Mountain Biking

Wilmington is the mountain biking capital of the Adirondacks, and for good reason. Hardy Road Trails (aka Beaver Brook) offer fun descents and a backcountry feel, while the Flume Trail Network weaves through forests and along waterfalls with options for all levels. For more advanced riders, the Poor Man’s Downhill shuttle run from the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway delivers speed and thrills. Events like the Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival and even a pump track right in Wilmington make this a must-ride destination.

Lake Placid offers a mix of scenic, approachable mountain biking trails suited for beginners and seasoned riders alike. The Peninsula Trails provide gentle loops along the shore of Lake Placid, Heaven Hill features winding singletrack with moderate climbs and flowy descents, and Craig Wood offers technical trails with tighter turns and steeper grades. Lake Placid’s mountain biking trails are just minutes from the village, with local bike shops and dining close by.

In Saranac Lake, Mount Pisgah Recreation Center offers winding singletrack and the summit flow trail called The Cure, with sweeping mountain vistas. The nearby Dewey Mountain system adds over five miles of stacked green-to-black trails, rising 450 vertical feet.

Elizabethtown delivers with diverse trails. Blueberry Hill has scenic, moderately flowing trails with mountain views, a refreshing complement to the rugged climbs at Otis Mountain. There, you’ll find summit vistas and technical climbs that will challenge you!

Keene has one of the newest trail systems in the region, the East Branch Community Trails. This network is perfect for families and beginners due to its gradual, switchback-filled climbing trail, while more experienced riders will find the machine-built flow trails and massive berms ideal for pushing their skills to the next level. Highlights of the system include the Downriver Trail, which features exciting tabletop and rolling jumps, and a rocky outcropping at the summit.

Long Lake is another fantastic hub for mountain bikers, specifically at the Mt. Sabattis Community Trails. Established in 2021, this system features roughly two miles terrain that winds through wooded turns and open meadows. Riders who pedal to the summit are rewarded with stellar views of Long Lake and the Adirondack Mountains. Post-ride, Long Lake has great food, ice cream, and activities.

Fern Park Recreation Area in Inlet focuses on the families and beginner riders, but has terrain that's engaging for all. Inlet is a great spot for a weekend mountain biking trip, with camping options nearby. The town also has the Pedals & Petals bike shop, and the community is welcoming to visitors coming into town for a mountain biking trip. At Fern Park, you'll find 14 miles of singletrack, which the town takes pride in.

Oak Mountain Bike Park in Speculator offers a diverse mountain biking experience by transforming its ski slopes into a network of technical downhill, intermediate, and beginner trails. Riders can expect a variety of terrain featuring natural and artificial drops, jumps, and berms, alongside expert-level rock and root gardens for those seeking a steeper challenge. Built through the efforts of dedicated volunteers of all ages, the park provides a family-friendly environment where even the youngest riders can enjoy gentle trails.