Welcome to the Adirondack Rail Trail

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a scenic, 34‑mile multipurpose trail winding from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, designed for users of all ages and abilities, year‑round. Traversing through Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, and Tupper Lake, the trail offers immersive access to the heart of the Adirondack Park.

Status & Access

Activities & Recreation

Summer & Fall

  • Walking, Hiking & Running: Gentle grades and wide, stable tread make these ideal way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Cycling: Supports road, gravel, hybrid, mountain, recumbent, fat-tire bikes — Class 1 E‑bikes permitted (not Classes 2 & 3) Birdwatching & Nature Viewing: Pass through wetlands, forests, and lakeside habitats—excellent for spotting rare and native species.

Winter

  • Snowmobiling, Cross‑Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Fat‑Tire Biking are all welcomed when snow covers the trail.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access at Fowler’s Crossing (North Elba) and Union Depot (Saranac Lake); about 2 miles of paved trail through Saranac Lake village.
  • Overall gentle slopes (2%, max 5%) and firm, wide (~5 ft) compacted stone‑dust surface.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Trail Access

Accessible parking and trailheads are located at:

  • Lake Placid (Station Street, Old Military Road)
  • Ray Brook, Fowler’s Crossing (Route 86)
  • Saranac Lake (Union Depot, Oseetah Trails)
  • Lake Clear, Floodwood Road, Tupper Lake (Washington St)

Rentals & Shuttle Options

  • Bike Rentals: Bike Lake Placid, High Peaks Cyclery, Placid Planet Bicycles, Sara‑Placid Sled & Spoke, Silver Birch Cycles.
  • Snowmobile / Ski Rentals: Farmhouse Snowmobiling & UTVs, Sara‑Placid Sled & Spoke, Dewey Mountain Recreation Center.
  • Shuttle Services: BikeADK, High Peaks Cyclery, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters offer shuttle options for one-way rides.

Maps & Planning

  • Download printable maps from DEC or use interactive tools like BikeADK or NYS Snowmobile Association maps.

Trail Rules & Safety

  • Allowed Uses: Walking, running, cycling (Class 1 E‑bikes only), snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing.
  • Prohibited: Motor vehicles (except snowmobiles and Class 1 E‑bikes), camping, fires, horses, hunting, firearms.
  • User Etiquette: Stay right, pass left with warning (“On your left”), yield—wheels yield to heels.
  • Pets: Dogs must be leashed (≤6 ft), and owners must pack out waste.
  • Safety Tips: Use caution at road crossings, respect signage, adhere to Leave No Trace principles.