46 Fall 2015 LOCALadk Magazine
LOCALadk
2. River Road
River Road is used by the savvy locals to avoid the traffic and chatter
in downtown Lake Placid. It connects Rt. 73 and 86, passing right by
the Olympic Ski Jumps and follows along a more placid stretch of the
Ausable. It's also much narrower, and much twistier than the previous-
ly mentioned route. It's short and sweet, and features a double apex
curve that will likely have you looking for the nearest turn around so
you can ride it again.
Keep an eye out for cyclists and joggers on this route, and don't for-
get to take a moment to enjoy the scenery. You'll find it hard to be-
lieve the hustle and bustle of Lake Placid is just a few minutes away...
especially after you realize how fast you just took that last curve.
3. Rt. 3
Growing up on the western fringe of the park, Rt. 3 has always been
the gateway to the heart of the Adirondacks. It's wide, clean, and
well maintained, with the occasional twist and turn to keep things
interesting. But for the most part, the scenery does a good job of
that anyway. This route weaves its way through uncountable hamlets
and villages that always have something to discover just a turn signal
away. It also travels through rolling hills, past vast lakes, and offers
great views of the high peaks along the way.
Stop by the Blue Moon Cafe in Saranac Lake for some of the best
breakfast sandwhiches you'll find anywhere, or take the short but
steep hike to the top of Ampersand Mountain for one of the most
breathtaking views of the Saranac Lakes you could ask for.
