Great Camp Sagamore Experience - Gravel
This multi-day experience in stunning Raquette Lake blends road or gravel cycling with a modern mini-vacation that provides you with a true connection to the landscape and history of this special place.
Fish Hatchery Floodwood Pond Loop
This loop has only a few miles of asphalt riding. While on the state highway the road generally has narrow shoulders and can be busy during the summer. The ride takes you past many small ponds and there are opportunities to stop and go for a swim. The abandoned rail line, takes you back to your car. The rail corridor will be top coated with stone dust by the end of 2023, until then the compacted crushed stone surface is only suitable for bikes with wider tires. Please note that the rail line may be closed during final construction.
Jay Mountain Loop
Great ride for a gravel bike or 29er. The mostly asphalt road ride does include Trout Pond Road, a beautiful gravel road. It also includes the seasonally open, sometimes eroded and often cobble strewn Jay Mountain Road, which might require walking gravel bikes for a bit. The ride proceeds clockwise to give you ample opportunity to warm up before the big climb up over Jay Mountain. Speed control on the downhill side of Jay Mountain is a must.
Paradox Brewery to Elk Lake and Boreas Ponds
Over 50% of this ride is dirt! 23 miles! Please be respectful of Elk Lake Lodge by riding no further than the hiker's parking lot. Excellent views of a backcountry lake and Adirondack High Peaks await when you get to Boreas Ponds. Please park your bike at the gate approximately 500 feet from the Boreas Pond dam and walk the remaining distance. Enjoy the spectacular view and return to Paradox Brewery ready to refuel after this great ride!
Massawepie Boy Scout Camp Loop
The Massawepie Easement is closed for public recreation, including bike riding, from June 15th to August 31st. This is a great ride to do in early May or September through November. Keep an eye out for moose if you are riding early in the morning or in the evening, You will likely see the endangered spruce grouse along the trail during the day. Please note that there are a lot of confusing spur roads and trails off this route and many (but not all) of them are posted. Please enjoy this ride while respecting landowners' wishes.
NYS 421 to Bog River Carry
This is a great ride. Yes, it is a state highway but you'll feel as though you're on a back country road. The asphalt is in good shape in some places, and a quite torn up in others. The road eventually turns into a well maintained dirt road. For the last mile or so you are on an old rail bed. Stop at the dam and take in the sites. Take time to explore the area surrounding the dam and the outlet. During weekends in the summer the area can be a bit busy, as it is a very popular destination for paddlers.
Paradox Brewery/Ironville Loop
This route is a mix of good country asphalt and good to rough dirt roads. Very scenic and very little traffic but does have some punchy climbs and fun descents.
St. Regis Trailhead to Azure Mountain
Bring along a pair of hiking shoes on a ride to Azure Mountain. Once there stretch your legs by hiking a little over a mile to the summit of a moderately to fairly steep hike and hike a fire tower that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Once you're back to your bike ride back to your car and head into Saranac Lake for a well deserved meal. Note that you must be self sufficient as there is little to no cell coverage or development along much of this route.
Paul Smith's College Big Loop
A big loop that combines some old country roads, dirt roads, and a wide shouldered state highway. The mileage is up there, luckily there are only a few punchy climbs and short sections along the dirt road where there is a bit of sand. This is what fast gravel bikes are made for! There is a small convenience store in St Regis Falls where you resupply. There very are long sections where you will have little to no cell service, and very little development so being well prepared is a must.
Inlet to Raquette Lake to Great Camp Sagamore
This ride has much to offer! Ride to Raquette Lake along a maintained gravel road and take a cruise on the lake and head down to Great Camp Sagamore to see this national historic landmark.