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Draft:Adirondack Rail Trail

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The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile (55 km) multi-use recreational rail trail through the scenic Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Spanning from Lake Placid in Essex County to Tupper Lake in Franklin County, New York, the trail passes through Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, and Lake Clear, offering various outdoor activities for residents and visitors year-round. With a gentle grade, the trail is accessible to all ages and abilities, providing a safe and inclusive way to experience the Adirondack region. [1]

History and route

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The Adirondack Rail Trail follows the path of the historic Remsen-Lake Placid Railroad, established in 1892, the same year the Adirondack Park was created. Over the years, the railroad changed ownership and served both freight and passenger needs. After New York State acquired the line in 1974, it saw limited operations until 2014, when the state proposed converting a 34-mile section between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake into a recreational trail. This conversion was approved in 2016, and rail removal on this section was completed by the New York State Department of Transportation in 2021.[2]

The trail runs through Essex and Franklin Counties, connecting Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, and Tupper Lake. It allows both locals and tourists to explore the region’s natural beauty without relying on motorized transport. The trail brings users close to dining, shopping, and other amenities in each of these communities.

Activities

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The Adirondack Rail Trail supports a wide range of year-round outdoor activities. It is well-suited for walking, hiking, running, birdwatching, gravel biking, and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling and Class 1 e-biking are permitted, while other motorized vehicles are prohibited to maintain a peaceful environment. Fishing is also popular in nearby waters adjacent to the trail. [3]

Future Expansion

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The current trail spans from Lake Placid to Lake Clear, with the remaining portion from Lake Clear to Tupper Lake expected to be completed by the fall of 2025. This final segment will complete the Adirondack Rail Trail, offering continuous access from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake and fully linking these Adirondack communities.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Adirondack Rail Trail". Lake Placid, Adirondacks. 2023-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  2. ^ "History | The Adirondack Rail Trail". www.adirondackrailtrail.org. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  3. ^ "Adirondack Rail Trail - NYSDEC". dec.ny.gov. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  4. ^ "Final steps underway to building the Adirondack Rail Trail | The Adirondack Rail Trail". www.adirondackrailtrail.org. Retrieved 2024-11-08.