Frequently asked questions
What is the status of the Adirondack Rail Trail?
The Adirondack Rail Trail extends 34 miles from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake. The trail was opened in entirety in autumn of 2025. The ten mile Section one (ten miles), includes a 7.5-mile portion from Lake Placid to the Rt 86 crossing (Fowler’s Crossing) that is surfaced with rock dust, and the 2.5-mile section thru Saranac Lake Village, which is paved.
Section two, from Aubuchon Crossing in Saranac Lake to the Floodwood Crossing (15 miles) is surfaced with rock dust. Our Floodwood Outpost (518.637.2358) is located at the Floodwood Crossing, the junction of sections two and three.
Section Three, about 9 miles. extends south from Floodwood Crossing to Tupper Lake Village. This section is will have finishing touches being added to the trail through early summer 2026. The western terminus of the Rail Trail connects to the Junction Pass Trail ----a 1.5-mile spur trail leading from the Western Terminus South to downtown Tupper Lake. Another optional loop in this section includes the adjacent 7-mile, gravel Floodwood Mountain Road, is currently open to the public for human powered recreation.
Where can I park or get access to the trail?
The best and most popular access points (east to west) are:
Lake Placid.
Eastern Terminus Milepoint 0
Eastern Terminus is on Station Street in Lake Placid (port-a-potty)
Saranac Lake:
Fowlers Crossing Milepoint 7.54
The Rt 86 road crossing(between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid) is known as Fowlers Crossing. This is at the eastern end of the village. (port-a-potty) There are adjacent mountain bike trails here.
Union Station: Milepoint 9.87
on Depot St in downtown Saranac Lake. This is behind Stewarts and off Bloomingdale Avenue and is the historical Saranac Lake train station. (It will eventually be renovated to service cyclists needs) (port-a-potty)
Lake Clear:
Charlies Inn Access Milepoint 15.91
This access is a right turn off Rt 30 just north of the junction of Rt 30 with Rt 186 at Lake Clear Junction.
Station St Access Milepoint 17.6 (also called the Fish Hatchery Access)
is just west of the Adirondack Fish Hatchery in Lake Clear (off Hatchery Rd) (port-a-potty)
Floodwood:
Floodwood Rd Crossing Milepoint 25.2 at Floodwood Pond Canoe Launch. This access is on Floodwood Rd 4.1 miles west of Rt 30. This road turns to gravel and the access point has limited parking. There are 3 small, 3-5 car lots.) The port-a-potty is located south of the trail at the canoe launch for Floodwood Pond.
Tupper Lake:
Western Terminus Milepoint 34
Western terminus on Washington St –This street is at the western end of the Village in an area known as Tupper junction or “Foust”. The Washington Street parking lot is on the right just over one half mile north of the junction of US Rt 3 and Washington Street. There is a large parking lot and port-a-potty here.
All Port-a-Potty facilities are seasonal.
NOTE: All of these access points are on the Adirondack Rail Trail Recreation Map, by Rail Trail Press. Available at our shop and area shops.
What are the multisport opportunities now on the trail?
Before you even start Section One, the 9 mile river road loop (paved) in Lake Placid provides fantastic scenery and expansive views. At the five mile point on the Rail Trail, Meadowbrook State Campground provides an overnight base with three adjacent mountain hikes as well as numerous food choices or even a fly-fishing trip. It's less than a mile to the McKenzie Boulders for climbing or a therapeutic walk. At 7.5 miles is Fowlers Crossing with short adjacent single track loops. The next 2.5 miles through Saranac Lake provide all your earthly desires and diverges: breweries, restaurants, overnight lodging, canoe/kayak trips (river or lakes) or a two mile hike up Mt Baker with great views of the High Peaks and the Saranac Lakes. Lake Clear area offers has a few options for food, camping, and bed & breakfasts. If you want to get started planning, order the Adirondack Rail Trail Map! This Trail is unique with endless fun and we are here to help.
Do you rent canoes or do shuttles?
We do not rent canoes or kayaks. We recommend St Regis Canoe Outfitters for canoe/kayak rentals and shuttles for you and your bike/canoe. They can be reached at 518.891.1838 or via email at info@canoeoutfitters.com.