IN
LONG LAKE AND RAQUETTE LAKE
NY STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BIKE PATHS
If a DOT Designated Bike Path is provided along highways, bikers are required by law to use it and not the main highway lane.Rte. 28N/30 and Rte. 28
The entire distance to North Creek is designed for the bike enthusiasts with
designated bike routes marked on the road shoulders.
Rte. 28 South
Rte. 28 south of Blue Mtn. Lake through Raquette Lake and on through Old
Forge is part of the NYS Department of Transportation designated bike path
system. However, the shoulders on a large part of this roadway are very narrow
and it will be necessary to ride in the normal highway lane.
Rte. 30 North toward Tupper Lake
From the bridge in Long Lake to the Hamilton County
Line (toward Tupper Lake). It included designated bike paths. Once the
Hamilton/Franklin County line is reached, the shoulders are extremely wide for 7
m iles, to just before you get to Tupper Lake.
Rte. 30 South
Parts of Route 30 north of Mayfield are also
part of the DOT bike route system and have been rebuilt with bike paths.
Currently this road has large stretches that have not been rebuilt.
Route 28N to Newcomb
While not officially part of the DOT designated
system, this state highway provides the bicyclist with shoulders which are wide
enough to use as a bike path. There are a number of stops on the trail which
will provide scenic overlooks. A round trip to Newcomb is approximately 28
miles.
Long Lake-Blue Mountain Lake-Indian Lake-North Creek-Minerva-Newcomb Loop.
From Long Lake, this loop follows Rte. 28N/30 south to Blue Mtn. Lake, the along Rte. 28 east to North Creek and then back on to Rte. 28N through Minerva and Newcomb.
Don't miss the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mtn. Lake about 1/4 mile past the State Trailhead. There are two major down hill grades (Blue Mtn. and North River Hill) and one major uphill (Minerva Hill). The round trip is approximately 80 miles.
BACK ROADS
In Long Lake "back" roads offer a chance to commune with nature.
Endion Road
The Endion Road is a winding paved town road 2 miles in length. There are no major hills on this road and traffic is relatively light. In the fall it is an exceptionally pleasing ride as the trees actually provide a partial canopy in places. This road intersects with Rte. 30 North of the village. Look for the road on the left side of the highway just north of the Kickerville Road.
Kickerville Road
This is another paved town highway which provides a very easy ride with only
very minor changes in elevation. The road is about 3 miles in length like the
Endion Road provides a very colorful ride in the fall.
North Point Rd.
This county highway begins 3.2 mi. southwest of the Long Lake Town Hall just off Rte. 28N/30. It is about 11 more miles to the end at North Point, near the edge of Raquette Lake. On your way, don't miss Buttermilk Falls. Camping is allowed on State land bordering this road. Most private land is posted. Forked Lake State Campsite is on the road to the right off North Point Rd. There is no bike trail. You must use the highway.Buttermilk Falls
Very short ride, very scenic. Care should be taken when walking near the falls during wet weather because of wet rocks.
Buttermilk Falls is a treat to visit any time of the year and almost every visitor to the area will make the Falls one of their destinations. The entrance to the falls is on the right side of the North Point Road, 2.1 miles from the intersection with Rte. 28N/30. A sign by a small parking area marks the entrance. This spot, with tables and fireplaces is an excellent choice for a picnic. A short walk to the falls is fine for all ages. There is a 2.5 mile canoe carry around the falls. Bring your camera as this is an excellent photo opportunity.
Forked Lake Road
Unmeasured, easy paved road to Forked Lake Campsite.
In the spring and fall when there is little traffic, the Forked Lake Road is a nice place to ride. This area is great for all ages and provides much opportunity to see wildlife without having to go on rough trails. The road does get busy in the summer.
Take Rte. 28N/30 south from Long Lake village to the North Point Road. Buttermilk Falls is 5.5 miles and Forked Lake is about 8 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall.
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Sabattis Road If you travel about 6 mi. northwest from the Long Lake Town Hall on Rte. 30, you will reach Sabattis Rd. on the left. You can then ride about 12 more miles to the end or the road where there are abandoned railroad tracks which were part of the Adirondack Railway that ran from Utica to Lake Placid. For a shorter ride you can take the part of Sabattis Rd. that loops back to Rte. 30. There is no bike trail here. You must use the highway. |
The state is currently going through the process to designate trails open for Mountain Bikes. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation hopes to have a comprehensive trail network which will:
Lake Eaton/Endion Road Trail
Not Rated
The trailhead is reached by going north on Rte. 30 from the village and turning left on to the Endion Rd. The trailhead is on the right side of the Endion Road, 1.6 miles from Rte. 30 on a sharp curve. There are signs directing the visitor to the proper trail. This trail skirts the western shore of the Lake.
Lake Eaton-Big Brook Loop
4.0 miles for the loop
This is a good trail for almost everyone. Start at the entrance to the Lake Eaton Campsite on Rte.30, 2.25 miles from the Long Lake Town Hall. Go down to the end of the road where the trail enters the woods. This trail winds around to Rte. 30. CROSS THE HIGHWAY and continue on the trail as it loops back to the Campsite entrance. An especially pretty trail in the fall.
Sargent Ponds
The Sargents Ponds trails offer an excellent opportunity to bike through the woods on well marked, fairly level, pathways. Separate trails lead to Upper and Lower Sargent Ponds with a connecting trail between them. The trailheads are reached by taking Rte. 28N/30 south from the village to the intersection with the North Point Road (Buttermilk Falls Rd.) continue on the North Point Road past Buttermilk Falls (stop and view this area attracton) and the Forked Lake Campsite. The trailhead to Upper Sargent Pond is 6.3 miles from the intersection of Rte. 28N/30 and Lower Sargent Pond trailhead is 7.9 miles from the same intersection. There is a minimal elevation change on the trails. There are a few steep grades and the loop, if taken, is best started from Lower Sargent Pond.
Upper Sargent Pond
This trail is well marked with snowmobile trail markers and with hiking trail markers. The trail leads south through a stand of hardwood and then skirts a evergreen marsh. The trail comes to an intersection. The left fork will lead you to Upper Sargent Pond.
Lower Sargent Pond via Grass Pond
This trail, marked with both snowmobile and hiking trail markers, leads primarily through hardwood stands with occasional stands of softwoods. As you near Grass Pond, the trail turns marshy and veers to the west around beaver flows.
There is a lean_to on Lower Sargent Pond which is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sargent Pond Loop
It is possible to make the Upper and Lower Ponds into a loop by way of the trail via Middle Pond. Use the marked snowmobile trail north of the ponds to make this connection.
William C. Whitney Wilderness Area
Sadly, the recent classification of the 14,700 acre tract purchased by the State in 1998 as wilderness has restricted all bicycles from the main part of the area. However, the headquarters area make an excellent starting point for a 16 mile ride to Lake Lila. Take the Sabattis Road approximately 5 miles from Rte 30. You will come to the headquarters area on your left or south side of the road. There is a parking area at the headquarters area.
Ride back out the Lake Lila Road and turn left (west) onto the Sabattis Road. You will ride approximately 1.5 miles on paved road which then turns to a graveled surface. Continue for about 3.1 miles. The left hand turn to the Lake Lila Road is at the bottom of the hill on your left. Take this road for about 5 miles to the Gate. You can not continue past the gate.
If you wish, you continue to the end of Sabattis Road from the Lake Lila intersection. It is gravel all the way and the view of Bear Ponds is one of the nicest in the area. The railroad tracks are about 3 miles from the Lake Lila intersection.
RAQUETTE LAKE
Sucker Brook Bay
6.6 miles, gentle rolling terrain
Beginner to intermediate
Recently re-opened when a bridge was replaced, this trail starts at the yellow
barrier gate on the north side of the Uncas/Browns Tract Road between upper and
lower Brown Tract Ponds. At approximately .9 miles, you will cross the trail
from Brown Tract Campsite to Shallow Lake. At a little over 3 miles, you come to
Sucker Brook Bay of Raquette Lake.
Mohegan Lake
2.8 miles, relatively level
To access this trail, turn south on the Sagamore Road at Rte. 28 in Raquette Lake. Continue to 0.5 miles past South Inlet, following the directions to the start of the Sagamore Lodge tour. Opposite of where the tours start is a public parking lot. Walk back to the main road and turn right. Continue to the gate where the trail starts.
Sagamore Road/Uncas Road/Route 28 Loop
Distance: 14 miles
Difficulty: Not rated. Mtn. Bike Only
Sagamore Roads toward Uncas
Leaving Sagamore go left on the dirt road. At .2 miles the road splits with both forks gated. Go through the one on the right. It says Private Drive, but it is open to bikes. After 1.6 miles of mostly uphill travel look for a brown and yellow TRAIL sign pointing to the right. Veer to the right as the road turns to the left.
Bear Pond Hunt Club Road
As you turn right of the road from Sagamore and you will come to a gate that can be ridden around on the left. Follow this rocky road for awhile and you come to a bridge. As you climb up a slight incline away from the bridge look for a TRAIL sign on the left side of the road pointing to the right. The trail on the right is flagged at the beginning with a yellow and red tape. Keep a look out for this junction as it is frequently missed. The road is rocky as you approach and the right turn off is sharp.
Old Uncas Road
As you leave the hunt club road you enter a great little section of single track that brings you out on the Old Uncas Road, which is a snowmobile trail. This is a very easy trail to follow that goes through mud, rocks and over fallen logs. The trail is maintained, but trees come down often. There are several bridges out but they all can be navigated while carrying your bike. The last one you come to is not visible until you are close to it. Be careful heare because the washed out bridge is abrupt after a good section of downhill trail. Soon after you cross this last bridge you come to a gate that can be ridden around. Then you will be at Rte 28.
At this point you can turn right on Rte 28 towards Raquette Lake to complete the 14 mile loop. Take a right on Sagamore Road when you come to it. Another option is to cross Rte 28 and enter 8th Lake Campground to make your ride about 22 miles.
Browns Tract/Uncas Rd/Sagamore Loop
8th Lake Camp Ground
Follow the main road through the campground. At the point where the road takes a left turn, a wide trail starts straight ahead of you. Take this route and you soon pass over a bridge. At the first fork you come to bear left. The right is a spur trail to Eagle’s Nest Lake. At 2.7 miles you come to a trail junction for Black Bear Mountain. Follow the signs to Uncas Road (AKA Browns Tract Road). At 3.5 miles from Rte 28 you meet a dirt road, Uncas Rd. Uncas Road/Browns Tract Road
Take a right onto the dirt road in about three miles you reach Upper Browns Tract Pond on your left. This is a great place to cool off and take a dip. There is a beach close to the road.
Old Dump Road/Old Uncas Road
On the right, across the road from the beach access there is a dirt road, the Old Dump Road. This dirt road is an easier route into Raquette Lake, which is reached in 2.5 miles. The end of the Old Dump Rd. becomes Dillon Road. Once you pass the library to your right take a right on the pavement and curve past the Raquette Lake Supply building. This road leads you to Rte 28. If you need more water, there is a water fountain with a hose by the softball field on Rte. 28.
Sagamore Road
The dirt road continuing across Rte 28 will lead you back to Sagamore in about 4 miles. This road can have heavy traffic so be aware.
Seventh Lake Boat Launch - Mohegan Lake via Buck Creek Trail
4.2 miles, 2 hours, 400 foot elevation change
Start across Rte. 28 from the boat launch. This trail has some difficult and poorly marked stretches. The area has a number of logging roads. The trail crosses a number of marshy areas and beaver ponds which must be skirted during periods of high water. After a ride of 4.2 miles you will intersect the Uncas Road South trail.
Raquette Lake - Eagle Bay via the Browns Tract/Uncas Road
Distance: 8.5 miles The loop around Lower Brown Tract Pond adds 2 miles
Difficulty: Beginner
This is an easy ride on an improved secondary road (both paved and gravel). The lower pond loop is an unimproved road and trail. Access to the trail from Raquette Lake is via the Antlers Road to the Browns Tract Road. Access to the trail from Eagle Bay is the Uncas Road.
Newcomb Lake Road (Santanoni Great Camp)
Distance: 5 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Beginner, Mtn. Bike Only
Access to this trail is on the North Side of Rte. 28N less than a mile east of
the High Peaks Scenic outlook in Newcomb. This trail is a roadway closed to all
motorized vehicles except DEC and provides access to Great Camp Santanoni. This
trail is an excellent choice for a family outing as the road is very well
maintained. There is an superb view of the high peak area at the end of your
ride.
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VISITORS SINCE DECEMBER 14, 2005