Ride Spot: Gravel & Road in the Central ADKs

The smooth roads, pristine forests, and blue lakes of the Fulton Chain of Lakes in the central Adirondacks offer everything a road cyclist could ask for in a great ride. But do you crave a bit of adventure? Well, you can have that, too.

This easily accessible area of the Central Adirondacks offers two different routes in particular that let you experience the best of the many lakes and scenic views in the area. They share many of the same roads, but one sticks to pavement while the other adds a dose of gravel road challenge.

Start either one of these rides at the public pier in Raquette Lake, a hamlet just off New York Route 28 that perches on the shore of its namesake. There’s plenty of parking and beautiful views across the water to the mountains beyond in the Sargent Pond Wild Forest, plus plenty of spots to relax by the water when you finish your ride.

Head back over past the village church to Route 28, turn right, and the adventure begins. The highway alternates between passing through forest and giving glimpses of the many lakes that form the “chain.” After only seven miles, don’t miss the photo opportunity at the Seventh Lake Boat Launch, where floating docks let you actually get out on the lake. It’s a great place to stop and offers an alternate start and finish point. Then continue on the wide-open road to your first rest stop in the friendly village of Inlet.

Just before you turn left on South Shore Road, the Pedals & Petals shop offers a unique combination of bikes, accessories, flowers, and Adirondack themed gifts. Need a derailleur adjustment while you pick up the flower arrangements for your cycling themed wedding on the lakeshore? Then owner and certified mechanic Ted Christodaro has you covered. There are all the popular cycling energy snacks, and other shops in the village offer a wide variety of other food and supplies. In alternate years the village is both the start and finish line for the annual Black Fly Challenge ride through the nearby Moose River Plain.

As you cruise toward Old Forge on South Shore Road, you won’t see much of the lake, but you’ll get a good dose of the best the Adirondacks has to offer in wide open, smooth roads through the forest. Drop the hammer and do some intervals if you like. Or just pedal at a comfortable pace and enjoy some conversation. There’s plenty of room to stretch your legs as you ride south.

At mile 22, you will pedal into Old Forge, a popular resort community and tourist destination. There’s plenty of entertainment and services for travelers, and no shortage of food and drink stops at this midpoint in your ride. There’s even a hometown beverage at Fulton Chain Craft Brewery, where brews with names like Bearded Lager, Flooded Tent, and Stealth Buddha grace the menu. Make sure to stop in town and explore. The village has been there since 1798, and early 19th century settler Nat Foster is reputed to have been the inspiration for James Fenimore Cooper's character of "Natty Bumppo" in “The Last of The Mohicans” and other books.

After you’ve rested, head back north in the sunshine on Route 28 toward Eagle Bay, where the village visitor center at mile 32 offers water and restrooms. Shortly after you leave, you arrive at the intersection of Route 28 and Uncas Road, where you will have to make your decision: head straight back to Raquette Lake on the highway, or take the road less travelled to some unpaved exploits.

Well, of course you’re the adventurous type, so turn left on Uncas and head into the forest, where the pavement ends at mile 34. You will pass vacation cabins nestled in the woods as Uncas turns into Brown’s Tract Road and enters Adirondack State Park land. The forest deepens, and you get a good idea of why this area was so hard to settle in the early 1800’s. The forest just off the road looks think and impenetrable, and in late spring and early summer the black flies can be merciless. Just remember it could be twice as bad. Only the females bite.

If you’re on a narrow tire road bike, this is the time to take it easy. Go slow on this seasonal gravel lane, especially on the downhills, and keep your eyes open for hazards. Just be alert and this road will work fine for your road bike. Just make sure you have a spare tube with you just in case.

The forest is shaded and quiet, and there’s no sound save for the singing birds and your own pedaling. Keep your eyes out for water to your left as you pass Upper and then Lower Ponds, and then the Brown’s Tract Pond campground. If you’re a camper, take note. The sites here are shaded, remote, and quiet.

Now get ready for some climbing as you tackle several short but steep grades. It’s the last ridge before you make the final turn back onto pavement at Antlers Road. From here it’s only a short downhill back to your car on the shore at Raquette Lake.

Now your biggest decision is which of the many local eateries you want to celebrate your ride at. Head back south to Inlet or book a dinner date with Raquette Lake Navigation Company and enjoy dinner aboard the W.W. Durant as it sails on Raquette Lake. Just make sure to consult their website HERE or give them a call at (315) 354-5532 to make sure of their cruise schedule during the Covid pandemic.

You could also head back north to Blue Mountain Lake where the internationally known Adirondack Experience Museum offers an impressive collection of all kinds of Adirondack history. If you want to visit, make sure to contact them in advance to reserve timed entrance tickets that are required during the pandemic.

The area makes a great weekend trip with your ride on Saturday and a day of discovery and recovery on Sunday. Or ride Saturday and rent canoes or kayaks on Sunday. Many of the Fulton Chain Lakes are connected and the paddling choices are endless. Your adventure is complete!

For more ADK gravel options and a full menu of road routes and mountain bike networks, check out our Find a Ride search tool.