RECREATION

Walking, running, cycling including Class 1 e-bikes, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are all allowed on the Adirondack Rail Trail. With historic landmarks, pristine waters, and charming downtown areas, the Adirondack Rail Trail provides an experience for everyone.

There is wheelchair access to the trail from the parking lots at Fowler’s Crossing in the Town of North Elba and at the Union Depot in the Village of Saranac Lake. In the Village of Saranac Lake, two miles of the trail is paved surface. The 34-mile trail corridor has a shallow grade (typical slope 2%, maximum slope 5%), wide tread (typical width 5′) and a firm surface of compacted stone dust except in the paved area.

The Adirondack Rail Traill is ideal for hybrid or gravel bicycles. Class 1 Electric bikes (E-bikes) are allowed on the trail. These bikes have a pedal-assist electric motor that stops assisting above 20 miles per hour. Cyclists must stay to the right, let fellow trail users know they are coming through a friendly greeting or bell ring, and pass on the left.

Additional ride recommendations can be found by consulting local bike shops or by looking here: https://bikeadirondacks.com/find-ride

The Adirondack Rail Trail’s 34 miles (54.7 km) provide an excellent opportunity for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The flat, even surface and minimal grades are ideal for novice skiers or those new to using snowshoes.

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a thrilling winter playground for snowmobilers, offering an exhilarating journey through the enchanting Adirondack landscape. With its well-designed trail and carefully planned access points, the Adirondack Rail Trail provides an unparalleled snowmobiling experience, catering to both seasoned riders and newcomers, ensuring an unforgettable winter adventure for all who venture onto its tracks.

Trailer parking can be found in Tupper Lake (Washington St parking area), Lake Clear (Charlie’s Inn), and Lake Placid (Old Military Road). Consult the NYS Snowmobile Association map for updated trail conditions and connector trails (https://nyssa.evtrails.com/#). Please obey posted speed limit areas as these indicate where residences are close to the trail.

The trail’s gentle grades and even surface provides an excellent place for walking and running. Mountain and lake vistas abound, and even minimal effort can provide a substantially rewarding view.

The Adirondack Rail Trail passes through a variety of habitat—wetlands, ponds, lakes, hardwood and boreal forests. Many birds, including rare, threatened, and endangered species may be found around the trail corridor.

While camping is not permitted on the trail, several private and state campgrounds are adjacent to the trail, including both primitive campsites and developed campgrounds. See more information about camping here