For some of us, if we’re not out riding, we’re at least thinking about it! Snowmobiling 24/7. Thankfully, with miles and miles of trails, there is no shortage of places to ride in the Saranac Lake area.
Picture it: fallen snow, groomed trails, scenery that makes you want to pull over for a photo-op, trails lined with handsome evergreens. That’s snowmobiling around Saranac Lake. And, there’s even a great place for a pitstop right along one of the trails!
Destination: Saranac Lake
You may not have known but Saranac Lake is actually at a crossroads for a couple main snowmobile trails. Corridor 7 and Corridor 7B (known as C7 and C7B) both branch out from town and disperse into the surrounding wild lands.
A trail runs through it
C7B runs from Lake Placid to the north end of Lake Kushaqua. From Lake Placid to the junction on the side of Lake Colby, this corridor follows railroad tracks, which are still in place. While this means a nice, level trail, it also means that snowmobilers will have to be mindful of riding on the tracks themselves and make sure that there is adequate snow cover. There is also a marked snowmobile trail that runs through the woods, just outside of the village, and winds its way to Oseetah Lake. This little side trip is incredibly picturesque, but riders should be cautious when traveling over frozen waterbodies.
The other section of C7B that might appeal to snowmobilers is a section known as the Bog Trail. This spot is popular with people who enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation, from snowmobiling to cross-country skiing to birdwatching to dog walking! It’s exceptionally scenic through here; keep an eye out for wildlife!
C7B ends with a connection to C7 and S83, otherwise known as Goldsmith Road. From these points, snowmobilers can continue traveling north toward Mountain View, Malone, or Lyon Mountain.
From Saranac Lake and beyond
Part of C7 is likely better referred to as “the pole line.” This right-of-way goes through a variety of habitats, creating an exciting variation in the terrain! It’s all mostly level, but as you ride on, the lakes, forests, and creeks become more and more scenic. This route also intersects with the railroad tracks near Lake Clear. It stays with the tracks all the way to Remsen!
Branching off C7 are a few secondary trails. One leads to Upper Saranac Lake. The other makes a loop near the Fish Creek Ponds Campground.
A popular stop along this route is Charlie’s Inn, where you can find lodging, food, beverages, and 24-hour gas. Charlie’s has been a stop since it was built in 1891 to support the Adirondack and St. Lawrence Railroad at Lake Clear Junction. It was one of the primary railroad hubs until 1965, linking Saranac Lake and Lake Placid to Malone and Utica. Today, it’s a great spot to stop and relax mid-ride.
If you want to hit the snowmobile trails but don't own a sled, check out Farmhouse Snowmobiling. This family-owned business offers tours of the beautiful trails!
Hey, there’s an app for that!
To better help you plan your trips, download the Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile App. With an interactive map and all the information you need to know 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 the app today on the App Store or get it on Google Play. And remember to Love Your ADK as you’re out riding.
From cozy lodging to classic Adirondack cuisine to great groomed snowmobile trails, Saranac Lake has it all.
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