Skip to main content

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Page Copy
033

Experience the Adirondacks

Connecting communities through nature

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a versatile and inclusive multi-use recreation trail spanning 34 miles through picturesque Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, and Tupper Lake. Designed with accessibility in mind, the path features a gentle grade, making it welcoming to a wide range of ages and abilities. The trail is free to use and not only promotes safe and healthy exercise, but also provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to connect with nature and absorb the rich history of the Adirondack region. 

Page Copy
460
A couple walking on the Adirondack Rail Trail.
Nature at your own pace

Your all-season path through the Tri-Lakes

Enjoy the scenic, multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail year-round! With surfaces ranging from large crushed stone to sand, the trail is designed to accommodate a wide variety of activities. In the non-winter months, 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—no car required. Whether you’re a local out for a daily stroll or a visitor soaking up the Adirondack beauty, the trail offers a vibrant, community-oriented experience every time you set foot—or wheel—on it.

Page Copy
3b8
A woman walking her dog on the Adirondack Rail Trail.
Nature at your own pace

Your all-season path through the Tri-Lakes

Enjoy the scenic, multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail year-round! With surfaces ranging from large crushed stone to sand, the trail is designed to accommodate a wide variety of activities. In the non-winter months, 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—no car required. Whether you’re a local out for a daily stroll or a visitor soaking up the Adirondack beauty, the trail offers a vibrant, community-oriented experience every time you set foot—or wheel—on it.

Page Copy
49c
An aerial view of the Adirondack Rail Trail during fall.
Nature at your own pace

Your all-season path through the Tri-Lakes

Enjoy the scenic, multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail year-round! With surfaces ranging from large crushed stone to sand, the trail is designed to accommodate a wide variety of activities. In the non-winter months, 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—no car required. Whether you’re a local out for a daily stroll or a visitor soaking up the Adirondack beauty, the trail offers a vibrant, community-oriented experience every time you set foot—or wheel—on it.

Page Copy
4a1
A snowmobiler on the Adirondack Rail Trail in winter.
Nature at your own pace

Your all-season path through the Tri-Lakes

Embrace winter on the Adirondack Rail Trail, a scenic, multi-use path perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowmobiling. With packed snow over crushed stone, the trail offers a peaceful, accessible way to explore the snow-covered landscape between communities. Snowmobiles are welcome in winter, and Class 1 e-bikes are allowed year-round—making it a great option for winter adventure at your own pace.

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—no car required. Whether you’re a local out for a daily stroll or a visitor soaking up the Adirondack beauty, the trail offers a vibrant, community-oriented experience every time you set foot—or wheel—on it.

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.

Accordion Section
086

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rail Trail open?

The 9 mile section of the Rail Trail from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake, as well as the 15 mile section from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road through Lake Clear, are open to the public! Lake Clear to Tupper Lake is still closed, and will be open to the public at a later date when construction is finished. For now, please stay off the Lake Clear/Floodwood Road to Tupper Lake section of the Rail Trail. 

Can I ride a motorized vehicle on the trail?

Motorized vehicles, aside from snowmobiles, are prohibited on the entire length of the trail in all seasons. You can, however, use class 1 e-bikes during the non-winter months.

Are there trash receptacles along the trail?

Please practice Leave No Trace™ principles while recreating on the trail and carry out what you carry in.

Will I encounter wildlife on the trail?

Wildlife commonly found in the Adirondacks that may be present on or adjacent to the trail include large mammals such as moose, black bear, and white-tailed deer, along with large birds of prey such as osprey and many species of songbirds. Please be respectful and observe wildlife from a distance.

Where in Lake Placid can I park if I'm using the trail?

You can park at the Lake Placid Train Station and Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society, as well as along Station Street.

A trailhead is currently planned for the land adjacent to the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society in the old Lake Placid Depot.

Where outside of Lake Placid can I park to access the Rail Trail?

In addition to the following parking areas, you can also find public parking in the communities along the trail, then bike to where the Rail Trail crosses in town.

Is this trail accessible?

Yes, the entire trail is of wheel-chair accessible grades.

What is the history behind the Rail Trail?

Before becoming a year-round recreation opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts, the rail trail started as a a freight and passenger service railway over 100 years ago in 1892 (also the year the Adirondack Park was established!). Between then and now, the railroad changed hands and usage many times. In 1974, the State of New York acquired the Remsen to Lake Placid line, and between then and now multiple sections of the railway were used at times for passenger, freight, or both purposes. In 2014, the State announced reopened the management plan for the corridor, recommending that the 34 miles between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake be converted into a multi-use trail, with the APA subsequently voting in favor of this in 2016, and the NYSDOT removing rail infrastructure on the Tupper Lake to Lake Placid section in 2021. 

Are there places to rent gear to explore the Rail Trail?

You can rent bicycles and class 1 e-bikes from local businesses like Placid Planet, High Peaks Cyclery, Bike Lake Placid, and Silver Birch Cycles (Saranac Lake).

Accordion Section
90e

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ride a motorized vehicle on the trail?

Motorized vehicles, aside from snowmobiles, are prohibited on the entire length of the trail in all seasons. You can, however, use class 1 e-bikes.

Are there trash receptacles along the trail?

Please practice Leave No Trace™ principles while recreating on the trail and carry out what you carry in.

Will I encounter wildlife on the trail?

Wildlife commonly found in the Adirondacks that may be present on or adjacent to the trail include large mammals such as moose, black bear, and white-tailed deer, along with large birds of prey such as osprey and many species of songbirds. Please be respectful and observe wildlife from a distance.

Where in Lake Placid can I park if I'm using the trail?

You can park at the Lake Placid Train Station and Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society, as well as along Station Street.

A trailhead is currently planned for the land adjacent to the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society in the old Lake Placid Depot.

Where outside of Lake Placid can I park to access the Rail Trail?

In addition to the following parking areas, you can also find public parking in the communities along the trail, then bike to where the Rail Trail crosses in town.

Is this trail accessible?

Yes, the entire trail is of wheel-chair accessible grades.

What is the history behind the Rail Trail?

Before becoming a year-round recreation opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts, the rail trail started as a a freight and passenger service railway over 100 years ago in 1892 (also the year the Adirondack Park was established!). Between then and now, the railroad changed hands and usage many times. In 1974, the State of New York acquired the Remsen to Lake Placid line, and between then and now multiple sections of the railway were used at times for passenger, freight, or both purposes. In 2014, the State announced reopened the management plan for the corridor, recommending that the 34 miles between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake be converted into a multi-use trail, with the APA subsequently voting in favor of this in 2016, and the NYSDOT removing rail infrastructure on the Tupper Lake to Lake Placid section in 2021. 

Are there places to rent gear to explore the Rail Trail?

You can rent fat-tire bikes from local businesses like High Peaks Cyclery, Sled & Spoke (Saranac Lake), and Silver Birch Cycles (Saranac Lake).