Rail Trail Phase 2 Construction to Begin Early
While not slated to begin until this fall, construction on Phase 2 of the Adirondack Rail Trail will begin months ahead of schedule.
The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile vehicle free recreational corridor connecting the communities of Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear and Tupper Lake. 
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Spearheaded by the Adirondack Rail Trail Association and managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the trail follows the old New York Central rail line for 34 miles between the communities of Lake Placid and Tupper Lake. The entire corridor is now open.
SECTION INFORMATION
PHASE 1: Lake Placid to Saranac Lake - OPEN - 10 miles - This section was officially opened on December 1, 2023 and contains 10-miles of firmly packed stone dust surface. The section through the Village of Saranac Lake is paved.
PHASE 2: Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road - OPEN - 15 miles - This phase, opened in August of 2024 is entirely firmly packed stone dust and links the paved surface within the Village of Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road in Lake Clear.
PHASE 3: Floodwood Road to Tupper Lake - OPEN - 9 miles - This section, open as of October 4, 2025, completes the Adirondack Rail Trail from Floodwood Road in Lake Clear to the Tupper Lake Train Depot.
FINISHED RIDING SURFACE
The final finish surface of the Adirondack Rail Trail will be heavily compacted stone dust. The material supports running, walking and cycling, including road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, recumbents, fat bikes and class 1 e-bikes. A 2-mile section within the Village of Saranac Lake is paved and supports roller skates/blades, skateboards and strollers. Check out this POV from riding the trail.
SHUTTLE SERVICE
Bike Adirondacks operates a shuttle service for those who would only like to ride the trail one-way. Bookings are by reservation at a recommended 72 hours in advance of your trip. However, if we can accommodate same-day reservations, we'll certainly make it happen. Complete Info & Reservation Form.
KEEP UPDATED
To stay updated on progress, subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter - the Adirondack Gearzette - which hits inboxes the first week of every month. In addition to Adirondack Rail Trail news and info, the Gearzette is full of all things bikes in the Adirondacks.
Map
News & Info
BETA Plans More Trail for 2023
The ever expanding Barkeater Trail Alliance mountain bike network is growing again with new trail planned for Keene and Elizabethtown.
Rail Trail Surface Construction Underway
It's been a long wait, but Phase 1 construction of the Adirondack Rail Trail finish surface between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake is underway!
BETA Granted 25K for Trail Development
The Barkeater Trails Alliance has received a $25,000 grant from the town of North Elba that will be used to add mountain-bike trails at Fowler’s Crossing outside Saranac Lake and at the Craig Wood Golf Course outside Lake Placid
Endless ADK Rail Trail Connections
Sure, riding the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail end-to-end will be fun, but imagine all the route possibilities that will pop up in between. We already are.
ADK Rail Trail Surface Explained
What exactly will the riding surface of the Adirondack Rail Trail be, and will it work for all bikes? BikeADK's Phil Brown breaks it down.
Saratoga to Tahawus Rail Trail Still Possible
The dream of creating a 90-mile rail trail from Saratoga Springs to Tahawus, on the southern edge of the High Peaks Wilderness, seemed unrealizable when a long section of the rail corridor was auctioned off this year, but as it turns out, hope is not lost.
ADK Rail Trail Construction Officially Begins
After a decade-long process, construction of the first section of the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail has officially begun.
New 37-Mile Rail Trail Proposed for Lewis County
A 20-year Rail Trail debate has been renewed in Lewis County, potentially paving the way for a new 37-mile recreational trail.
Harrietstown Opens New Bike Park in Saranac Lake
When a group of passionate kids have an idea and a community of support behind them, it's incredible how fast things can happen. In the case of the new Town of Harrietstown Bike Park, which officially opened on August 16 in the Village of Saranac Lake, fast was only a year.
ADK Rail Trail Construction Update
Despite the delays, the Department of Environmental Conservation expects work on the first section of the Adirondack Rail Trail--between the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake depots--to begin this fall and finish in 2023.
Could the ADK Rail Trail Create "Epic" Ride Options?
Just how many "Epic" routes will be possible with the upcoming opening of the Adirondack Rail Trail? BikeADK blogger and adventurer Phil Brown examines the possibilities.
Parking
Driving to the trail? Parking is available at the following locations. Each is also marked on the interactive Rail Trail Map accessed by clicking the "Map" tab above.
Lake Placid
Parking is available in a designated lot owned by the Open Space Institute near the Lake Placid Depot. It is also available on Old Military Road behind the Lake Placid Fire Department.
Saranac Lake
Parking at the Saranac Lake end is available on both sides of Rte 86 at Fowler's Crossing as the highway enters the Village from Lake Placid. A second sizable lot is located at the Saranac Lake Depot located next to the Adirondack Carousel on Depot Street.
Lake Clear
Parking is available at the end of Station Road in Lake Clear with additional parking nearby at the NYSDEC Fish Hatchery (which is also worth a visit). Additional parking is located where the trail crosses McMaster and Floodwood Roads.
Tupper Lake
There is a large parking on on Washington Street in Tupper Lake near the Tupper Lake Train Depot.
Shuttle Service
Ride One Way. On Your Schedule.
Don't have the time (or the legs) for an out-and-back ride. BikeADK offers one-way shuttle service for you, your friends and your bikes. Complete details and booking form can be found at bikeadirondacks.com/rail-trail-shuttles.
Bike Rental
Need a bike? BikeADK specializes in multi-day rentals with delivery to your lodging property.
Just drop us a line at fun@bikeadk.com with general information about your needs at least two days prior to your planned trip and we'll be back in touch swiftly to arrange details. Pricing depends on the type of bike, duration of rental, and distance for delivery.
For single-day rentals please reach out to one of our incredible locally owned bike shops, many of which offer bike rentals, in addition to sales and repairs.
FAQ
FAQs
Is the Adirondack Rail Trail open?
All phases of the Adirondack Rail Trail is now open with 34 miles of vehicle-free riding surface connecting the communties of Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear and Tupper Lake.
What is the riding surface?
The final finish surface of the Adirondack Rail Trail will be heavily compacted stone dust. The material will support running, walking and cycling, including road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, recumbents, fat bikes and class 1 e-bikes. A 2-mile section within the Village of Saranac Lake is paved and supports roller skates/blades, skateboards, strollers and wheelchairs.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes, class 1 pedal assist e-bikes are allowed on the Adirondack Rail Trail. Class 2 & 3 e-bikes are not.
Where can I access the trail with vehicle parking?
Ample parking with portable restrooms are available at hubs in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear and Tupper Lake. Please refer to Parking tab above for details. Additional parking is readily available within the communities, all of which provide easy access to the trail.
Is shuttle service available?
Yes, BikeADK offers pre-arranged, shuttle service for groups of up to 10 people. Information & Booking Form.
Are restrooms available on the trail?
Yes, portable restrooms have been placed throughout the entire corridor by the Adirondack Rail Trail Association. Please use them respectfully and do not leave refuse in them. If you pack it in, please pack it out.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, Bike Adirondacks can arrange for bike rental and delivery. Click the Bike Rental tab above for details. Most area bike shops also have bicycles available for rental.
Do large groups need a permit to use the trail?
Yes, groups must follow all State Land Use Regulations and all Outdoor Safety Practices.
Permits are required for groups of 21 or more using the trail.
Is lodging available on the trail?
All communities have a variety of lodging options. Bike Adirondacks is partners with Voco Waterfront Lodge in Saranac Lake and provides discounted lodging when booking with this code.
Partners
