Old Rail Corridors Create New Routes
Abandoned rail corridors continue to be community connectors, by bike! Read on as BikeADK blogger Phil Brown takes you on a cruise using three different corridors in the Saranac Lake area.
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.
Map
News & Info
Rail Trail Phase 2 Construction to Begin Early
While not slated to begin until this fall, construction on Phase 2 of the Adirondack Rail Trail will begin months ahead of schedule.
BETA Plans More Trail for 2023
The ever expanding Barkeater Trail Alliance mountain bike network is growing again with new trail planned for Keene and Elizabethtown.
Rail Trail Surface Construction Underway
It's been a long wait, but Phase 1 construction of the Adirondack Rail Trail finish surface between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake is underway!
BETA Granted 25K for Trail Development
The Barkeater Trails Alliance has received a $25,000 grant from the town of North Elba that will be used to add mountain-bike trails at Fowler’s Crossing outside Saranac Lake and at the Craig Wood Golf Course outside Lake Placid
Endless ADK Rail Trail Connections
Sure, riding the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail end-to-end will be fun, but imagine all the route possibilities that will pop up in between. We already are.
ADK Rail Trail Surface Explained
What exactly will the riding surface of the Adirondack Rail Trail be, and will it work for all bikes? BikeADK's Phil Brown breaks it down.
Saratoga to Tahawus Rail Trail Still Possible
The dream of creating a 90-mile rail trail from Saratoga Springs to Tahawus, on the southern edge of the High Peaks Wilderness, seemed unrealizable when a long section of the rail corridor was auctioned off this year, but as it turns out, hope is not lost.
ADK Rail Trail Construction Officially Begins
After a decade-long process, construction of the first section of the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail has officially begun.
New 37-Mile Rail Trail Proposed for Lewis County
A 20-year Rail Trail debate has been renewed in Lewis County, potentially paving the way for a new 37-mile recreational trail.
Harrietstown Opens New Bike Park in Saranac Lake
When a group of passionate kids have an idea and a community of support behind them, it's incredible how fast things can happen. In the case of the new Town of Harrietstown Bike Park, which officially opened on August 16 in the Village of Saranac Lake, fast was only a year.
ADK Rail Trail Construction Update
Despite the delays, the Department of Environmental Conservation expects work on the first section of the Adirondack Rail Trail--between the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake depots--to begin this fall and finish in 2023.
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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