The Adirondack Rail Trail spans 34 miles from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, connecting the Tri-Lakes communities along a converted railbed. This all-season, shared-use path welcomes hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobile enthusiasts. With a wide, mostly flat surface and a grade of no more than 2%, the trail offers a peaceful, scenic way to explore the Adirondacks.

At the heart of the trail are Saranac Lake and the surrounding communities of Lake Clear and Ray Brook. The route provides access to scenic vistas, connecting trails, and local businesses, making it easy to stop for a meal, explore downtown, or venture to neighboring Lake Placid or Tupper Lake for a day trip. With connections to all three Tri-Lakes communities, Saranac Lake makes an excellent base for exploring the region.

If you're planning to visit Lake Placid's Olympic Legacy Sites and the Wild Center in Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake is a convenient home base between the two. With lodging options for a range of budgets, a variety of dining and shopping, and lakes and trails within walking distance of downtown, Saranac Lake is an ideal starting point for your Adirondack vacation.

Fall foliage along the trail

If you are interested in foliage this fall, look no further than the Adirondack Rail Trail! From Saranac Lake there are several short hikes along the rail trail that are filled with spectacular views of the leaves (and even some of the late-season tamaracks too). Without needing to put in much effort, or having to fight the crowds of people on popular mountain trails, the rail trail provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy your surroundings in a low-key, low-elevation kind of way. Speaking of low-key, you could also plan a brewery tour along the rail trail! And what could be more fun in the fall than some craft brews and spectacular views? With many of the region's breweries just a short bike ride off the trail, it would be easy to visit Blue Line Brewery and Ray Brook Brewhouse while taking a tour along the tracks!

Winter is for exploring miles and miles of trails

The Rail Trail exploded in popularity when the rail ties were removed, leaving a nice, flat surface for snowmobilers to explore, and packed snow for XC ski and snowshoers! If Saranac Lake wasn’t already on your map for snowmobiling, it should be! With miles of trails to explore, and dining and lodging options right off the rail trail, it’s never been easier to explore the north country with the comforts you desire on a vacation. Historic hub, Charlie’s Inn offers food, drinks, lodging and 24-hour gas! And newly renovated Belvedere offers drive-up dining and drinks from the trail. Getting out there on skis or snowshoes? Those trails are easily accessed from Saranac Lake or Lake Clear, too! The Adirondack Rail Trail is a shared use trail, so please use caution.

Spring offers a chance to see it all

If you’ve been trying to plan a trip to the Tri-Lakes to see the attractions, spring is the perfect time to plan it! There are less people, and just as much to explore. What’s more, the Adirondack Rail Trail makes all of those venues reachable from downtown Saranac Lake. You may have heard the term “mud season”, but with a 2% grade or less, the rail trail is a great low-elevation option for avoiding snow run-off and soggy trails. It also brings you through backcountry where birds and wildlife will be returning to the area, and plants will be starting to bloom. So don’t forget to pack your binoculars and camera!

Summer in Saranac Lake can’t be beat

In the summer, families will love setting up camp in Saranac Lake, where they can get to it all! Want to hit the lake? No problem, Lake Flower connects to miles of waterways and it starts right downtown. Want to take the family on a bike trip? Hit the rail trail! Looking for more aggressive trails? Dewey Mountain and Pisgah have mountain bike trails! Seeking sunshine? Enjoy one of many outdoor patios where you can eat and drink outside. Looking to go to Lake Placid? Pop-over via the rail trail! The possibilities are endless, and the accessibility can’t be beat!

Before planning your outing, be sure to check the conditions and availability of the trail section you plan to access. The Adirondack Rail Trail is intended for non-motorized usage including bicyclists, runners, walkers, birders, wheelchair users, and strollers, and will provide greatly improved snowmobiling from December through March - all other motorized vehicles are prohibited, with the exception of class E bikes. During the winter months the trail is a shared use trail allowing snowmobilers as well as skiers and snowshoers, so caution and reduced speed is advised. 

Happy Trails!