June 10, 2019
Looking to take to the pavement with your road bike?
We have four decidedly different loops to ride! Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride close to downtown or a longer adventure, we have it here for you.
Three Lakes Loop
31.4 miles - 1,961 feet elevation gain
The lowdown: This ride follows Forest Home Rd. as it passes Little Colby Pond, Lake Clear, and Upper St. Regis Lake. A break at Donnelly’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat is a must! Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially late in the day.
Directions: Take Broadway north heading out of downtown, turn left at the light on Ampersand Ave., then turn right on Forest Home Rd. (County Route 18). At the intersection with Route 30 turn right, then turn left to stay on 30 at Lake Clear Junction to head toward Paul Smith’s College. Turn right to re-turn via Route 86.
Norman Ridge Loop
34.7 miles - 1,484 feet elevation gain
The lowdown: Experience rolling roads with beautiful views of the winding and sometimes wild Saranac River, then cruise along Norman Ridge Rd. for breathtaking mountain vistas.
Directions: From downtown take Main St. to Broadway, turn right on Bloomingdale Ave., and head north on Route 3. Take a right at the four-way intersection in Bloomingdale, then turn right on Norman Ridge Rd. Turn left on Fletcher Farm Rd., then turn right on Franklin Falls Rd. (County Route 48), which becomes County Route 18, and turn left on Route 3 to return.
Moody Pond Loop
3.6 miles - 211 feet elevation gain
The lowdown: If you’re looking to explore beyond downtown without going too far, Moody Pond is for you. Just a few miles of riding will get you around this beautiful pond, where a view of Baker and McKenzie mountains awaits. For a mountain town, the terrain on this ride is as flat as it gets.
Directions: Take Main St. north from the town hall and bear left onto Broadway, turn right on Bloomingdale Ave., and turn right on Pine St. Turn left on Forest Hill Ave. and follow it around Moody Pond. To return to Main St., turn left on Forest Hill Ave., right on Pine St., and left on Dugway.
Mt. Pisgah Loop
5.5 miles - 278 feet elevation gain
The lowdown: Take a spin around Mt. Pisgah on this short loop. Start with a ride through downtown Saranac Lake and stop at Lake Colby Beach for a refreshing dip before the climb up Pisgah, where there are great views of the McKenzie Range and Whiteface Mountain.
Directions: From downtown take Main St. to Broadway, heading north on Route 86. Turn right on Trudeau Rd., just past the beach, and follow it around Pisgah. Turn right on Park Ave., then turn left on Circle St. and left on Margaret St. to return to Route 3.
Ready to cycle this summer? Start planning your trip to Saranac Lake today. Find your ideal lodging, plan your perfect adventure, and settle in for a decidedly delicious meal.
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