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A new recreational trail

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile recreational trail that is open year-round, offering adventurous travel to every age and ability in the Adirondacks. This vehicle-free, multi-use trail connects the scenic communities of Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, and Tupper Lake, offering outdoorsmen an up-close way to travel between their favorite communities and trails across the Adirondacks. All this in a peaceful, scenic setting along a path with no more than a 2% grade!

While the Adirondack Rail Trail won't be fully completed until 2025, sections of it are already open for use. Currently, you can enjoy a 9-mile stretch from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake, with the trail extending another 15 miles to Floodwood Road through the hamlet of Lake Clear. During winter, fat tire biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are not just permitted, they're encouraged!

Two snowmobilers ride on a snowy straight-away.
A pack of snowmobilers cut through a thick forest.
A man on a snowmobile leads a group of snowmobilers behind him on a trail.

The remaining section, from Floodwood Road to Tupper Lake, will be completed in 2025. 

Winter adventure

Travelers will find that in winter, the Adirondack Rail Trail makes for an excellent adventure with adequate snow cover. The wide, level pathway provides miles of scenic travel, and access to all kinds of snowy adventurers making their way. Winter use is shared with snowmobiles and fat-tire bicycles, so be cautious and yield to the shoulder of the trails when possible. 

Snowmobiling

The Adirondack Rail Trail is the perfect route for snowmobilers to take as they trek across the Adirondacks. Keeping riders off the busy roads and into the woods, you'll be able to experience calm and wide pathways so that every rider in your group feels secure. The best part? The Rail Trail will take you right into the heart of each town, from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid. Stop in for dinner, do some shopping, or simply explore a picturesque mountain town. 

Download the Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile App

To better help you plan your trips, get the Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile App. With an interactive map featuring the Adirondack Rail Trail, find all the information you need to navigate snowy trails and find gas stations, stores, restaurants, and lodging properties. This app is your "one-stop shop" for all things snowmobile! Download today on the App Store or get it on Google Play.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

Snowshoers and cross-country skiers will enjoy the wide pathways that characterize this route. Although this is a multi-use trail, traveling via snowshoe and ski is encouraged! Simply stay to the right shoulder of the path, while snowmobilers have the clearance to move around, ensuring everyone on the trail can recreate safely. If you're in a group, traveling single file will help others have adequate space to enjoy the trail. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the route allows outdoorsmen and women to experience the calm serenity of the deep woods of the Adirondacks, while enjoying a well-groomed trail to their favorite towns. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are e-bikes and motorized vehicles permitted?

Motorized vehicles, aside from snowmobiles and Class 1 e-bikes, are prohibited on the entire corridor in all seasons. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not allowed. This will be enforced with gates, bollards, and law enforcement patrol and checkpoints. The restriction on public use of ATVs, automobiles, and other motor vehicles complies with the guidelines set forth in the Adirondack Park Master Plan and is in accordance with New York State law. 
Is the trail paved/wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the trail will be wheelchair-friendly, however, it is best to check if your equipment is suited for outdoor recreation. The trail is designed to be accessible by people of all abilities to the maximum extent practicable.

Parts of the trail will be paved, including the section running through the Village of Saranac Lake. Most of the trail will consist of 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. 
How much of the trail is available to use?

Interim Recreation Access

The Adirondack Rail Trail is open for year-round interim recreation, though some sections are still under construction and closed to public use. Currently, a 24-mile stretch from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake, continuing to Floodwood Road in Lake Clear, is open! Please be mindful of any construction or safety signs as the project progresses.

Important Notices:

  • Trail Availability: Parts of the trail that are not under active construction are open for public use. However, various sections of the 34-mile trail may be closed during ongoing construction.

  • Construction Areas:

    • Floodwood to Tupper Lake: The final 8.5 miles of the trail are currently under construction and closed to the public. This section, from Floodwood Road in Santa Clara to the Washington Street Parking Lot in the Village of Tupper Lake, will remain closed until construction is complete. However, the trail will be accessible during the winter shutdown, from December 9 to March 31.

Stay safe and enjoy the open sections of the Adirondack Rail Trail!
Where can I find parking/accessible points?

Saranac Lake Depot: The parking lot at the Saranac Lake Depot is now open. DEC is reviewing its options for future operations of the Depot. Please note that the Depot building is still undergoing roof work and recreationists should exercise additional caution around the work site.

Parking and accessible features

At Fowler's Crossing Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include:

  • Rail Trail

At Union Depot Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include:

  • Rail Trail

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