Connecting communities through nature

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use corridor through the Adirondacks, linking communities and landscapes in a way few other routes do. Built along a historic rail line, it offers a rare, low-elevation path connecting Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake through forests, wetlands, and mountain views that feel both accessible and distinctly wild. Explore it in every season with hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling along its full length or shorter sections between communities.

Your all-season path through the Tri-Lakes

Enjoy the scenic, multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail year-round! The trail features a smooth, densely compacted stone dust surface, with a roughly 2-mile paved section through the Village of Saranac Lake. It follows an extremely gentle, accessible grade with a typical slope of 2% and a maximum slope of 5%, making it ideal for a wide range of activities. In the summer, it’s perfect for walking, running, hiking, birding, and gravel biking. You’ll also find excellent fishing opportunities along the waterways that run adjacent to the trail. While motorized vehicles are not permitted, snowmobiles are allowed in winter, and Class 1 e-bikes are welcome.

More than just a path, the Rail Trail offers a unique way to travel between the Tri-Lakes communities under your own power. Its gentle grade makes for an easy, scenic ride between Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and beyond, with no car required. The Tupper Lake to Floodwood section is one of the most natural and wild stretches of the trail, featuring scenic ponds and bogs, minimal road crossings, and easy, large open parking access. The Crossroad Trail also connects key Tupper Lake destinations, linking the Downtown/Junction area to the waterfront park, the Uptown/Park Street Business District, and The Wild Center.

A man and woman walk a paved trail in summer. Two Cyclists ride on a packed gravel trail in spring. A woman walks her dog on a paved trail in spring.

Download the Rail Trail App!
Get the Adirondack Rail Trail App
Get the Adirondack Rail Trail App
Find everything you need for your Adirondack Rail Trail adventure in one free, easy-to-use app. With interactive maps, mileage markers, access points, parking, and nearby amenities and attractions, you can plan anything from a quick outing to full days on the trail.
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Riding bikes on the road.
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
The Adirondack Rail Trail is a shared space for exploring the region’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace. A few simple etiquette guidelines help ensure the trail remains safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone today and for seasons to come. Before you head out, take a moment to review a few key tips to help make the most of your time on the trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rail Trail open?

Construction of the Adirondack Rail Trail was completed in fall 2025, including the final section connecting Lake Clear to Tupper Lake. The full trail now stretches from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake to Tupper Lake and is open to the public year-round. Visitors may still encounter occasional improvement projects along the trail, including work on parking areas, signage, kiosks, and other amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience. 

Visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation page for the most up-to-date trail conditions, notices, and information.

Can I ride a motorized vehicle on the trail?

Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Adirondack Rail Trail, with the exceptions of:

  • Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist only, no throttle, maximum assisted speed of 20 mph)

  • Snowmobiles during the winter season

  • Authorized emergency, maintenance, and law enforcement vehicles

All other motorized vehicles, including ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, etc., are prohibited. 

Where can I park to utilize the Rail Trail?

Visitors accessing the Adirondack Rail Trail from Tupper Lake can use the Washington Street Parking Area.

Additional designated parking areas along the corridor include:

Additional parking locations may be available. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Adirondack Rail Trail App.

Is this trail accessible?

Yes. The Adirondack Rail Trail is one of the most accessible outdoor recreation trails in the Adirondacks. Built on a former railroad corridor, it features gentle grades (generally 2% or less), a wide trail, and a firm compacted stone-dust surface suitable for wheelchairs with outdoor tires, mobility scooters, adaptive bikes, and strollers. A paved section through Saranac Lake provides an even smoother experience, and primary trailheads and rest areas are ADA accessible.

Please note that weather conditions can affect trail surfaces. After heavy rain, some areas may become soft or experience minor washouts, so it’s always a good idea to check trail conditions before your trip.

Can I rent the gear I need to use the Rail Trail?

Visitors can rent bicycles, fat-tire bikes, and class 1 e-bikes from local outfitters, including:

  • High Peaks Cyclery (Lake Placid)

  • Bike Lake Placid (Lake Placid)

  • Placid Planet (Lake Placid)

  • Silver Birch Cycles (Saranac Lake)

  • Sled & Spoke (Saranac Lake)

Availability may vary seasonally. Bicycle fix-it stations are also available around Tupper Lake, including near the Emergency Services building on Santa Clara Avenue, at the pavilion in the Tupper Lake Waterfront Park, and at the corner of Wawbeek Avenue and Park Street.

What is the length of the Rail Trail?

The Adirondack Rail Trail spans a total of 34 miles between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake through the communities of Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, and Ray Brook. Multiple trailheads and parking areas allow visitors to explore shorter out-and-back rides or walks from different access points along the trail. Trail segment distances include:

  • Lake Placid to Ray Brook: 5.2 miles

  • Ray Brook to Saranac Lake: 4.3 miles

  • Saranac Lake to Lake Clear: 6.2 miles

  • Lake Clear to Floodwood: 9.4 miles

  • Floodwood to Tupper Lake: 8.5 miles

Additional trail access points are available between many of these segments, making it easy to plan shorter rides or walks. Download the app to learn more.

Is there an app for the Rail Trail?

Yes. The free Adirondack Rail Trail App makes it easy to plan your trip, find parking and trail access points, discover places to stay and eat, check out nearby events, and navigate the trail with offline maps. Best of all, it’s free! Download it at www.RailTrail.app.

Is there cell service along the Rail Trail?

Cell service along the Adirondack Rail Trail is often spotty, especially outside the more populated areas of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Plan ahead and share your route before you go.

The Adirondack Rail Trail app can also help with navigation when downloaded ahead of time for offline use.

We only want to ride one way. Are there shuttle services available?

Yes, several local outfitters offer shuttle services to help you enjoy a one-way ride along the Adirondack Rail Trail. Availability may vary, so it’s best to contact providers directly to arrange details.

What should I know before visiting the Adirondack Rail Trail?

Before you head out on the Adirondack Rail Trail, take a few minutes to review these trail guidelines to help keep the experience safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone:

  • Know what’s permitted on the trail: Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Adirondack Rail Trail, with the exception of snowmobiles and Class 1 e-bikes. Camping, campfires, and horses are also prohibited.

  • Share the trail: Stay to the right and pass on the left.
    Announce when passing: A friendly “on your left” or the use of a bell helps everyone move safely.

  • Wheels yield to heels: Slow down around walkers, runners, families, and in busy areas.

  • Share the road safely: When crossing or riding on roadways, follow all traffic laws and share-the-road guidelines. Learn more.

  • Leave no trace: Carry out everything you bring in and help keep the Adirondacks clean and beautiful.

  • Keep pets leashed: Please clean up after your pets as well.

  • Stay on the trail: Respect marked routes and private property along the corridor.

  • Follow posted signs and notices: This includes seasonal alerts, community speed limits, and trail updates.

  • Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.

  • Check conditions before you go: Weather and trail conditions can change quickly in the Adirondacks.

In an emergency, call 911 or DEC Forest Rangers at 1-833-NYS-RANGERS

What organizations support the Adirondack Rail Trail?

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a year-round public recreation trail managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and free for all to enjoy. Through a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement with NYS DEC, the Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) helps support the trail through stewardship, amenities, maintenance support, and community partnerships that enhance the visitor experience along the corridor.

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