Lake Colby Causeway

*This path is currently under construction and the railroad tracks are being removed. It will soon be part of the Adirondack Rail Trail.*

A fun little hike along the old railroad bed that separate Lake Colby from Little Colby Pond, this spot can't be beat for quick access to a hike right in town!

How to get there

Park at the Saranac Lake Civic Center and take Short Street to the railroad tracks. Follow the railroad bed north and west (left out of town) to the Lake Colby crossing. 

Nature walk

The grade along the causeway is smooth and there is no incline. This is a great walk. Bring the kids; they might enjoy stopping to fish on the causeway between Lake Colby and Little Colby Pond.

Birding

As far as birding locations go, this is an underrated spot that shouldn't be overlooked by any birder. Over the years, almost 200 different species have been observed here, from migrating shorebirds to Bald Eagles to singing warblers. The railroad tracks pass through a deciduous forest and eventually come out over a marshy wetland, where Common Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds are plentiful in the spring. The tracks continue over open water; keep your eyes open for Common Loons and ducks. There is also a boggy area where Palm Warblers can be heard singing their hearts out in spring and summer. In winter, Snow Buntings find this place irresistible.