Biking in the Adirondacks

Road, mountain, and fat bike the Adirondacks

This area has a long history as an Adirondack cycling destination. Scenic road tours, gravity assisted dirt thrills, and wild routes are just some of the many reasons to explore Hamilton County on a bike adventure. Road riders can enjoy the seldom-traveled roads along the Sacandaga River and winter riders can explore some of the area's many trails on fat tires. There is a cycling experience for everyone in the Adirondacks!

Adirondack cycling loops

Wherever you choose to ride, there's beauty to be seen and adventure to be had! Click the banner below for more information on bike loops and biking events!

Brave the Black Fly, scenic roads, and dirt riding

The famous Black Fly Challenge, held annually between Inlet and Indian Lake, takes hundreds riders on a 40-mile trip though the Moose River Plains, and is one of the highlights of the summer riding season. However, riding bikes on Moose River Plains Road is not limited to this event. All throughout the warmer months riders can enjoy spinning their wheels on this well-maintained remote road. This area is also home to a series of well-signed dirt loops that take riders along closed pavement sections and dirt roads. For a different off-road experience, check out Fern Park, a popular recreation area in Inlet.

Road bike enthusiasts will find no shortage of quiet roads throughout Hamilton County. Any of the state roads make for excellent riding with quiet traffic and smooth pavement. The scenery as riders parallel Indian Lake on Route 30 and then tour up to Blue Mountain Lake on Route 28 is beyond compare.

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks. Remember, not every "challenge" today has a patch or prize. The best way to cement your legacy is to pledge to always protect the wild lands and waters of the Adirondacks by practicing Leave No Trace ethics and good stewardship.

Uncas Road
Raquette Lake, NY 13436
Beaver Brook Bog is a birding area located off Uncas Road, near the village of Raquette Lake. The trail is on the right when leaving the village. 
Otter Brook Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This is a great place for the whole family with easy, rolling terrain. The trail is an old road that ends at Beaver Lake in 2.1 miles. This is the site of the old Wilcox Hotel and sawmill.
The whole family can enjoy this lake hike.
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
The easily accessible Lost Ponds are some of the most scenic bodies of water in the region. Great for hiking, mountain biking, and paddling, any activity you choose is going to memorable.
Narrows and cliffs add to the paddling interest of Lost Ponds.
North Lake Road
Long Lake, NY 12847
The trail to Lower Sargent Pond is marked with both snowmobile and hiking trail markers. It goes primarily through hardwood stands with occasional stands of softwoods.
278 Bisby Rd
Old Forge, NY 13420
Nicks Lake Campground is a state DEC Campground. Over 100 campsites are available for reservation. In winter, it is open for snowmobiling.
Rondaxe Road
Inlet, NY 13360
A developing mountain biking trail network that branches out from Old Forge can be found here! 
North Rondaxe Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This trail starts on North Rondaxe Road as a beginner trail, then turns to intermediate past Stafford Pond. The trip connects Big Moose Lake and Lake Rondaxe. A 16.5-mile loop is possible using Rondaxe Road, Route 28, and Big Moose Road.
Uncas Road
Inlet, NY 13360
This is an easy ride/hike that passes Upper and Lower ponds, with a final destination of Sucker Brook Bay on Raquette Lake. There is an intermediate to expert spur trail off the main trail that takes you back to Brown Tract Road.
160 Route 28
Inlet, NY 13360
TOBIE stands for Thendara-Old Forge-Big Moose-Inlet-Eagle Bay.
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet, NY 13360
Located in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest off of Rock Dam Road, this access offers good, low-country hunting around the backside of Mount Tom. It's a narrow, little-used path, but it's worth the effort.
Route 28N
Long Lake, NY 12847
Ride through charming small towns with attractions and services. Lodging and dining available roadside in the towns of Newcomb, Minerva, North Creek, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, and Long Lake.
Two-lane roads through wilderness with many villages to stop at.
Route 30
Speculator, NY 12164
Between biking and birding, there are a million great reasons to visit Perkins Clearing!
Perkins Clearing is a fine biking network.
off Route 30
Speculator, NY 12164
This mountain biking trail forms a double loop which passes through a working tree farm of mixed hard woods & conifers owned by Lyme Adirondack Forest Company.
Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
A broad shoulder and broader vistas characterize this 34 mile-long ride from Tupper Lake to Blue Mountain Lake on Rt.
Indian Lake, NY 12842
The Moose River Recreation Area, including the Moose River Plains, contains about 50,000 acres of public lands crossed by more than 40 miles of old dirt logging roads.
Elm Lake Road
Speculator, NY 12164
This is a very mysterious cave that keeps everyone wondering if it was man-made or not. Check it out and decide for yourself. The cave itself is about 15 feet deep and 8 feet wide with a small window opening near the top.
Chain Lakes Road South
Indian Lake, NY 12842
Chain Lakes Road South allows access to a network of dirt roads and trails in parts of the Blue Mountain Wild Forest, Pine Lake Primitive Area, and Hudson Gorge Wilderness.
Many lovely pond views along the hiking trails.
Route 28
Inlet, NY 13360
Remote with lots of opportunity to explore, fish, bird, and hike? That's the trail to Eagle Nest and Bug lakes!
These delightful lakes are accessible along the same trail.