Created in 1892 as one of the first “Forever Wild” Forest Preserves in the nation, the Adirondack Park is a unique and beautiful protected area and National Historic Landmark in upstate New York. It’s filled with forests, pristine rivers, and lakes. At 6 million acres, it’s the largest publicly protected area in the lower 48 states. The Park includes a mix of public and private land — with small villages, farms, recreational areas and true wilderness.
This trip centers on the newly finished Adirondack Rail Trail, a wonderful crushed-gravel route that connects the three primary towns in the High Peaks and Lakes areas of the Adirondacks. Saranac Lake is midway on the trail and provides a convenient base for five days of exploring by bike, canoe and foot.
You cycle to Lake Placid and explore the famous site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Take a van ride up New York’s fifth-highest peak for fantastic views and a short optional hike. Cycle along the edge of the St. Regis Canoe Area — with interconnected lakes and hiking trails accessible only by boat. In addition to biking along the edge of the canoe area, you enjoy one day of canoeing and hiking in this wilderness.
