Updated June 8, 2026 02:44PM
I swear she’s smiling at me. Her ears bounce in sync with our soundtrack: the steady rhythm of gravel crunching and soprano spring peepers. By mile five of day one on the freshly finished Adirondack Rail Trail, we’ve found our groove, and my rescue pup Scout is positively prancing amidst a backdrop of verdant Tamaracks, Maples, and stately High Peaks.
The historic corridor’s conversion into a 34-mile, year-round, multi-use recreational trail wrapped in October. Connecting the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, the trail is a hub for walking, biking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The mostly flat-grade path varies between pavement and compacted stone dust, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible.
I grew up with the massive six-million-acre Adirondack Park as my backyard, but I’m always seeking out new ways to dive deeper into my wild home. A grand plan was born: we’d embark on a self-curated, multi-day journey on foot, kicking off in Lake Placid, stopping in Saranac Lake, Lake Clear, Floodwood, and ending in Tupper Lake, with a variety of accommodations. Since all three towns are super dog-friendly, bringing my best gal Scout was a no-brainer.
Scout is 92 percent Australian Cattle Dog, and at three-and-a-half years old, she has the energy of at least two herd dogs. On our four-day trek along the entire rail trail, she was in her element, and when hiking the first leg solo, she added some security, too.
Doing this trek during peak black fly season wasn’t the best plan, but it definitely made the trail a lot less crowded.
First Leg: Lake Placid to Saranac Lake
Miles: 9.3 miles
Claim to Fame: Hosted Olympics two times, High Peaks
It seemed fitting to start with an icon. Lake Placid is no secret as the town is famous for hosting the Olympic Games twice (1932, 1980). Downtown is quaint, gorgeous mountain views abound, and there is plenty of classic Adirondack recreation with access to the High Peaks Wilderness Area, with 46 peaks over 4,000 feet. My favorite is the two-and-a-half-mile round-trip sunset jaunt up Mount Jo, which rewards handsomely with a vista stretching out over Heart Lake. From above, the body of water appears as an abstract heart, but its name is also tied to the tragic love story behind it, involving Henry Van Hoevenberg, the founder of the original Adirondack Loj, where the trail starts.
Upon arrival at Lake Placid, I scarfed down shrimp tacos and a crisp Dorada on the patio of Big Slide Brewery while Scout happily rolled around in the grass. We fit in a dusk wander around town, before Mother Nature bestowed a welcome gift: intense pinks and violets reflected in homage to Mirror Lake.
“Just the two of us” played in my head as Scout and I set out solo for the first leg of the rail trail. After a couple of road crossings, it was just us and the forest-lined path; the High Peaks behind us as we marched on, passing the Chubb River at various points, and even spotting an impressively large beaver dam. High ‘50s, sunshine, and a steady breeze to keep late May’s ruthless black flies away gave us some pep in our step. We encountered cyclists, a few runners, and a deer before lunch; a shady pondside break, where we watched ducklings trail behind mom.
Logistics + POIs
For an overview of the rail trail’s previous life, stop into the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society, a local history museum in the old train station that’s close to the starting point. Grab lunch to-go from the dog-friendly Soulshine Bagel in town, and carry plenty of water. Bikers can rent from Lake Placid outfitters like Bike Lake Placid, Placid Planet, and High Peaks Cyclery. Bike ADK offers dog-friendly trail shuttle services for bikes or skis, too. Other notable Lake Placid spots include John Brown Farm State Historic Site, the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum, and the Ski Jumping Complex.
We hopped off the trail at Pine Street Crossing for the short walk to our hotel in Saranac Lake. Mile-markers are placed along the trail, and certain access points have porta-potties and garbage bins. If you’d prefer a shorter day, plan to camp at Meadowbrook Public Campground just past mile-marker 5 in Ray Brook.
Before starting, it’s wise to download the new Adirondack Rail Trail App (available on Apple or Google Play), a superb resource for planning that works offline.
Photo-Worthy stops
Look back when leaving Lake Placid for views of the High Peaks. Ray Brook bridges and Fowler’s Crossing will also have you capturing snapshots.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay
Scout and I stayed at downtown Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, where we were welcomed by a little bag of treats and a tennis ball. (10/10 Scout approved.) Our room’s balcony overlooked Mirror Lake, ideal for sipping coffee (me) and people-watching (Scout). It’s a lake-dweller’s dream, with a private beach, on-site canoes and kayaks for paddling at your leisure, and an outdoor fit pit, perfect for evening drinks.
Second Leg: Saranac Lake to Lake Clear
Miles: 7.06 miles
Claim to Fame: History as a health retreat and outdoor recreation hub
The air just feels fresher in Saranac Lake, a less-touristy swap for well-known Lake Placid, historically hosting famous visitors like Mark Twain and Einstein. The outdoors and a rich arts and culture scene are integrated into everyday life here, with small, locally owned shops and restaurants.
There’s one place perpetually on our agenda when we’re in Saranac Lake: River Trail Beerworks, located right off the rail trail on the Saranac River. We love their dog-friendly space, and after walking more than 9 miles, the Detroit-style pizza (me) and special dog menu chicken (Scout) didn’t stand a chance.
On day two my partner Dylan joined our pack. This leg’s first few miles were abuzz with bikers taking advantage of favorable weather, but soon gave way to trailside picnic views of McCauley Pond in solitude. Our destination for the night was Lake Clear Lodge, where the only thing on our agenda was putting our aching feet up.
Logistics + POIs
Grab a trail lunch at Nori’s Village Market. If you’re looking to rent a bike, Silver Birch Cycles is your spot. The first few miles of this leg have several access points to jump off in and around town for provisions or to visit local businesses, including The Adirondack Loon Center and Saranac Lake Laboratory Museum. Drip Vault coffee is a unique spot where you can peruse antique jewelry and other vintage collectibles like coins and watches with your cappuccino in hand.
Photo-Worthy Stops
The Saranac Lake Train Station, Lake Colby causeway (look out for loons!), and Lake Clear.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay
We stayed at the new dog-friendly voco Saranac Lake Waterfront by IHG hotel, perched on Lake Flower, steps from the center of town. We had a lake view, and the attached restaurant, Lakeside Drift, has a dog-friendly patio.
Third Leg: Lake Clear to Floodwood
Miles: 9.25 miles
Claim to Fame: The longest operating Great Camp in the Adirondacks and Einstein was a guest.
Originally opened as the Stagecoach Inn and Post Office in 1883, the dog-friendly Lake Clear Lodge & Resort and its onsite Adirondack Alps restaurant (with a 1920s speakeasy) are the midpoint of the Adirondack Rail Trail. It’s the longest operating Great Camp in the Adirondacks, which were historic and expansive compounds built in the Gilded Age for luxury getaways. Guests can lounge on their private beach, swim in the pristine lake, take advantage of their canoes, kayaks, or SUP boards, or venture along the property’s nature trails. Watching the sunset with a crisp brew while lounging in a beachside Adirondack chair was just what we needed after another day of racking up miles.
We woke to clouds and humidity, a stormy foreshadowing. The lovely breeze from our first half was gone, revving up the mosquitoes and demon black flies. Our pace was swift, attempting to dodge their wrath in this remote section of wetlands. The only reprieve was our quick lakeside lunch at Hoel Pond, where the breeze picked up ahead of the impending storm, keeping the bugs at bay for a brief few moments. Head nets and hangs in the tent would be on our camping agenda at Floodwood that evening, and that was just fine with our exhausted trio.
Logistics + POIs
If you prefer to camp, Charlie’s Inn is also on the rail trail in Lake Clear, with a casual restaurant and bar. Pack something non-perishable for lunch on leg three, as there are no services, and expect little to no cell signal. Floodwood has an outpost with limited provisions.
Photo-Worthy Stops
Sunset at Lake Clear Lodge, Little Rainbow Pond, Hoel Pond, and Floodwood Pond.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay
Floodwood primitive camping, which has 15 state-owned sites, dispersed through the forest and some on Floodwood Pond.
Fourth Leg: Floodwood to Tupper Lake
Miles: 8.4
Claim to Fame: Dark sky destination + underrated culinary scene on the rise
The promised storm arrived late evening, rain pelting our tent, and continuing to soak us the whole chilly last stretch. Scout was annoyed with the persistent rain but kept on like the champ she is. Mist rose from the various ponds speckled through the backcountry. Loons sang their signature haunting calls, and occasionally, a mountain peak appeared through the fog. We saw no one until mile marker 33, the finish line so close we could almost taste the beer.
We arrived tired and wet at Tupper Lake Railroad Station, marking the end of our 34-mile journey. We celebrated at the dog-friendly Raquette River Brewing, where Scout curled up at my feet, and I housed a wood-fired pizza from an onsite food truck.
Logistics + POIs
Start early with a quick oatmeal breakfast at camp, and grab a late lunch in Tupper Lake. Add to your time in Tupper by visiting Wild Center, the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, the Washboard Donut Shoppe (a doughnut shop that’s also a laundromat and gift shop), and the Woodshed on Park for a fancier meal.
Photo-Worthy Stops
The first stretch skirting Floodwood Pond, Rollins Pond, long stretches of straight, forest-lined trail that would be spectacular in the autumn.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay
We enjoyed the luxury of a king-sized bed at the dog-friendly Trailhead by Weekender, a renovated motel in town. An outdoor pool and grilling stations are some of the available amenities.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of completing an adventure like this, but doing the entire 34 miles alongside my dog was core-memory material. I left with a deeper bond to our wild backyard and my spunky best friend, who was finally tuckered out.
The Gear I Packed For This Trip
I packed everything for Scout and I into the lightweight 45L Fjallraven Kajka X-Lätt backpack, and found it to be functional, spacious, and comfortable. My raincoat was a lifesaver, and these ultra-lightweight backpacking chairs were perfect for camping. These low-profile hiking shoes were functional and lightweight.
The MVP of the trip was the High Coast Hip Pack, for quick access to items like my phone, chapstick, poop bags, treats, and clipping Scout’s leash for when I needed to be hands-free.
Scout’s staples included her lightweight and breathable Ruffwear Front Range® Flex Harness and leash, her packable food and collapsible water bowls.
