Jackrabbit Trail

The 50-kilometer Jackrabbit Trail runs from Keene, through Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, to Paul Smiths. It is a trail that connects with four ski centers and several backcountry routes along the way.

Getting there

15km of trail near ski centers are groomed, and do not require a fee, so long as the skier stays on the marked Jackrabbit Trail. For more trail-specific information, Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) gives detailed section by section descriptions of the Jackrabbit Trail. BETA is responsible for the stewardship of the trail, including the maintenance/building of, and advocacy for, the entirety of the Jackrabbit Trail, and gives frequent trail condition updates. To purchase a physical map, check out Green Goat Maps' Lake Placid and Saranac Lake Winter Trails Map.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiers can utilize nearly all sections of the trail, all winter, weather and conditions permitting. Public use of the Whiteface Club's section of the Jackrabbit, which is privately owned, is only permitted from December 1 to March 31.

Most of the trail is ungroomed and in backcountry settings. However, skiers do travel through groomed and/or privately-owned sections of trails. This includes the Cascade Welcome Center, Lake Placid Club, Whiteface Club, Scott's Cobble Nordic Center, and the Paul Smith's VIC. Public use of the Whiteface Club's section of the Jackrabbit, which is privately owned, is only permitted from December 1 to March 31, and skiers must adhere to the mostly ungroomed route marked with Jackrabbit Trail markers on posts.