Best Lake Placid Cycling Routes

Lake Placid is a beautiful area tucked between the peaks of New York's Adirondack Mountains near the precipitous Whiteface Region. The breathtaking views and terrain surrounding Lake Placid make it an ideal destination for both road biking and mountain biking. 

If you are an avid cyclist interested in a change of scenery, a biking vacation in Lake Placid may be the perfect getaway. Below, you will discover how to plan a biking vacation, where to cycle in Lake Placid, cycling safety tips and where to stay after biking all day. Keep reading to learn more about the best routes for road biking and mountain biking in Lake Placid.

Planning a Biking Vacation

If you are planning a cycling vacation, Lake Placid is your ideal destination. As a top spot for mountain biking and road biking near Wilmington, N.Y., Lake Placid offers plenty of routes for scenic and exciting rides. You will also have plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking if you are looking for a more extreme vacation.

Follow the five steps below to make planning your biking trip to Lake Placid a breeze:

1. Choose your routes: Do your research on where to go road or mountain biking in the Adirondacks before packing your bags. This way, you can hit the roads or trails as soon as you arrive in Lake Placid.
2. Pick a place to stay: Make a reservation somewhere that will be a great place to relax after a long ride, like the Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. With several amenities like a General Store, Kamping Kitchen and Wi-Fi, this Kampgrounds of America location offers tired cyclists a place to refuel and re-energize.
3. Secure your bike: Of course, you will need a bike for your cycling vacation. Either bring your bike or rent a bike from a local rental shop.
4. Service your bike: If you are bringing your own bike, make sure it gets serviced before riding it for your whole vacation. You can find plenty of bike service shops near Lake Placid to get your bike checked at. Many of these service shops also do rentals, so you can be sure you are renting a bike in top shape.
5. Gather your gear: Bring all the necessary gear for your biking trip, such as a well-fitted bike helmet, bike lights and safety equipment. You can also find the proper bike gear in Lake Placid once you get there.

Top Whiteface Region Bike Routes 

With many cycle routes and loops to explore, you will have no problem finding a bike route you love in Lake Placid. Most of the routes in the Whiteface Region and near Lake Placid will be more hilly or uphill than the average route, so be prepared to work your quads. You might break a sweat, too, but biking through the Whiteface Region's scenic views will be well worth the effort.

Here are some of the best routes for road biking and mountain biking in Lake Placid.

Road Biking in Lake Placid

If you are planning on road biking for your vacation, make sure you travel on these must-see Lake Placid routes:

• Adirondack Loj Road: Bike your way around one of the most scenic and photographed roads in Adirondack Park by cruising down Adirondack Loj Road. This route is ringed by the High Peaks and is stunning in every season.
• Riverside Drive Loop: This scenic loop provides views like the high vantage point of the Olympic ski jump tower and the flowing river.
• Wilmington Notch: Follow the Ausable River along this stretch of road between Wilmington and Lake Placid. This ride includes breathtaking scenery, tumbling rapids and towering mountains.
• Franklin Falls Loop: If you love majestic mountains, you cannot miss this cycling loop. Franklin Falls Loop takes you around the Whiteface and McKenzie mountains, making it an especially striking route in the fall as the leaves change color.
• Stickney Bridge: For a less challenging route, choose Stickney Bridge. This route features gently rolling hills and beautiful sights like the river and a covered bridge.

Mountain Biking in Lake Placid

In addition to exceptional road biking routes, Lake Placid offers an extensive number of mountain biking trails for the more daring. Check out these Lake Placid trails if you are a mountain biking fan:

• Lussi and Logger Trails: This fun trail system is accessible from town and boasts the highest concentration of single tracks in the area.
• Craig Wood Trails: The Craig Wood Trails offer an especially thrilling ride because part of the trail system is built on the side of an old ski hill.
• Henry's Woods: If you are newer to mountain biking, this trail system includes many easy routes.
• Heaven Hill: Located just around the corner from Henry's Woods, Heaven Hill also offers trails with various levels of intensity and plenty of laid-back routes.
• Mt. Van Hoevenberg: If you are a first-time mountain bike rider, Mt. Van Hoevenberg is the spot for you. The beautiful, expansive trail system includes a place for bike rentals, bathrooms and a shop to buy food.

Our Top 10 Cycling Safety Tips

Now that you have all your Whiteface Region cycling routes picked out, you are almost ready to hit the road. Before you begin cycling in Lake Placid, though, read over the following safety tips to ensure you have a smooth ride:

1. Get gear that fits: Make sure both your bike and helmet fit you well. A helmet won't do you much good if it doesn't sit right on your head.
2. Wear bright clothes: Wearing bright clothes during the day and reflective clothes at night can help drivers see you on the road.
3. Don't wear loose clothing or accessories: Avoid wearing loose scarves, baggy pants, long shoelaces and anything else that could get caught in the chain.
4. Ignore your phone: Distracted bike riding can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Pull over and stop if you need to make a call or text.
5. Do not use headphones: Stay alert to the sounds of traffic by not wearing headphones.
6. Stay hydrated: Long bike rides require lots of water to replace the liquid you sweat out. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.
7. Ride single file: If you are with a group, go one by one to avoid the risk of a vehicular accident.
8. Watch for animals: Be aware of the wildlife, especially if you are mountain biking.
9. Use hand signals: Make the proper hand signals before you turn or stop.
10. Consider the conditions: The weather can have a big impact on your riding. Ensure you are prepared for the conditions before you head out. 

Book Your Stay at Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

If you are ready to take the cycling vacation of a lifetime, make plans to stay at Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and pristine lakes and streams, this campground serves as the perfect place to kick back and relax after a long bike ride. You will find comfortable lodging, superior amenities and plenty of opportunities to appreciate the area's natural beauty.

Start planning your ultimate biking vacation by booking your stay at Lake Placid / Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday or calling us at 518-519-8959.