A total of 25.2 miles of the Adirondack Rail trail connecting Lake Placid to Floodwood Road in Lake Clear are now open. Of course, you can just pedal those, but why not link it with some other options. Here's one.
Best. Weekender. Ever.
Now in it's fourth year, the Weekender at Paul Smith's College hit its stride in 2024 with an incredible three-day program featuring fabulous routes, fun off-bike adventures and unique cultural experiences. Guess what's in store for next year?
Adirondack Rail Trail Construction Update
Spring construction season is here, which means improvements to the 15-mile Phase 2 section of the Adirondack Rail Trail between Saranac Lake and Floodwood Road are underway.
Rail Trail Clean Up Planned for April 27
Celebrate Trails Day by volunteering to do a little spring cleaning of the newly opened Adirondack Rail Trail on Saturday, April 27.
Jackrabbit Ski Trail Inspired Bike Dream
It’s February, so I’m focused on skiing, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream of mountain biking. Specifically a totally off-road route from Keene to Saranac Lake.
Adirondack Rail Trail Phase 1 Officially Open!
After nearly a decade in the making, the first phase of the Adirondack Rail Trail is officially OPEN! Plus, there's already big plans for the Lake Placid Depot which marks the northern end of the trail.
ADK Rail Trail Phase One Almost Done
So close! This first segment of the Adirondack Rail Trail will open this fall, enabling cyclists to ride 10 miles from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake (or vice versa).
Future ADK Rail Trail Route Options
As construction clicks along on Phases 1 & 2 of the Adirondack Rail Trail, naturally we're thinking about all the new route options that will be possible when it's done.
Parking
Driving to the trail? Parking is available on both Phase 1 and 2 at the following locations. Each is also marked on the interactive Rail Trail Map accessed by clicking the "Map" tab above.
Lake Placid
Parking is available at the Lake Placid Train Depot. It is also available on Old Military Road behind the Lake Placid Fire Department.
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.
Lake Clear
Parking is available at the end of Station Road in Lake Clear with additional parking nearby at the NYSDEC Fish Hatchery (which is also worth a visit). Additional parking is located where the trail crosses McMaster and Floodwood Roads.
Additional information about parking will be added as Phase 3 is completed. Parking is also available within the downtown communities of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, each of which provide easy access to the trail.
Shuttle Service
Wanna hop on the trail, but only have the time (or the legs) to experience it one way? We've got you.
BikeADK offers shuttle service for you and your bike from either Lake Placid, Saranac Lake or Floodwood Road in Lake Clear. 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
- One-way shuttle from either the Lake Placid or Saranac Lake end*
- Accommodates groups of up to 6 total people and 6 bikes.
- Includes BikeADK stickers, stories and likely bad jokes
Pricing**
- $95 Flat Fee for shuttle between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid
- $135 Flat Fee for Shuttle between Lake Placid or Saranac Lake and Floodwood Road
- Plus, $15 Per Person Over 4
- Max Group Size of 6
*Final pricing may change if a special shuttle destination is requested that is a substantial distance from the Rail Trail.
**All shuttles must be paid in advance in order to reserve the booking.
Bike Rental
Need a bike? BikeADK specializes in multi-day rentals with delivery to your lodging property.
Just drop us a line at fun@bikeadk.com with general information about your needs at least two days prior to your planned trip 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.
For single-day rentals please reach out to one of our incredible locally owned bike shops, many of which offer bike rentals, in addition to sales and repairs.
FAQ
Is the Adirondack Rail Trail open?
Currently, Phase 1 between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake and Phase 2 between Saranac Lake and Floodwood Road is open for a total of just over 25 miles. Phase 3 between Floodwood Road and Tupper Lake is closed for construction with completion anticipated for the fall of 2025.
What is the riding surface?
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, strollers and wheelchairs.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes, class 1 pedal assist e-bikes are allowed on the Adirondack Rail Trail. Class 2 & 3 e-bikes are not.
Where can I access the trail with vehicle parking?
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.
Is shuttle service available?
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.
Are restrooms available on 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.
Can I rent a bike?
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.
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