Two Wheels, Six Million Acres: An Insider's Guide to Cycling the Adirondacks
Cyclists on the Rail Trail. All photos courtesy Bike Adirondacks, LLC.
What if the best way to experience the Adirondacks isn't from a hiking trail or the seat of a canoe—but from the saddle of a bicycle?
For many visitors, cycling in the Adirondacks remains one of the region's best-kept secrets. Beyond the High Peaks and crowded trailheads lies a vast network of scenic backroads, gravel routes, rail trails, lakeside rides, and cycling events that offer a completely different way to experience New York's largest park.
In this episode of ADK Talks, hosts Jane and Steve welcome Doug Haney, founder of BikeADK, a Saranac Lake-based company dedicated to helping people discover the Adirondacks by bike. From family-friendly rail trail rides to multi-day cycling weekends and charity events that support local nonprofits, Bike ADK has become one of the region's leading resources for cyclists of all abilities.
And, even better news: You don't have to be a serious cyclist to enjoy this episode.
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Cycling allows people to feel fully immersed in the Adirondack experience.
Doug's story is as interesting as the rides themselves. A former communications professional who worked with Olympic athletes and national sports organizations, he eventually combined his love of cycling, community, and the Adirondacks into a business that helps people experience the region in a more meaningful way.
But this conversation isn't just for cyclists.
It's for anyone who's ever wondered where to ride, how to plan an Adirondack cycling trip, what the Adirondack Rail Trail is really like, or why more people are choosing bicycles as a way to explore the Park.
What you'll hear.
Why cycling may be the most underrated way to experience the Adirondack Park
Doug's recommendations for planning the perfect Adirondack cycling weekend
Which BikeADK events are best for beginners, families, gravel riders, and experienced cyclists
Common mistakes visitors make when cycling in the Adirondacks—and how to avoid them
Hidden gems, favorite routes, and insider tips from one of the region's most connected cycling advocates
Cruising over the Ausable River on an e-bike during the Ride the River event.
Why the Adirondacks are made for cycling.
The Adirondack Park covers six million acres and contains thousands of miles of roads, trails, and scenic corridors. Yet many visitors experience only a tiny fraction of what the region has to offer.
Cycling changes that.
A bicycle moves fast enough to cover meaningful distance but slowly enough to appreciate the landscape. Riders notice the smell of balsam after a summer rain, hear loons calling across remote lakes, and discover quiet roads that most visitors never find.
Doug explains why cycling has grown dramatically in recent years and why the Adirondacks offer something increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: authentic adventure without overwhelming crowds.
Planning your first Adirondack cycling trip.
One of the most practical sections of this episode focuses on trip planning.
Where should a first-time visitor stay? Which communities make the best base camps? What routes are best for beginners versus experienced cyclists?
Doug shares recommendations for different riding styles, including road cycling, gravel riding, family-friendly outings, and multi-day cycling weekends.
Listeners will also hear why communities like Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Schroon Lake, and the Lake Champlain Valley continue to attract cyclists from across the Northeast and beyond.
Cyclists attending one of Bike ADK organized tours, the fall Women’s Weekend.
The Adirondack Rail Trail and the future of cycling.
Few projects have generated as much excitement among cyclists as the Adirondack Rail Trail.
Stretching between Lake Placid, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Floodwood, and Tupper Lake, the trail has quickly become one of the region's most popular recreational assets.
Doug discusses why the trail appeals to everyone from families with young children to experienced riders and how it is helping introduce new audiences to cycling in the Adirondacks.
He also shares practical advice for making the most of a Rail Trail visit and explains why the corridor represents a significant opportunity for Adirondack communities.
See the Adirondack Rail Trail for yourself.
Cyclists, walkers, runners, and families are discovering the Adirondack Rail Trail as a new way to explore the corridor between Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake.
The Adirondack Rail Trail has become one of the premier cycling destinations in the Adirondack Park, attracting visitors looking for scenic, family-friendly outdoor recreation.
Events with purpose.
One aspect that sets BikeADK apart is its commitment to nonprofit fundraising and community impact.
Since launching, BikeADK-supported events have helped raise significant funds for organizations throughout the region while creating memorable experiences for participants.
Doug discusses signature events, including Bike the Barns, Ride for the River, Handlebarley Gravel Weekend, and the Weekender at Paul Smith's College, and how each offers a different way to experience the Adirondacks.
For listeners considering their first organized ride, this section provides a helpful guide to choosing the right event.
Listen now.
Whether you're an avid cyclist, someone who's bike-curious, or simply looking for a new way to experience the Adirondacks, this episode offers practical advice, inspiration, and plenty of ideas for future adventures.
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