A wilderness trail like no other

The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile recreational trail that will be open year-round, offering adventurous travel to every age and ability in the Adirondacks. This vehicle-free, multi-use trail connects the scenic communities of Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, and Tupper Lake, offering outdoorsmen an up-close way to travel between their favorite communities and trails across the Adirondacks. All this in a peaceful, scenic setting along a path with no more than a 2% grade!

Although the Adirondack Rail Trail will not reach full completion until 2025, parts of it are available to use. The usable section of the trail includes the stretch from Lake Placid to Floodwood. During winter, fat tire biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are permitted. During active construction, the trail will not be open. 

Snowmobiles zoom down the wide groomed trail.
Snowmobiles parked outside Raquette River Brewing in Tupper Lake.
A woman and daughter cross country ski on a groomed trail.
Directional signage along the trail.
A young boy snowshoeing along a trail.

Winter adventure

Operating year-round, travelers will find that in winter, the corridor makes an excellent cross-country ski and snowshoe-hiking adventure with adequate snow cover. The wide, level pathway will provide miles of scenic travel, and access to all kinds of snowy adventurers making their way. Winter use is shared with snowmobiles and fat-tire bicycles, so be cautious and yield to the shoulder of the trails when possible. 

Snowmobiling

The Adirondack Rail Trail is the perfect route for snowmobilers to take as they trek across the Adirondacks. Keeping riders off the busy roads and into the woods, you'll be able to experience calm and wide pathways so that every rider in your group feels secure. The best part? The Rail Trail will take you right into the heart of each town, from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid. Stop in for dinner, do some shopping, or simply explore a picturesque mountain town. 

Download the Adirondacks, USA Snowmobile App

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.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

Snowshoe folk and cross-country skiers will enjoy the wide pathways that characterize this route. Although this is a multi-use trail, traveling via snowshoe and ski is encouraged! Simply stay to the right shoulder of the path, while snowmobilers have the clearance to move around, ensuring everyone on the trail can recreate safely. If you're in a group, traveling single file will help others have adequate space to enjoy the trail. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the route allows outdoorsmen and women to experience the calm serenity of the deep woods of the Adirondacks, while enjoying a well-groomed trail to their favorite towns. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are e-bikes and motorized vehicles permitted?

Motorized vehicles, aside from snowmobiles and Class 1 e-bikes, are prohibited on the entire corridor in all seasons. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not allowed. This will be enforced with gates, bollards, and law enforcement patrol and checkpoints. The restriction on public use of ATVs, automobiles, and other motor vehicles complies with the guidelines set forth in the Adirondack Park Master Plan and is in accordance with New York State law. 

Is the trail paved/wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the trail will be wheelchair-friendly, however, it is best to check if your equipment is suited for outdoor recreation. The trail is designed to be accessible by people of all abilities to the maximum extent practicable.

How much of the trail is available to use?

The 9-mile stretch between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid is now open! Any parts of the trail are open when not in active construction. During construction, various sections of the 34-mile trail may be closed to the public.  

Parts of the trail under construction: 

Saranac Lake to Floodwood: UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Do not use the trail until construction is complete. 

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