In an emergency: Call 911 or contact DEC Forest Rangers at 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.
To report illegal activity or trail maintenance issues: Contact the DEC Region 5 Ray Brook Office at 518-897-1200 or info.r5@dec.ny.gov.
Trail safety and etiquette on the Adirondack Rail Trail
The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile, multi-use, car-free corridor that winds through Adirondack landscapes and connects communities along the way. Whether you are walking, biking, or rolling along, it offers a rare opportunity to experience the region at a slower pace, where nature, recreation, and small towns come together on a shared path. To keep it safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all, we encourage every visitor to stay aware, travel with care, and help protect the spirit of adventure that makes this trail so special.
Before you head out, take a moment to review a few key tips to help make the most of your time on the trail.
Get the Adirondack Rail Trail App
Find everything you need for your Adirondack Rail Trail adventure in one free, easy-to-use app. Featuring interactive maps, mileage markers, trail access points, parking areas, and nearby amenities and attractions, the app makes it easy to plan everything from a quick outing to a full day on the trail. Use the app to plan your trip before you go, locate trail access points and parking, discover places to stay, eat, and rent gear, explore events near the trail, and stay on track with offline maps.
Get it on the App Store or Google Play.
Share the trail
The Rail Trail is for everyone including walkers, runners, cyclists, families with strollers, and more. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Stay to the right, pass on the left, and always announce yourself before overtaking another user.
- Wheels yield to heels. Bikers and snowmobilers should slow down and give plenty of space to walkers, runners, and families.
- Be kind. It’s an unwritten rule, but an important one. Help others enjoy their time in our shared outdoors.
Leave No Trace & Love Your ADK
The Adirondacks are a special place, and it's up to all of us to keep them that way. Follow Leave No Trace principles on every outing:
- Carry in what you carry out and pack out all trash
- Stay on marked trails and respect wildlife
- Use portable restrooms at trailheads
- Clean up after your pets
- Plan appropriately for trail conditions and weather
Plan ahead: check conditions before you visit
Trail conditions, construction updates, and seasonal closures can change. Before heading out, check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website for the latest information. Plan ahead, stay informed, and be prepared for changing conditions so you can enjoy a safe and seamless experience on the trail.
Rules & regulations
The trail passes through a mix of public and private land. Please keep the following in mind:
Stay on the trail and use only designated access points. Trespassing on private property is prohibited.
Observe posted speed limits—15 mph in Saranac Lake and Lake Clear—and follow all traffic rules at road crossings.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Always bag and dispose of waste.
Permitted year-round: walking, running, biking (including Class 1 e-bikes), birding, wheelchair use, and other non-motorized activities.
Permitted in winter only: snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing.
Prohibited at all times: motorized vehicles (except snowmobiles and Class 1 e-bikes), camping, fires, horses, and discharging a firearm from or across the trail.
Respect all posted signage related to trail work, construction, maintenance, or private property.
