LOCAL SCENEYEAH. WE GOTIT GOIN ON.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
ROAD CYCLING
Mt. Whitney Way
Beginner
While there are many enjoyable dirt roads to ride on around here, we like Whitney Way the best. It offers a total of 5.6 miles (round trip) of quiet, well-graded and scenic riding. Suitable for beginners, there is a steady climb when riding the road in either direction. The good news is that there's also a great downhill to enjoy in either direction, too!
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From Placid Planet, turn right onto Saranac Avenue toward Main street. Turn left onto Mirror Lake Drive. After approximately one mile, Mt. Whitney Way is on your left, with a small parking area 190 feet on the right.
On the ride out, while flying down the big hill, take a moment to savor the view of Whiteface. The turn around is obvious; the road simply ends at a collection of private driveways after 2.8 miles. You must turn around there.
The land along Whitney Road is private s please respect the land owners and stay to the road.
The Brewster Peninsula Trails
Beginner, Intermediate
Everything here is fun to ride. There are two choices for trails and a couple of additional connecters. The Ridge Trail is beginner-intermediate and tons of fun. The Lake Shore Trail is more challenging but well worthwhile for the stunning mountain and lake views. If you’re not comfortable riding on rocks you may need to walk your bike at times.
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The Brewster Penninsula Trails are located behind Howard Johnson's on Saranac Avenue in Lake Placid. Leaving Placid Planet, turn left and it is just up the road.
Between Howard Johnson’s and the Comfort Inn, you will find a semi paved road leading to the trail network. Up the road .4 miles, there is a gate on your left. This is the official entrance to the trail network although you can also access the trails from the left parking lot behind Howard Johnson’s.
A dirt road runs the length of the peninsula and behind the gate there is a second dirt road. The trails are on either side of this dirt road. There are a total of about 4 to 4.5 miles of trails with little elevation change and spectacular views. It is difficult to get lost (however not impossible).
Everything here is fun to ride. There are two choices for trails and a couple of additional connecters. The Ridge Trail is beginner-intermediate and tons of fun. The Lake Shore Trail is more challenging but well worthwhile for the stunning mountain and lake views. If you’re not comfortable riding on rocks you may need to walk your bike at times.
The Peninsula trails are also part of the Jack Rabbit Ski Trail network. That trail heads over the dam and goes another ½ mile to the beautiful Whiteface Inn Golf Course and Whiteface Lodge. Excellent spot for refreshments!
Ride all sections of the Peninsula Trails and you’ll get a great ride that is super convenient, challenging and fun.
The Flume Falls Trails
Beginner, Intermediate, Hard (depends on the trail)
The Flume Trails are well designed, well thought out, well built and well maintained. There are about 10 miles of trails varying in difficulty from easy dirt roads to steep, technical single track. The trails adjoin the Whiteface Mountain Bike Center which adds even more really good terrain.
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The only problem with the Flume Trails is that they’re 10 miles from Placid Planet. That being said, these trails are terrific.
To get there, take Route 86 past Whiteface Mountain. After about one mile, you will see The Hungry Trout Motor Lodge and Restaurant and R. F. McDougall's Pub. Slow down. Now, go just over the bridge and pull into the parking lot on the left.
The Flume Trails are built on the side of a mountain so most trails involve either climbing or descending. One benefit of this is that it will be hard to get lost. Just listen for the road noise, the river or head down hill and you will get to the road.
Maps of the area are being developed and more trails are added regularly. There are 3 marked trails; yellow is the easiest and the red and blues trails are more difficult. There are also lots of unmarked trails.
Fine food and drink can be found at the Trout, a must after any good ride. This area also offers convenient camping near the beautiful Ausable River. Just in from where you left your car are nice level areas perfect for pitching a tent.
Bear in mind that you are pretty close to Route 86 so don't expect too much peace and quiet. For that, you have to go a little further off the beaten path or stay in one of the areas' fine hotels or B&Bs.
Ride the Flume Trails and you’ll have fun.
Bloomingdale Bog Trails
Intermediate
The bog trail is a wonderful place to ride a mountain bike and if your hybrid is tough enough, you can even ride that.
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This trail follows an old flat railroad grade, so you don't have to worry about steep hills. It does have its share of roots and rough spots and some deep sandy sections that will annoy you hybrid riders. These sections are short enough to jump off and walk.
Another benefit of the bog trail is its length. It probably ends somewhere, but I have yet to found out where. The trail begins just outside of Saranac Lake on the Paul Smith's side of the Old Club 86 on Rt. 86. Try it…you'll like it.
Climb Baby Climb
Intermediate
Bartlett Road is a 13 mile loop with about 1,500 feet of climbing. If you’re looking for a great dirt ride with a bunch of climbing suitable for a cross bike or a mountain bike, head to Bartlett Road.
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Bartlett Road is located off the Springfield Road which connects Wilmington to Upper Jay. You’ll begin with a very short flat section and that is about all the flats you'll find. This ride is either up or it's down.
The ride starts with a 3.2 mile climb. Continue straight through the intersection at 4.4 miles and at 5 miles you will come to Alstead Hill Road. (Take a detour to the right and you’ll be on a dead end road that leads to Rock and River Guide Service which is a very cool place.)
The ride turns left on Alstead Hill Road and goes past The Barkeater Inn where you may be able to catch a polo match (i know, not what you would expect!) You will be on a paved road for another .6 miles and then take a left on Lime Kiln Road. At 6.6 miles, turn left. At 8.6 miles turn left again and continue back to the start.
Do it again the other way and you’ll log 3,000 feet…yahooooo!
Scarface Trails
Intermediate
Only four miles from Placid Planet Bicycles, in beautiful Ray Brook, are the access trails to Scarface Mountain. The trails up the actual mountain itself are not suitable for riding and you are requested to please abstain from riding up Scarface. You are encouraged to stash your bike in the woods and hike up.
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The best way to find these trails is to head toward Saranac Lake on Route 86 and turn left across the State Police barracks (just past the gas station). One hundred yards or so down Old Ray Brook Road is a parking area on the left. This is the trailhead.
Not long into the ride you cross some old railroad tracks. Left will take you on a potentially great ride to Lake Placid. If you are up for it, you might want to help clear this old rail line and we'll have another good ride. Going right on the tracks will take you right by the Adirondack Correctional Facilities where the chances are better than average that you will be questioned by people with guns about why you are there, even though you are wearing lycra shorts, a jersey and a helmet. Like anyone with a brain would intentionally go in a prison wearing lycra.
Anyway, go straight and you cross a really cool walking bridge and find yourself on an awesome network of trails. Rumor has it that these trails were reconditioned for a European Cross Country Ski Team to train for the 1980 Winter Olympics Game held in Lake Placid. Whatever the reason for their existence, they are great to ride, not too technical, but fun for most abilities. Here too, please respect private property.
In late summer, the wild blue berries are wonderful. Keep in mind that this area is popular with hunters, so dress appropriately in season.
The Purple Trail
Intermediate, Advanced
The Purple Trail is an enjoyable piece of single track, mostly downhill, in the heart of Lake Placid village.
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From Placid Planet Bicycles turn right onto Saranac Avenue and proceed toward downtown Lake Placid. Turn left onto Mirror Lake Drive at the intersection with Mirror Lake Drive. After approximately one mile, look for Mt. Whitney Way on your left. You will see some grey mailboxes and a sign that says “Private”. The end of the road is private but the first 2.75 miles of the road is not. Please do not proceed into the private section.
The purple trail is located about 1.3 miles out on Mt Whitney Way. In that vicinity, you will ascend about 200 feet and the Purple Trail will be off to your right near the high point in the road. The main trail is about 1 ½ miles long and is mostly downhill. You will encounter various mud holes and technical sections. It is a fun and challenging trail.
About ¾ of a mile down, you will see an intersection with a sign for Cobble Mountain Ski Trail. You may choose to follow this for very challenging terrain. Cobble Hill Ski Trail was an old ski area that has been closed for a very long time. All that remains are a few of the concrete bases that supported the tow rope. This is not for the faint of heart.
If you stay on the main trail and don’t detour to Cobble Mountain Ski Trail, about ¼ of a mile later you will see another left turn. This accesses An additional couple of miles of singletrack behind Northwood School. This is a nice trail network with little elevation change. The rocks and roots are always slippery in true East Coast style. You may have noticed these trails as you began on Mt Whitney Way.
As you continue on the Purple Trail, you will soon be on a driveway which takes you back to Mt Whitney Way.
The New Heaven Hill
Intermediate
This isn’t the “Old Heaven Hill” (or Hell Hill) that you may have heard of, but from here, you can access most of what the “Old Heaven Hill” had to offer.
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The new trails occupy property generously donated by the Uihlein Foundation. All they ask is that you treat the area with respect and be very cautious of walkers.
The trails are located off of Bear Cub Road in Lake Placid. Head down Bear Cub about 100 yards and you will find a horseshoe style road on the right, called Henry's Woods. At the end of this road you will see the trail head.
The entire loop is about 2 ¾ miles. It is moderately technical trail, but it will require a bit of fitness since there is about 1 mile of uphill. There is almost no flat terrain. The trail is wide and well graded with crushed stone filling the wet spots. Drainage is excellent and there are numerous sturdy bridges to cross running water.
About ¾ mile into the ride clockwise around the Main Loop, a trail turns left into the Cornell Maple Sap Project. If you are looking for the “Old Heaven Hill” access is about 1 mile in. If there is not maple sugaring equipment in the way, you can follow the dirt road and climb. When you reach the top, either back track and continue the original loop or descend into a beautiful field at the end of Bear Cub Road. Cross the field to get to the road and turn left to head back to Lake Placid.
If you stick to the New Heaven Hill Trail, the climb will end shortly after the detour mentioned above. The total elevation gain is around 300 feet. From the high point, you can almost coast all of the way back! This is a fun downhill but use caution as there are a couple of sharp turns and walkers frequently use the trail.
At about 2 ¼ miles you will get to the previously mentioned intersection. Take a left and you will soon be back at the starting point.
Whiteface Mountain Ski Center
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
There is a lot of great riding here and more to be added as time progresses. Look for a variety of events to happen here as well, both on and off your bike. Whiteface is scheduled to be open from mid-June until mid-Autumn.
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Check out Whiteface Mountain for some primo downhill or trail riding. Reasonable rates can get you full or partial day lift use for you and your bike and access to terrific single track and ski trail riding.
Just Around the Block
Beginner
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0.0 You're at the corner of Route 73 and 86. Take 86 towards Whiteface Mountain;
9.9 1 mile past Whiteface Mountain, go right onto Fox Farm Road;
10.75 At the T - Go right on Springfield Road;
14.3 Stop at the stop sign at the bottom of the long hill. Go straight, you are on Route 9N going South to Keene;
20.3 Go right onto Route 73 - head up the hill towards Lake Placid;
26.8 Look at Stagecoach Rock on the right side of the road;
32.9 Veer right, stay on 73;
33.9 Veer right, stay on 73;
34.5 You're back at the start!
Ten Plus One
Beginner
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(River Road Loop)
0.00 Corner of 86 and Mirror Lake Drive, go clockwise around the lake;
1.00 Left onto Northwood Road;
1.6 Left onto Route 86;
4.0 Right onto Riverside Drive;
8.0 Right onto Route 73;
10.0 Left at corner of 86 and 73 onto Main Street;
11.0 Back at the start!
Fantastic Fifty-Two
Intermediate
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0.00 Start at Placid Planet Bicycles on Route 86 in Lake Placid, head towards Saranac Lake Westbound.
5.1 Take a right onto MacKenzie Pond Road.
7.7 Go left at the stop sign - head towards the lake.
7.8 Go straight back on 86.
8.3 At the light, go straight, you're on Route 3 heading towards Tupper Lake.
21.0 Take a right on Co. Rd 45 aka Panther Mountain Road.
23.4 Right at the T - Route 30 North.
31.25 Saranac Inn intersection - right on Fr. Co. 46 to Saranac Inn.
31.8 Left at the stop sign.
32.2 Right onto Route 30 North.
33.8 Right onto Forest Home Road. Fr. Co. 18.
42.0 Left at the stop sign - Ampersand Avenue.
42.6 Right on Broadway into Saranac Lake.
43.3 Veer right onto Main Street.
43.5 Left onto Route 86 towards Lake Placid.
43.8 Right onto Route 86 towards Lake Placid.
52.0 Placid Planet...you've made it!
Epicenter of the Earth Quake
Advanced
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Left out of Lake Placid Health and Fitness Center (199 Saranac Ave.) onto Route 86
1.0 Turn left onto Old Military Road – watch for traffic
4.7 Bear right onto Route 73
5.0 After the bridge, turn left onto Essex County 21 / Riverside Drive (aka River Road)
9.1 Turn right onto Rt. 86 east
15.7 Turn right at abandoned brown building onto Fox Farm Rd / Essex County Rt. 63
16.6 Turn right onto Springfield Rd
17.5 Turn left onto Hardy Rd
20.9 Turn right onto Route 86
23.9 At the intersection of Route 9N go straight ahead
24.1 Cross bridge
24.2 After the bridge, turn left onto North Jay Rd / Essex Co 64
24.6 Turn right onto Lincoln Hill Rd (sign has an arrow and sign to Hazen Rd)
25.4 At Y in the road stay left
28.7 Right onto North Jay Rd
29.9 Turn right on Green St – sign says Stickney Bridge Rd
32.2 Straight ahead, still on Green Street
35.1 Continue straight on Trout Pond Road
35.7 At the bottom of the hill, go left on Dugway Road
35.8 Turn right & cross bridge on Lower Road
35.9 Turn right at intersection
36.1 Bear right onto 9N
37.2 Turn left and go up Cold Springs Rd
40.5 At stop sign turn right – this road surely has a name but we don’t know what is it – you are near Harkness
41.2 Turn left onto Union Rd
44.2 Straight ahead – road name is now Jarvis Rd
45.3 Jog right, jog left and continue straight ahead
49.4 Turn left onto Norrisville Rd – Sunoco Station on corner
53.8 Turn right onto Peasleeville Rd.
60.0 Turn right onto Ore Bed Rd
64.7 Turn left & cross bridge – this is still Ore Bed Rd
64.8 Turn left onto Route 3
66.8 Turn left onto Silver Lake Rd
70.2 road bears left
73.0 At stop sign, turn left
80.3 Bottom of hill, turn right onto Haselton Rd – You’re “on course” for the Ironman Triathlon
87.0 Turn right onto Rt 86
87.3 Turn left – still on 86
98.5 Turn right onto Northwood Road
99.2 Right onto Mirror Lake Drive
100.0 You're done. Stop in the beautiful Mirror Lake Inn for a massage!
Fantastic Fifty
Intermediate
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Turn left out of the Lake Placid Health and Fitness Center (199 Saranac Avenue) on to Saranac Ave / Rt 86
4.3 bear right on MacKenzie Pond Rd.
6.8 left on Brandy Brook Ave cross Railroad tracks
7.0 straight on River St / Rt 86
7.2 straight thru light on Rt 3 west
7.5 continue straight thru light on Rt 3 west
20.3 right on Panther Mnt. Rd / Co. Rt. 45
20.7 Steel deck bridge - begin climb
22.7 right on Rt. 30 North
30.6 right on Franklin Co. Rt. 46
31.2 left on Back Bay Rd
31.6 right on Rt. 30 North
33.3 right on Forest Home Rd.
41.3 right on Ampersand Ave.
41.4 left on to Edgewood
41.7 left on Route 3
42.1 thru light
42.5 thru light
42.8 thru light and Route 3 turns into Route 86 east
43.0 right on to Lake Flower Ave.
51.0 you're at Placid Planet Bicycles
Congratulations!
It's Only a Hundred Mile Ride
Advanced
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Leaving Lake Placid Health and Fitness Center (199 Saranac Avenue), turn left onto Route 86
1.0 Left onto Old Military Road
4.6 Bear right onto Route 73
17.2 Bear right staying on Route 73
30.5 Left thru “Malfunction Junction” onto Route 9 North
40.5 Continue straight on Route 9 through Elizabethtown
43.0 At top of hill turn left onto Cutting Road / Essex 53
44.3 Straight onto Roscoe Road
46.6 Turn right onto Lord Road
46.9 Turn right onto Route 9 N North
56.0 Turn right onto 73 West / 9 N North
57.8 Bear right on Route 9 N North
63.7 Turn right onto Trumbull's Corners Road
64.4 Stay right on Essex 85 / 12
66.3 Left onto Essex 82 / Glen Road
68.8 Bear right / downhill on Hesseltine Road
69.7 Turn right onto Hazen Road or Judson Page Road
73.0 Turn right onto North Jay Road
Stay to left around curve in road
74.4 Turn right on Sheldrake Road / Essex 65
76.9 Bear left across bridge
77.0 Straight through AuSable Forks
77.2 Straight thru blinking light
77.4 Left toward Fern Lake / Black Brook on Silver Lake Road
78.2 Stay left on Silver Lake Road
80.3 Stay left on Silver Lake Road
81.4 Left onto Hazelton Road
88.9 Straight onto Essex 83/12 - Springfield Road
90.7 Right onto Fox Farm Road
91.7 Left onto Route 86
100.6 Right onto Northwood Road
101.3 Right onto Mirror Lake Drive
101.9 Right onto Harbor Lane aka Lake Street
102.0 Left onto Victor Herbert Road
102.6 Right onto Route 86 / Saranac Avenue
Finsh up at Placid Planet Bicycles on your left.
Miles From No Where
Intermediate
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Left out of Lake Placid Health and Fitness (199 Saranac Avenue) onto Route 86
1.0 Turn left onto Old Military Road – watch for traffic
4.7 Bear right onto Route 73
5.0 After the bridge, turn left onto Essex County 21 / Riverside Drive (River Road)
9.1 Turn right onto Rt. 86 east
15.7 Turn right at abandoned brown building onto Fox Farm Rd / Essex County Rt. 63
16.6 Turn right onto Springfield Rd
17.5 Turn left onto Hardy Rd
20.9 Turn right onto Route 86
23.9 At the intersection of Route 9N go straight ahead
24.1 Cross bridge
24.2 After the bridge, turn left onto North Jay Rd / Essex Co
27.6 Turn left onto Carey Road
28.6 Stay right over small bridge
28.8 Left on Stickney Bridge Road and over bridge
28.9 Left onto 9N
32.6 In Jay, turn right on Rt 86
37.8 In Wilmington, turn left – still on Route 86
48.9 Turn right onto Northwood Road
49.6 Right onto Mirror Lake Drive
50.4 The beautiful Mirror Lake Inn is on your right.
Congratulations!
The Hilly Half Hundred
Intermediate
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Turn left out of Lake Placid Health and Fitness Center (199 Saranac Ave) onto Route 86
1.0 Left onto Old Military Road
4.6 Bear right onto Route 73
17.2 Turn left onto Route 9N
23.2 Right onto Trumbullís Corner Road
23.9 Stay right on Essex 85
25.8 Left onto Essex 82
28.3 Stay left on Glen Road
29.6 Bear left and go over the Jay Bridge
29.7 Up and around staying left on Mill Hill Road
29.9 Straight ahead on Route 86
32.8 Top of the hill turn right on Bilhuber Road
33.7 Left onto Hazelton Road
35.6 Straight onto Essex 83 / Springfield Road
37.4 Right onto Fox Farm Road
38.4 Left onto Route 86
47.3 Right onto Northwood Road
48.0 Right onto Mirror Lake Drive
48.6 Right onto Harbor Lane aka Lake Street
48.7 Left onto Victor Herbert Road
49.3 Right onto Route 86 / Saranac Avenue
Placid Planet Bicycles is on your left
Congratulations!!
The Hilly Hundred
Advanced
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Leaving Lake Placid Health and Fitness Center (199 Saranac Ave.), turn left onto Route 86
4.3 bear right on MacKenzie Pond Road
6.8 left on Brandy Brook Avenue across Railroad tracks
7.0 straight on River Street / Route 86
7.2 straight thru light on Route 3 west
7.5 continue straight thru light on Route 3 west
20.3 right on Panther Mountain Road / Co. Rt. 45
20.7 caution - steel bridge
22.7 right on Route 30 north
30.6 right on Franklin Co. Rt.46
31.2 left on Back Bay Road
31.6 right on Route 30 north
36.0 straight on Rt. 186 east
39.9 left on Route 86 west
41.7 bear right on Split Rock Road
42.1 right onto Co. Rt. 55 / Blooomingdale Ave
45.7 stay right
45.8 left at stop sign on Route 3 / Main Street
46.0 right on River Road / Co. Rt. 18
51.9 continue straight - road name changes to Co. Rt. 48
53.3 stay right over bridge
54.8 left on Plank Road
56.8 continue straight - road changes to Forestdale Rd.
63.2 right on Old Silver Lake Rd.
64.1 right on Co. Rt. 17 / Silver Lake Road
68.2 right on Co. Rt. 15 / also Silver Lake Road
70.3 right toward Ausable Forks
71.1 right on North Main Street
71.4 thru flashing light, over bridge and thru downtown Ausable Forks
71.6 bear left over bridge onto Co. Rt. 65 - turn right after bridge onto Sheldrake Road
74.1 right onto Co. Rt. 64 / Stickney Bridge Road
75.2 left onto Carey Rd. (just before bridge)
76.5 right on to North Jay Road
76.6 left on to Hazen Road
79.8 bear right around corner on Lincoln Hill Road
80.6 left on to North Jay Road
81.1 right over Jay bridge - stay left after bridge and go up hill
81.4 up hill on Route 86 west
86.5 left, staying on Route 86
97.8 right on Northwood Road
98.4 right on Mirror Lake Drive
99.0 right on to Lake Street
99.1 left on to Victor Herbert Road
99.9 right on to Route 86
100.0 Placid Planet Bicycles is on your left.
Congratulations!!
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