My good friend Barb Harris and I have been itching to check out the first section of the Adirondack Rail Trail ever since it was opened up to the public. Finally, we chose a day this past week to go for it.
But first, more about the trail itself. The Adirondack Rail Trail is being built on the old New York Central line. Upon completion, it will be a 34 mile trail from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake. Phase 1 is complete. This 10 mile section starts at Station Street, Lake Placid and ends in Saranac Lake. Phase 2, a 15 mile section will continue on from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Lane. Most of the work should be complete this year but the trail will be closed until construction is complete in 2024. For phase 3, a 10 mile section from Floodwood Lane to Tupper Lake, construction begins spring 2024 and continues into 2025.
Now on to our ride. It just so happened to be Earth Day and it was predicted to be pure sunshine. We had our fingers crossed. That morning I opened a Dove chocolate which always has a saying on the inside of the paper. Mine said, “Enjoy the sunshine.” That had to be a sign. The drive to Saranac Lake went by quickly as it was non stop chatter. As with lots of trailheads, finding the location sometimes is difficult. A friend told me to turn onto the road that the Adirondack Carousel is on and the parking is back there. (That’s my kind of directions.) We did just that and parked at the old train station.
First and foremost, there is a porta potty there and it must have been brand new as it was clean as a whistle. There was sunshine but the temperatures were quite cool. We came prepared and layered up. We both had e bikes which to me are life changing. A funny story, so last year, I met a friend for our annual bike ride in Lake George. Before I left, I mentioned to my husband that my friend was using her ebike. With a grin, his comment was, “I can see this is going to be an expensive trip.” I said, “Nah.” Well two days after my Lake George bike ride I was sitting on my new ebike.
Soon we were off. The first mile or so of the path is paved with the rest a stone dust surface. Almost immediately, we arrived at our first road crossing. There are crosswalks and at each road crossing. Motorists are required to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. That being said, the responsibility of the safety of all is on both the motorist and biker/walker. Biking along, we noticed that before each crossing, there were signs indicating the crossings. Most of the crossings are in areas with less traffic and are easy to navigate. There were a couple where the traffic was moving fast and we waited until there were no cars in view either way and then quickly proceeded. It is not a matter of ‘who has the right of way’ as I’m sure you all have a car zoom right through a crosswalk that you were about to enter. It’s a matter of everyone doing their part to stay safe.
The trail is perfect not only for bikers but for walkers, strollers, wheelchairs and snowmobiling and skiing in winter. We met a biker who had started his ride in Lake Placid. He was riding a road bike with skinny tires and said he had no problem with the surface. The trail has a grade of no more than 2% so there was no worry about any steep hills to climb.
A pair of Canada geese were enjoying the day as they walked the trail. Some parts are quite remote providing a good chance to see some wildlife. Barb and I kept an eye open trying to spot a moose. No luck there.
There are pretty ponds and marshes along the trail. There was one quite large one where a man was down by the shoreline. Barb was a little behind me so I stopped and asked him what the name of the pond was. He replied, “Ray Brook Pond.” I thanked him as I got back on my bike and started to drive away. Remembering what day it was I hollered, “Happy Earth Day.” I burst out laughing as I heard Barb ask him as she went by, “How did she know it was your birthday?”
As we pedaled on, we met a biker with two dogs on a leash. The dogs were pulling him along — no ebike for him. For those who question whether pets are allowed on the trail. The answer is yes as long as they are kept under the control of their owner and restrained on a leash no more than 6 feet long. Owners must clean up after their pets.
As we biked along we enjoyed the beautiful views. Off to one side was a great view of MacKenzie and Moose Mountains. Upon reaching the end of the trail, we crossed Station Street and headed left where we could see the History Museum in the distance. Outside the museum was a picnic table which we sat at to have a snack before our return ride. There is a porta potty at this end of the trail plus there were a few along the way. I know I’ve mentioned porta potties a few times so just to let you know I don’t have a thing for porta potties but I sure do appreciate them at times.
Even with full sunshine, it was a bit cold and windy so we did not dawdle long. After a quick snack and drink it was time to head back. On our entire trip we met only a few bikers and walkers but that brings to mind as to who has the right of way. On the Adirondack Rail Trail Association web page I found the answer to my question. Wheels yield to heels. This means that snowmobiles yield to all users and bikers and skiers yield to those on foot. Slower and more vulnerable trail users get the right of way.
The return trip was quicker as we didn’t take as many photos or stop to chat as much. Closer to Saranac Lake Barb said, “There are a couple of white dogs up ahead.” As I approached the ‘dogs’ which were really full, white garbage bags. Some wonderful folks were in the ditch cleaning up the trail as after all, it was Earth Day.
When we arrived back to the start, we continued on for about .01 of a mile to make our total mileage 20. Barb had counted the road crossings on our return trip and came up with 13. Back at the car, we both agreed the ride was great, scenery beautiful and the people friendly.
It was a quick trip for us but next time I hope to have lunch in one of the many restaurants to choose from in both towns. I would also like to check out some of the shops. Hopefully that won’t be as expensive as my Lake George trip.
A few other tips.
– There are no garbage cans along the trail so one should practice Leave No Trace — Carry It In — Carry It Out.
-The trail is open for public use at all hours.
-Respect the neighbors of the trail and don’t trespass on private property.
-Be courteous and considerate of other trail users.
-Pass with care. Avoid startling others and announce, “on your left” when passing.
-There are shops both in Lake Placid and Saranac Lake to rent bikes.
If you are looking for more information or updates on the trail go to: www.adirondackrailtrail.org
Happy Trails!