6 Most Bike-Friendly Towns In The Adirondack Mountains

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Upstate New York, the Adirondack Mountains are not only well-known for their natural beauty but also for their endless outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition to activities such as skiing and hiking, this scenic area is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for cyclists.

In addition to its rolling hills and more challenging mountains, many of this beautiful region's small towns also are ideal for casual riders wanting to explore urban areas on two wheels. But whether you're a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist looking for a challenge, these bike-friendly towns offer access to a wealth of scenic trails and dedicated bike paths waiting to be explored. Find out more with this list of the six most bike-friendly towns in the Adirondack Mountains… and hit the trails!

Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake is a great destination for cyclists headed to the Adirondacks. More a village than a town, it’s surrounded by a network of trails that cater to all levels of cycling expertise. The most popular, the 34-mile-long Adirondack Rail Trail, connects Saranac Lake to nearby towns through a smorgasbord of scenery, including forests, lakes, and mountains. This multi-use trail boasts a maximum grade of just 2%, making it ideal for cyclists looking for a leisurely ride with plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful surroundings. Saranac Lake is also home to several cycling clubs, including the Adirondack Cycling Advocates, which organize regular rides and events to promote biking in the region.

In addition to its trails, Saranac Lake has a strong cycling community supported by local businesses. Gear-to-Go Tandems specializes in (yes, you guessed it!) tandem bike sales and rentals, while High Peaks Cyclery Mountain Adventures offers rentals, sales, repairs, and exciting Adirondacks bike experiences.

Lake Placid

Famous for having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, as well as for its superlative winter sports options, Lake Placid becomes a hub for cycling enthusiasts from across the Northeastern United States once the snow melts. The town offers a variety of challenging routes, including mountain trails with plenty of obstacles to tackle. For the ultimate in tough adventures, the Ironman Lake Placid Loop bike course is a well-known route that attracts serious cyclists looking to test their endurance on a path featuring steep climbs and fast descents through some of the region’s most attractive scenery. Even in winter, fun “fat biking” options are also available.

Prefer something a little less arduous? Lake Placid is extremely bike-friendly and fun to ride around, and the road network around town is safe for cyclists. A number of businesses and organizations offer plenty of support to visiting cyclists, too, including Placid Planet Bicycles where cyclists can find everything from high-performance gear to casual riding accessories and rentals.

Tupper Lake

Tupper Lake is another biking gem in the Adirondack region, particularly for those who enjoy combining the sport with a bit of exploration. A highlight is visiting the Wild Center, a natural history museum that offers a variety of biking activities and trails. The nearby Tupper Lake Multi-Use Trail System is another must-tackle and provides an extensive network of trails that cater to cyclists of all abilities. These fun trails wind through forests and along the shores of Tupper Lake itself offering plenty of excuses to stop and enjoy the views and to get in some wildlife spotting.

Interested in mountain biking? Tupper Lake’s trails offer a mix of terrain from smooth paths to more rugged trails that challenge even experienced riders, with popular choices including the Fish Creek Loop Trail and the Trombley Landing Trail. The town also hosts the Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon, which features a challenging bike course component.

Keene Valley

Keene Valley, a small town nestled in the Adirondacks’ High Peaks region, is perfect for cyclists who appreciate challenging terrain… and breathtaking views. The area is known for its proximity to some of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks, making it a prime spot for those who enjoy mountain biking or road cycling with significant elevation changes. Local cycling routes often include steep climbs and descents, offering both a physical challenge and the reward of stunning mountain views.

Scenic Route 73, which passes through Keene Valley, is particularly popular among road cyclists. Keene Valley’s cycling culture is supported by a few key businesses, including The Mountaineer, a well-known outdoor gear shop that caters to cyclists, hikers, and climbers alike.

Wilmington

Although Wilmington is best known as the home of Whiteface Mountain, one of the state’s top ski resorts, it has also earned a solid reputation for having some of the best biking trails in the Adirondacks. The Flume Trails system offers a variety of options that cater to different skill levels, from beginner paths to more advanced routes that challenge even the most experienced mountain bikers. The best of these trails wind through dense forests and feature excellent views of Whiteface Mountain and the Ausable River. For the ultimate experience, check out the Wilmington Whiteface MTB event, which features both a 50k and 100k mountain bike race that draws competitors from around the world.

Prefer paved surfaces? The area around Wilmington provides access to several scenic routes that include significant elevation changes, making for a rewarding cycling experience. Traveling with kids? Then, take them to the Wilmington Bike Park for a chance to try out its progressively designed dirt jumps and an exceptional pump track located in the Wilmington Youth Park.

Old Forge

Old Forge is another popular destination for cyclists in the Adirondacks. A highlight is the McCauley Mountain bike park, which features a variety of trails ranging from easy, family-friendly loops to more difficult downhill runs. Whatever you go for, the facility’s 15 miles of trails are well-marked and maintained. Another must-ride is the TOBIE Trail, a 16-mile multi-use path network connecting Old Forge to neighboring towns that is ideal for both casual cyclists and those looking for a longer ride.

The town also hosts several cycling events throughout the year, including the Black Fly Challenge, a popular “gravel grinder” held each July through some 40 miles of spectacular mountain scenery.

The Final Word

Ask any serious East Coast cyclist, whether a mountain biker or road warrior, and they’ll tell you that the Adirondack Mountains offer some of the most diverse and scenic cycling opportunities in the Northeast. The same is true for more casual riders, too. Whether you’re a die-hard or a dabbler, these six of the most bike-friendly towns in the Adirondack Mountains provide access to no end of two-wheeled fun.