The Heart of the Adirondacks Bike Tour

Accommodation: Assemble

Meals: Dinner

We assemble for this tour in Albany, the state capital of New York, in the afternoon, but will quickly head north to our starting location of North Creek. Here we are at the base of Gore Mountain in an area known for its outdoor recreational activities. The evening will include bike fitting, an orientation dinner, and a walk through the charming hamlet.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: 52.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,130 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 650 feet

Day 2 we start our biking from North Creek across the southern Adirondacks, past summer cottages and along lakes and rivers, to the community of Inlet. We spend the night in this idyllic town on Fourth Lake, part of the Fulton Chain of Lakes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: 58 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,185 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 380 feet

We start Day 3 with a quiet loop around Fourth Lake, passing through Old Forge and returning to Inlet. We continue north past too many lakes to name, back through Racquette Lake. A recommended stop would be at the Adirondack Experience – a unique museum of the Adirondacks in Blue Lake. We continue north from there through forests and rolling hills, to the town of Long Lake on – wait for it – Long Lake. We stay in the historic Adirondack Hotel, looking out across the swim beach.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: 51.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,250 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 200 feet

We continue north on Day 4 past local ski hills, fishing holes, summer cottages, campgrounds, and so many lakes and streams. Saranac Lake is a bustling community with eateries, galleries and shops, and of course the ever present swimming and boating opportunities. From here it is a short ride to our final destination of Lake Placid – home of the winter 1932 and 1980 Olympics. Here we will spend the next 3 nights in the middle of this vibrant village full of recreational opportunities and Olympic venues.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We have an entire day on Day 5 to explore this historic town and its numerous amenities. Boating, hiking, museums, eateries, and even a chance to experience the bobsled run are there for the taking.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: 45.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,030 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Day 6 is an exciting loop that takes us around Whiteface Mountain. We pass through small mountain hamlets on quiet roads, past waterfalls, high gorges, along river valleys, and even past Santa’s Workshop! Our return to Lake Placid goes by the base of Whiteface Mountain, and if you haven’t had enough yet, you can take a detour to cycle to the top of this 4865 foot mountain.

Meals: Breakfast

Distance: 49.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,630 feet

Largest Single Elevation Gain: 330 feet

On our last day, we leave Lake Placid to travel past the ski jumping complex and the bobsled venue. We bike in the shadow of 4,000 ft peaks, and next to high mountain lakes. We descend to the Schroon River Valley, a corridor between Lake Champlain and the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, to ride on designated bike route 9. Our destination is the town of Schroon Lake. Here a van shuttle will return us to North Creek, or directly to Albany and the airport.