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).
by Phil Brown
NOTE: People should avoid this part of the trail until it’s finished, but in this column we’ll tell you what to expect on your inaugural ride.
First, it’s worth noting that though the rail trail is largely flat, it’s slightly easier to ride east to west, from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake. In that direction, the trail loses about 175 feet over the 10 miles.
Most of the trail is surfaced with packed stone dust that’s firm enough to accommodate typical road bikes as well as gravel and mountain bikes. The 2.6 miles in the village of Saranac Lake is paved with asphalt. Bridges on the trail also are paved.
Eventually, the rail trail will extend 34 miles from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake. Work on Phase 2, from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road, began this year. A contract for the third (and final) phase will be awarded next year.
Arguably, other parts of the trail are wilder and more scenic, but the first phase also has its charms. And anyone who has biked on busy State Route 86 will welcome the off-road connection between the two villages.
In Lake Placid, the trail starts at the former depot, now a historical museum. In 0.2 miles, it crosses Station Street and follows the Chubb River, which originates in the High Peaks Wilderness. Following are other mileposts:
0.6 miles: Cross the Chubb.
0.75 miles: Cross Old Military Road. You won’t cross another public highway until reaching Saranac Lake, 6.7 miles away.
1.0 mile: Trail becomes more woodsy as it leaves development behind, though it continues to follow utility lines.
1.6 miles: Bridge over a small stream.
2.0 miles: Bridge over a wetland stream that’s habitat for waterfowl.
2.25 miles: Another bridge over the same wetland complex.
2.7 miles: Charred trees on right. Lightning strike?
3.6 miles: Alders on both sides. Looking down long straightway you can see cars moving on Route 86.
4.0 miles: Listen for tee shots as you pass the Saranac Lake Golf Course. Soon the clubhouse and fairways come into view.
4.6 miles: Cross a private dirt road. No more utility lines in trail corridor.
4.8 miles: Cattail marsh with view of Haystack Mountain and nearby peaks.
5.0 miles: Short path on right leads to Meadowbrook State Campground and eateries in Ray Brook.
The next 5 miles:
5.2 miles: Cross the trail to 3,088-foot Scarface Mountain.
5.35 miles: Bridge over Ray Brook impoundment, with view of Scarface.
5.8 miles: Cross driveway to federal prison powerhouse.
6.0 miles: Cross driveway to the prison.
6.3 miles: Cross private dirt road. Trail now parallels Oseetah Way.
7.0 miles: Large cattail marsh offers views of McKenzie and Baker mountains.
7.45 miles: Cross Route 86. Trail now paved.
7.95 miles: Pass entrance to Jackrabbit Trail and mountain-bike trails on right.
8.0 miles: Paved trail on left leads to businesses on Route 86. Beaver pond on right.
8.25 miles: Bridge over beaver pond’s outlet. Dewey Mountain visible on left.
8.5 miles: North Country Community College gymnasium.
8.85 miles: Cross Brandy Brook Avenue and pass Pine Ridge Cemetery.
9.15 miles: Cross Pine Street and go under bridge.
9.35 miles: Cross Pine Street again.
9.45 miles: Bridge over Saranac River. Pass exit for Belvedere Restaurant.
9.55 miles: Bridge over Woodruff Street (site of future River Trail Brewery).
9.6 miles: Cross Bloomingdale Avenue and then Margaret Street.
9.75 miles: Saranac Lake depot.
10 miles: Cross Cedar street near Bluseed Studios and then reach Route 86.
The Phase 2 segment begins on the other side of the state highway. This 15.4-mile stretch is scheduled to be done next fall. People are not allowed to use the corridor during the construction season. However, public access will be allowed between December 18 and March 31. Snowmobilers use the entire rail trail in winter. It also is open to cross-country skiers and fat-bikers.
To stay up to date on complete progress, news and information, check out our dedicated Adirondack Rail Trail page and sign up for the Adirondack Gearzette - our free monthly e-newsletter on all things bikes in the ADKs.
