LOCALadk Magazine

58 Summer 2014 LOCALadk During July and August the Adirondack Scenic Railroad train provides a unique experience for mountain bikers, who can travel by rail from Utica (or any stop along the way) with their bicycles to the station in Thendara (Old Forge). Bikers can then switch trains and hitch a ride north to Carter Station or Big Moose to access an endless labyrinth of dirt roads and snowmobile trails, most of which make for excellent mountain bike touring. Just make sure you bring a map. More Information: Central Adirondack Mountain Bike Association www.facebook.com/CAMBAtrailsadk Pedals & Petals Bike Shop pedalsandpetals.com Inlet Area Trails inletny.com/wp/?page_id=103 Old Forge Area Trails oldforgeny.com/recreation.html#biking Southeastern Adirondacks Warren County Warren County is home to Lake George, the "Queen of American Lakes," which Thomas Jefferson called "the most beautiful water I ever saw." The lake and surrounding mountains were a strategic battleground in the French and Indian War and later played a key role in the American Revolution. Today, the Lake George region and the mountains to the north are being invaded not by British forces, but by bicyclists seeking to explore the diversity of trails that the region has to offer. The Warren County Safe and Quality Bicycle Organization is working hard to establish a comprehensive system of bicycling experiences, from family-safe road/off-road cycling to more adventurous mountain biking in the region. The Lake George Wild Forest contains a vast trail system with a variety of challenging rides, some of which the organization has documented in an excellent online guide (see below). Local mountain bike advocates also hope they will soon gain access to a large tract of new state land just outside the bustling village of Lake George. Beginner and intermediate riders can enjoy a variety of trail networks just south of the lake in the Town of Queensbury. The Town's Recreation Department maintains miles of multi-use trails in a system of municipal parks and nature preserves around the community. The Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve and Gurney Lane Recreation Center are recommended for mountain bikers; the former offers superb views of the Hudson River. The town recently completed construction of Rush Pond Way, a beautiful off-road trail for non- motorized recreation that originates at Gurney Lane. Head 30 miles north of Lake George to Garnet Hill Lodge in North River for a truly one-of-a-kind Adirondack mountain bike experience. The 600-acre property has something for every rider, with approximately 12 miles of single track interconnected with miles of cross-country ski trails and dirt roads. Knowledgeable staff will provide trail recommendations based on your ability, and can even turn a wrench if you need a quick repair. Visit for the day or stay for a weekend in Garnet Hill's authentic Adirondack lodge, complete with on-site restaurant and fabulous views of 13th Lake and the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. The lodge provides free bike rentals for overnight stays and a shuttle service for guests arriving by train via the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, which allows passengers to travel with their bikes free of charge. More Information: Warren County Safe & Quality Bicycling Organization www.bikewarrenco.org Queensbury Trails recreation.queensbury.net Garnet Hill Lodge www.garnet-hill.com Grey Ghost Bicycles greyghostbicycles.com SLMBA trails at Downerville State Forest, St. Lawrence County Photo courtesy St. Lawrence Mountain Biking Association

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