Adirondack Rail Trail

The Adirondack (ADK) Rail Trail is a 34-mile, railroad-grade trail spanning between Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. The trail surface is a finely crushed stone dust that is very smooth; we recommend a gravel-type tire. However, with some care, it is rideable on a road bike. There are parking areas every few miles along the trail, making it possible to break up the trail into manageable sections. Most of these trailheads are equipped with porta-potties. 

Lake Placid is the high point of the trail at about 1,750 ft above sea level. The biggest hill of the trail is a descent from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake; the hill is 2.75 miles long and has two short sections of 3% grade, but is mostly between 1% and 2% for a total of about 200 feet of elevation gain/loss. The rest of the trail is flatter with some short rolling hills, most of which are between Saranac Lake and McMaster Road; all the hills are railroad-grades mostly sticking to 2% or gentler, with a few very short sections in the 3-4% range. To the west of the McMaster Rd crossing, the trail trends flatter with fewer, gentler hills.

The trail passes through a variety of ecosystems, including past and across open lakes and ponds, through various wetlands, such as marshes and conifer swamps, and through forested areas comprised of a mix of conifers and hardwood trees. In some areas, the trees provide shade in the morning and afternoon, but we recommend that people plan on being in direct sunlight when riding the trail.

While on the trail, you will likely see some wildlife. Keep an eye out in the sky for birds like great blue herons and bald eagles. Look in and around the water for animals, such as beavers, turtles, and harmless garter snakes. If you are quiet enough, you may see larger animals too, like deer, black bears, and, if you are lucky, a moose!