A Northern Adirondack Motorcycle Tour

Kick off your journey at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, an award-winning natural history museum. Park the bikes and head for the Wild Walk, a series of elevated bridges that take you high into the treetops for a bird's-eye view of the Adirondack forest. It’s a great way to start the day and get a sense of the vast wilderness you’re about to ride through.

Take the scenic route to Saranac Lake by traveling through Saranac Inn and Lake Clear, and eventually to ice cream! Along the way, you'll be adjacent to the waters of of the St. Regis Canoe Area. As you approach Saranac Lake, Donnelly's Ice Cream comes into view at a major intersection. Don't miss out on this roadside stand that is a community staple. It's also got one of the best views of Whiteface Mountain.

Park the bikes at the Lake Flower Boat Launch and walk to Riverside Park for the views. Head onto Main Street to shop, dine, and maybe even stumble into a local event, like live music, a farmers' market, or an Art Walk.

Bloomingdale is well-known for Hex & Hop Brewery, a favorite for its honey-infused craft beers and meads, and welcoming atmosphere; grab a four-pack to enjoy once your kickstand is down for the night. If you’re looking for a peaceful break, take a short walk along the Bloomingdale Bog Trail, a flat, scenic path that feels remarkably remote.

A scenic ride from Bloomingdale, through Franklin Falls, and into Wilmington seems like the perfect end to a day of riding, but it just gets better. After the ride past lakes and ponds, places for a pint are aplenty here, like The Twisted Raven right at the foot of the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway. The lodging options are endless here, too, with Wilmington offering everything from cozy lodges and hotels to vacation rentals with hot tubs and saunas.

Bright and early in the morning, after breakfast in town, head up the famous Toll Road to get perhaps the best views from a motorcycle in the entire state. The Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway has benches along the way to stop and take in the view, and a castle on top that sells snacks and memorabilia. Did we mention that the mountain also has an elevator near the summit?

20 Main in Au Sable Forks is one of the best biker-friendly bars in the Park. Regular live music, welcoming locals, and nearby some quaint town parks to check out. While you're in Au Sable Forks, check out the Tahawus Cultural Center.

Next stop: Jay. This community is home to the Jay Covered Bridge, an icon of the Adirondack Park. Picnic in the park nearby, then explore the numerous art galleries and studios found around here.

Upper Jay is all about farm-to-table. Grab some local dairy products from Sugar House Creamery, food at the Ice Jam Inn, or depending on when you arrive here, a mid-day pick-me-up at Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe. 

Looping though Keene, you'll start climbing Cascade Pass. The road narrows between steep rock faces and the shimmering Upper and Lower Cascade Lakes. Pull into the picnic area between the lakes to soak in the sheer scale of the towering cliffs above you. It is a powerful spot that provides a dramatic and unforgettable entrance into Lake Placid.