Adirondack Rail Trail opens for year-round use

TUPPER LAKE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — After several years, construction has been completed on the Adirondack Rail Trail, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Saturday. The 34-mile corridor is now open for year-round, free-of-charge use.

The $40-million project first kicked off on the Adirondack Rail Trail in 2020, when the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) began removing decades-old rail infrastructure. In 2022, formal trail design and construction officially began under the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), with the corridor remaining open in the winters for snowmobiling.

Now, the trail has fully opened for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers and more. With a shallow grade, wide tread and firm surface, visitors of all abilities will be able to access trails, natural habitats, campsites and waterways across Adirondack Park. The Adirondack Rail Trail begins at Lake Placid and travels 34 miles westward, past Saranac Lake and other waterbodies, to end at Tupper Lake.

“The opening of the Adirondack Rail Trail marks the realization of a vision over a decade in the making,” said Adirondack Rail Trail Association Executive Director Julia Goren. “It connects our communities, drives our local economies, and provides a gateway for residents and visitors alike to experience the beauty and history of the region.”

In addition to the Adirondack Rail Trail, work has been completed on the Adirondack Railroad Tupper Lake Station Platform. Known as one of the longest active scenic railroads in the continental U.S., the railroad makes stops in Old Forge/Thendara and Tupper Lake so riders can either view the Adirondacks via train or disembark to explore by foot.

In 2024, NYSDOT began a $13.5 million upgrade to the Tupper Lake Station. Improvements included a new low-level platform with a canopy and wheelchair lifts, a baggage platform for loading bikes and kayaks, and a new maintenance shed.

“This is truly a modern well equipped facility which will greatly enhance the railroad operations on this line between Tupper Lake and Utica,” said Adirondack Railway Preservation Society Board President Luke Irvine.

Now, DEC continues to work on restoring the Saranac Lake Union Depot for future public use and access. Rail trail users should also expect temporary detours, limited access and obstructions at certain parts of the trail throughout October for truck and equipment access and signage placement.

Updates on corridor conditions, as well as a map, can be found on the I Love New York website.