3 Point to Point Ski Routes on the Jack Rabbit Trail
Strapping on your skis in one town and striding to another is really why the Jackrabbit Trail was created. Connecting communities by ski travel is a really a great thing, and it is celebrated with each point to point adventure that we do. There are three classic cross country ski tours in the Lake Placid area that begin in one location and end in another that should absolutely not be missed. Personally, I try to do them each, several times a winter. They each offer a different level difficulty and contrasting terrain. Check with local ski shops for conditions or other questions about access.
Whiteface Inn Rd. to McKenzie Pond Rd.
This is the classic of all classics and also the most difficult tour of the three presented in this post. This section requires average snow cover to be ski-able and can be skied in either direction. It is recommended to ski the trail beginning on Whiteface Inn Rd. in Lake Placid towards Saranac Lake. The descent towards Saranac Lake in this direction is a little longer and much faster. Skiers should expect to take 2.5 hours on this stretch moving at a casual pace. Be sure to bring a snack to munch on in the lean-to along the way. To access the trail from the Lake Placid side there is a trail head at the end of Whiteface Inn Road, which is off of Rt. 86. To locate the Saranac Lake end look for red Jackrabbit Trail markers on Mackenzie Pond Road, which is a right turn (coming from Lake Placid) off of Rt. 86 in Ray Brook. Once you reach the top of the pass enjoy the ride down, you earned it. You are definitely in wilderness on this stretch so don't forget to bring some extra clothes and take emergency precautions.
River Rd. to Cascade Ski Center
This is my favorite causal afternoon ski. It involves a climb up from River Rd. to Craigwood Golf Course followed by a really fun descent into Cascade Ski Center's groomed Nordic trails. There's really not much better than spending the afternoon with friends skiing this popular route. It is best to start from the River Rd. side so you can enjoy a cold (or warm) beverage at Cascade Touring Center's Lodge when you're done. This route can be done with fairly minimal snow, and only takes a little over an hour from end to end. Parking on River Rd. is at the Steel Deck Bridge. You can find River Rd. by taking Rt. 73 towards the ski jumps and looking for a left turn after you cross the Ausable River. Once you park your car at the Steel Bridge you'll want to follow the red Jackrabbit Trail signs back towards Rt. 73. Shortly you will make a left turn up Birdsong Lane. Following the Jackrabbit Trail markers will lead you up and over some rolling terrain, eventually on to Craigwood Golf Course, across Rt. 73 and into Cascade Ski Center's property. Relaxing by the fire in the lodge is the perfect way to end a great ski. You can find Cascade Ski Touring Center by following Rt. 73 out of town.
Old Mountain Rd. to Adirondack Rock and River
This is one of the most exhilarating cross country ski routes in the area. You will notice by looking on a map that there is a nearly 1,000 ft. drop in elevation between the beginning and end of this ski route. That being said, if you are in search of downhill thrills be sure to start your ski at Old Mountain Rd. and not at Rock and River. After only a short amount of rolling terrain near the trail head at the end of Old Mountain Road the trail plummets toward the terminus of the Jackrabbit Trail at the Rock and River parking lot flattening out only a mile before the end. There is a small parking area at the end of Old Mountain Rd. for the beginning of this route. Skiers can find Old Mountain Rd. off of Rt. 73 just past Cascade Ski Touring Center. If the snow is deep vehicles without 4-wheel drive or snow ties may want consider parking close to Rt. 73 and walking to the end of Old Mountain Road. The end of the trail can be found by driving nearly all the way to Keene Valley and making a left on Alstead Hill Road. At the end you will find Adirondack Rock and River Guide Service. This section involves the longest car shuttle, but the terrain is well worth the extra driving.
These three ski routes all made possible by the volunteers of the Adirondack Ski Touring Council, a non-profit organization that exists to maintain the Jackrabbit Trail. Please take the time to support this great organization and ensure the future of these fantastic ski routes.
