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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When completed, just riding the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake will be a joy, but the real reward may just be the endless road and gravel route possibilities it will create to further connect communities. Like this 23-mile option pedaled by author and cycling enthusiast Phil Brown.
We chat Adirondack Rail Trail, summer events & raising money for local organizations on the 46 of 46 podcast.
It’s official: the state Department of Environmental Conservation has taken over management of the 34-mile rail corridor between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake--an important step in the conversion of the corridor into a multi-use recreational trail.
A bankruptcy trustee plans to auction off the 30-mile rail line between North Creek and Tahawus in early March, an action seemingly at odds with the state’s efforts to reclaim the corridor and convert it to a recreational trail. However, cyclists who would like to see a rail trail created still have some reason for hope.
With the tracks gone, the Adirondack Rail Trail has seen a fair amount of use this winter from snowmobilers, skiers, hikers, and fat-bikers.
Could the Saratoga Springs north to Tahawus rail corridor have potential to become another Adirondack Rail Trail? Guest blogger Phil Brown certainly sees the possibility.
Have you been itching to ride the Adirondack Rail Trail? Well, grab your fat bike and jump on it! The 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail is open this winter for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and, yes, fat-tire biking.
It’s been a long time coming, but the Adirondack Rail Trail between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake is finally becoming a reality. Construction of the 34-mile trail began in September of last year and has started with the removal of rails and ties along the trail route.
BikeADK’s Partner of the Month for January is an agency you might not expect or even be aware of.
It's finally happening! Construction of the Adirondack Rail Trail has commenced. New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Friday, Oct. 23 that ground has officially been broken on the $1.9 million project to remove the tracks from the former railroad right-of-way in Tupper Lake, clearing the way for its conversion into a shared-use, 34-mile path to Lake Placid.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, class 1 pedal assist e-bikes are allowed on the Adirondack Rail Trail. Class 2 & 3 e-bikes are not.
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.
Yes, BikeADK offers pre-arranged, shuttle service for groups of up to 10 people. Information & Booking Form.
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.
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.
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.
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.
