Saranac Lake trails
Elizabethtown trails
Wilmington trails
Adirondack Rail Trail

Fun trails through big mountains

The Adirondack Mountains are famous for skiing and hiking, but they're becoming known for awesome mountain bike trails, too. We take mountain sports seriously, so we’ve been working hard on creating and expanding top-notch mountain bike trails near Lake Placid that are suitable and immensely fun for beginner and expert riders alike.

Trail systems galore

Experienced riders, or anyone looking for more variety, should either head to Heaven Hill or the Craig Wood Trails. The former is accessible from town and has the highest concentration of single track in the area, while part of the latter is built on the side of an old ski hill. If you are looking for some leisure, or to stretch the legs before mountain biking, hit up the Adirondack Rail Trail.

No bike? No problem! You can rent everything you need from one of our local gear shops. And be sure to ask staff there about trail conditions before heading out! While you’re in town, don’t forget to check out the Wilmington Mountain Bike Fest, held every summer. Keep an eye on our events page for this, and for other group rides and activities! 

A man makes a sharp turn on a mountain bike.
Two men ride bikes on a dirt trail.
A man in a red t shirt makes a jump on a mountain biking trail.
A man saws a tree down in the woods.

 

A banner for Trailforks with a man riding a bike.
A banner for a mountain biking giveaway
A man makes a sharp turn on a mountain bike.
Two men ride bikes on a dirt trail.
A man in a red t shirt makes a jump on a mountain biking trail.
A man saws a tree down in the woods.
A banner for Trailforks with a man riding a bike.
A banner for a mountain biking giveaway
A couple mountain bikers setting off to ride a trail
Five must-ride trails during UCI

If you're here for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, and want to check out some of the area's best trails, check out these five!

Start pedaling!
A close up of the back wheel of a red bike with someone pedaling forward.
So many reasons to ride

There are endless features that make Lake Placid mountain biking special! Discover the top 5 reasons to ride.

Why ride?
Adult and child mountain bikers on a flat trail in the Adirondacks.
First rides

For an intro to mountain biking, don't miss Lake Placid's great shops, workshops, and fun events!

Let's ride
night bike
Night at the (handle) bars

Explore new rides and fun adventures. Newbies welcome!

Pedal on
handlebar of a mountain biker
Mountain biking in Lake Placid
Follow along as Skills with Phil visits some of the best mountain biking trails in and around Lake Placid.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ride with gratitude?

We invite you to take the Ride with Gratitude pledge and live out the principles that help make our trails accessible and here for good.

1. Respect this gift 

Riding trails on public or private lands is a gift, not a right. That hiker we just passed? She might own the land we’re riding on. With every ride, let’s remember to be grateful for the landowners and others who make it possible.

2. Protect nature

Enjoy nature, don’t ruin it. Keep on the trails. Erosion is our single highest impact when we’re out riding. Skidding causes erosion. Cutting corners can cut off access. Riding muddy trails messes it up for everyone. If we see animals, don’t bother them, remember them. Pick up trash, pack it out, carpool here and back.

3. Care for others 

We share the trails with others, and they have the same rights and responsibilities as each of us. If someone needs help, we help. Be nice, yield to others, and give a smile.

4. Be the example

We know our limits, and we ride within them. Beyond the ride, let’s park where we’re supposed to keep the tunes to a dull roar, and leave the IPAs for après somewhere else. 
Are there beginner-friendly trails?

Anyone looking to give mountain biking a try should head to the Henry’s Woods and Heaven Hill trail systems. Located right around the corner from each other, these trails offer a stupendous amount of variety along mostly easy terrain. Not familiar with the trails? You can check out Lake Placid on Trailforks, and peruse the plentiful biking trails while your out there. 

There's also Mt. Van Hoevenberg, a great spot for first-time and beginner riders, the mountain has several amenities, including a shop, food, and bathrooms. With friendly staff on hand to answer questions and give tips, plus an excellent variety of trails, it's ideal for the whole family.
How are the trails maintained?

The Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) builds, maintains, and advocates for a system of community and backcountry trails for ski touring and mountain biking ​in the greater High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. BETA hosts regular volunteer trail work days and fun riding events. Even if you're not a local, you're welcome to join. Learn more about BETA and how you can support trail building and maintenance in the Adirondacks.
Where can I camp?

There are private and state-owned campgrounds all around, perfect for settling into the region and spending the week hitting the trails. A reminder, it is not permitted to camp at trailheads, boat launches, and parking lots.

Looking to camp out for the UCI Mountain Bike World Series? Check out this prime spot!

Results for "Mountain Biking"

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Henry's Woods
Bear Cub Lane, Lake Placid
(518) 523-3061

Henry’s Woods, which is owned and maintained by the Uihlein Foundation, is a community preserve located just outside the village of Lake Placid. The caretakers of this beautiful property and the Uihlein Foundation invite the public to use these trails.

  
Peninsula Nature Trails
Brewster Peninsula Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

The Brewster Peninsula Trails are located on the shores of Lake Placid and are tucked back on a dirt road. The DEC has worked to use old access roads and selected new trails to develop this year-round destination for short, fun afternoon outings.

  
Craig Wood Trails
Birdsong Lane, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

The trails at Craig Wood have been made possible by a partnership between the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) and the town of North Elba. Smooth, fast, and "flow-y" trails define this system.

  
The Lussi Trails
Route 86 & River Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Several hours of riding exist on the periphery of the Lake Placid Club and Resort golf courses with constant improvements and additions to the network.

  
Adirondack Rail Trail
400 Old Military Drive, Lake Placid

The new Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use trail that connects the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Walking, running, bicycling, birding, and snowmobiling are all possible on the well-graded, wheelchair accessible...

  
High Peaks Cyclery Mountain Adventures
2733 Main Street, Lake Placid
(518) 523-3764

High Peaks Cyclery was established in 1983 as one of the first original multi-sport stores in Lake Placid and the Adirondack Park. Owners Karen and Brian Delaney came to Lake Placid during the Winter Olympics in 1980, fell in love with the area and...

  
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Heaven Hill Trails
Bear Cub Rd, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Route Overview One of the perfect things about the Adirondacks' newest trail system is the variety of options. There are three main loops and all of the paths are relatively flat and accessible. The Big Field Loop is 0.9 miles long and leads through...

  
Bloomingdale Bog Trail
Route 86, Saranac Lake
(518) 523-2445

The Bloomingdale Bog Trail is a scenic, end-to-end path that follows an old railroad corridor that connects Saranac Lake to Bloomingdale. The entire route is wide, level, and mostly straight, making it perfect for a casual stroll or bike ride.

  
East Branch Community Trails
Keene

This growing system of multi-use, non-motorized trails funded and built by Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), is a beginner-friendly mountain biking option in the Town of Keene. It's multi-use nature also allows it to be multi-season, with...

  
Blueberry Hill Trails
Bronson Way, Elizabethtown
(518) 523-1365

Blueberry Hill is a unique recreation area that caters to a wide range of uses from hiking to horseback riding.

  
Cooper Kiln Pond
Route 431, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

Cooper Kiln Pond lies in the valley between Morgan Mountain and Wilmington Peak. The pond sits nestled in the mountains with a somewhat heavily treed shoreline.

  

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