Rail-trail vision strikes a chord
Rail-trail

In an editorial in the March/April Explorer, Chairman Dick Beamish called for removing the tracks from the railroad line between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake and creating a backcountry bikeway on the rail bed. The editorial drew thirty-three letters of response, with 85 percent in favor of the bikeway.

BRING ON THE BIKES

The health benefits of a bike trail cannot be overstated when it comes to enjoyable physical exercise for all ages. I used to live near a bike trail in Ohio before moving back here, and it really did lead me to a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps being away from that trail for five years contributed to my need for bypass surgery five weeks ago. I'm recovering well, and I've already gone on a few bike rides already. So I take the health benefits of a trail very seriously, and
so should everyone. 

Curt Austin, Chestertown, President Friends of the Upper Hudson Rail Trail

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In reading your Editorial in the March/April edition of your great magazine, which I enjoy greatly, I discovered the bikeway from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake and am thrilled at the idea.  My husband and I have enjoyed similar bike paths in other places and they certainly do attract a good number of bikers and hikers.  It would be fabulous to have access to many lakes and rivers via bicycle.           

I do have to say however that a cross country ski path would be a quieter use in the winter.  I have had to share trails with snowmobiles and they run us skiers over; it is no fun when they tear by.

Terrina Cook, New Orleans

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We read your article on a possible bikeway on the rail bed between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake and were excited.  We are Rail to Trail supporters who have ridden many miles throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Vermont .  

Although we reside in Bloomingdale, we previously lived in Tupper Lake and fully understand how this proposed venture could help this struggling community.  We still volunteer at the Wild Center and on the Tupper Lake rescue squad.  We see how common interests help the entire region if folks will just talk and work together.  A rail trail network could give so much to the three communities.

Please keep us informed on any grass root effort to move this idea forward.        
David Filsinger and Susan Nolde, Bloomingdale

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Regarding   your article "World-class bikeway envisioned" in the March/April 2010 issue of the Adirondack Explorer:

I have been vacationing in the Adirondack Park since I can remember, coming up from Connecticut and over the last seven years flying from Portland, OR. My family and I love the canoeing, hiking and serene environment nurtured by the "forever wild" areas of the Park. The only adventure we are not able to enjoy together are longer bike rides on safe roads.  

As an avid cyclist in one of the most pivotal cycling communities in the world, Portland Oregon, I have enjoyed many rail to trail and city/state trails. As stated in your article, such trails bring an influx in spending from both tourist and local commuters. They provide a safe cycling environment to get people of all skill levels out on their bikes; while enjoying the Adirondack Park. Creating safe passage between towns, museums, galleries, etc. promotes a healthier way to travel, providing great vacation and day trip possibilities. 

When staying in the Park I reside in Saranac Inn and am very accustomed to riding to both Tupper and Placid via Routes 3, 30, and 86. Although I am comfortable in and around traffic some family and friends have not spent the time in the saddle to go on these rides (especially during peak tourist season). My bike treks in the Adirondacks have been some of the more peaceful experiences and the ability to share these with all cyclists would be a wonderful thing.

My only hesitation surrounding the trails themselves: 

Will they be paved and who will maintain the trails?
The "rail to trail" path is obvious, following the existing tracks but what happens in between Saranac and Tupper?

In times where some want to build and others want to minimize changes in the park these paths might raise eyebrows. Will the trails be on existing trails or newly created trails? This will change how populated an area will be and possibly lead to cutting swatches of forest down to accommodate for new trails.

All in all, the idea of multi-use trails connecting areas of the park is very exciting but to what expense in terms of money and nature?

David Gaultieri, Portland, OR

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Converting Adirondack rails to trails is as close to a no-brainer as it gets. I live in the Village of Fairport. I'm precisely ninety seconds by bike from the Erie Canalway Trail and can ride nearly 200 miles east or west. The Lehigh Valley Trail lies about ten miles to the south. It runs from Victor west to the Genesee River, passing through some of the most bucolic farm country anywhere. The Genesee Valley Greenway connects both trails. The potential to do the same thing through the Adirondack Park is staggering -­ talk about developing tourism and injecting life into the Park's towns and villages. All aboard!

Mark Holdren, Fairport

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Enjoyed reading your article this month and would LOVE to see those old tracks ripped up and replaced with trail.  I just hope they don't even think about paving it; that would ruin it for us runners who just want the trail.  And to all those train people who complain about all the money already spent trying to make an ADK Railroad work I have to say:  Ever hear of SUNK costs?  It's a shame the money was wasted...but it was wasted none the less.  What about a smelly fuel burning iron hulk fits into the Adirondack experience?  Time to move on.

Jim Houghtaling, Baldwinsville

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As you may know the towns of Keene and Lake Placid/Saranac Lake have recognized for years how important and desirable a safety path/ bike path would be not only linking our communities together but also providing our residents an alternative (pedestrian route) to routes 73 and 86 for biking, running, roller skiing, jogging, racing, roller blading, events, walking, exercising, sightseeing, etc. These two highways are increasingly busy and dangerous for both our residents and visitors. This has been exacerbated by athletes here for the summer athletic events and Olympic and other athletes that train here and use the roadways.  

In 1996 the two towns did a safety path study that was unanimously approved by both town boards. The corridor was designed to connect schools, historic sites, private residences, and attractions and parallel routes 73 and 86. The route followed the railroad from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake. At one point in time there appeared to be funding to complete this section but the project stalled because running a path along the railroad was outrageously expensive and not practical.

In view of the Town of North Elba’s publicly stated aversion to the continued operation of the railroad, the weak ridership the railroad has and what must be continued large State subsidies, it would make more sense and benefit our communities to abandon the railroad and turn this corridor into a safety/bike path. It could be used year round by our residents and visitors. In the winter it makes a logical snow machine route.

If you look at all the other communities here in the states and internationally that have pedestrian corridors the benefits are huge and obvious. The most significant is the health and welfare of the residents. All the tourism and community amenity benefits are also significant.

Vinny McClelland, Keene Valley

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We have spent years in the Tupper Lake/Saranac Lake/Lake Placid area skiing, hiking and not biking. It would be wonderful to have an all purpose bikeway as you describe in your "World class bikeway..." article in the March/April issue. We would even trade skiing on the trail in favor of snowmobiles if it could be biked in the snow-free months. It would be both a recreational and an economic benefit to the big three towns. We will retire soon and plan on spending extended months in the region in all seasons.
You have our endorsement.


Patty McKinny & Jim Wood, Sodus

It would be totally awesome to connect Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Tupper Lake.  I can't wait for that to happen.  I live downstate in Brewster and the bike trail has just been extended to our town.  EVERYONE is so excited about it.  The pavement was not even dry and folks were out walking, biking and bladeing.

It would provide a wonderful opportunity for families and all to extend their time in the Dacks.  It is a plus for all.  At a time when increased exercise is being encouraged it would be great to have a safe, scenic and fun way to get the body going.

Thanks for this article.  It's gotta happen!!  It will bring people, and people will spend money.

Henrietta Parsons, Brewster

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A resounding yes to this! Better late than never.

I will preemptively apologize if I come across as sensitive to anti-cycling (mountain biking, in particular) sentiment. I am an avid cyclist (of all “genres”), but also backcountry ski, rock climb, backpack, hike, canoe, kayak, fish, etc. One thing I found strange when I moved to this area was the general lack of mountain bike trails (compared to the sheer size of the wilderness) and the general anti-cycling sentiment among “locals”, including those that claim to love the “Daks.”

In the eyes of those that see themselves as the true conservationists, it appears that only hikers/backpackers, xc skiers, canoeists, rock/ice climbers and the like are the legitimate users of the backcountry.

This area could become a Mecca for cycle-touring and, in particular mixed-route “bikepacking”. I do admit that some newer forms of mountain biking are best left to ski areas and private lands, period. But riding a bicycle in the wilderness (mountain biking) IS a wilderness experience and has its place here in the park on designated (believe it or not, they can be multi-user) trails and truck trails/dirt roads.

I mention this because there is ample opportunity along this corridor for “off-road” touring adventures with camping opportunities (just like thru-hike backpacking). Somehow, this is managed in beautiful places like Europe, Quebec, Montana, etc. without the blue-line schizophrenia.

Thank you for endorsing the idea of a multi-use rail trail. Now if we can only make some of the local roads more bicycle and pedestrian friendly…get some of those conservationists and rednecks (they share something in common) to get out of their SUV’s and pickups!

Bob Rainville, Peru

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I just got the latest issue of the Explorer, and want to second the call for a rail trail between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid.

We are long-time visitors to the park -- my sister has lived there for decades -- and we love the hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and cross-country skiing.  The only thing missing has been cycling.  There are few safe roads -- at least safe enough to bring children on -- and it is with regret that we leave our bikes behind each time we come up to the Adirondacks from the Washington, DC area.

One of the few things that makes life in the metropolitan region bearable the other times of the year is an extensive system of bike paths, including the 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion rail-trail. The path is popular with runners, walkers, cyclists, in-line skaters, and commuters, who frequent the businesses that have flourished along the abandoned rail line.  One of our kids' favorite outings involves a ride to a rail-side BBQ joint for lunch (it is not hard to imagine similar trips to Tail o' the Pup).

I love trains and my family enjoyed the tourist railroad between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, but -- typically, I imagine -- we only went once.  In contrast, the variety of activities that a rail-trail would offer would keep our attention -- and that of many others -- for years.

Bill and Nina Regan, McLean, VA

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My husband and I read your article World-class bikeway envisioned with great interest.  We are writing in support of your wonderful idea.  As we all know there is no place on Earth as beautiful as the Adirondacks and being able to bike on a rail-trail would provide a safe and healthy way to explore the natural wonders and towns of this area.  We live and unfortunately still work in Wilbraham, MA for the majority of the year but have a seasonal camp in Keene Valley and spend as much time there as possible during the summer and fall.  We are very interested in assisting you in any way that we can to make your dream a reality.  Please let us know how we can help.

Happy rail-trails to you.

Gary and Joyce Rockwell, Wilbraham, MA

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I just read your article "World class bikeway envisioned" in the latest edition.

I definitely agree that a bikeway would be a huge boost to the region.  I do like having the train, but it may now have become more of a novelty than a business promoter.

I used to live in Akron, NY where we had a rail trail.  It was a great community place (on the trail).  I also work part time near Boston, MA and regularly use the Minuteman Bikeway.

The Bikeway does great things for the community. The evenings are full of people getting together and going from town to town.  The local communities (I.e. businesses) are full of bikes on the weekends.  I think people just feel good about it.  Getting outdoors and getting some exercise to boot.

The proposed trail in the Adirondacks would have unparalleled scenery and destinations. I am all for it!  Maybe someday extend it down to Beaver River and Old Forge.

Great Magazine!

Larry Saupe, Galway

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I just finished reading your editorial regarding the rails to trails
conversion and I agree wholeheartedly.  What can I do to help make this
happen?

Lynn Shaw, Clinton, NY

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Yes, a bikeway in the Adirondacks would be a wonderful thing!  I and a group of 9 friends go to Wellsboro, PA each year to ride the Pine Creek rail trail.  You should see the number of people there.  It's huge.

  What a boost for the Adirondack communities it would be.  People would come from miles & would eat, shop and stay in motels.
           
My group camps for a week each year in the Adirondacks.  We would love it if there was a world class rail trail that we could bike.  Right now the pickings are slim where you can ride your bike (we're not mountain bikers).

Carol Sherwood, Windsor, NY

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I'm torn here, but I have to lean towards the creation of a bike path.  I usually make two or three trips a year to the Adirondacks, and while passing through both Thendara and Saranac Lake I've always said I'd like to take the train ride.  But, even though I consider myself a fan of trains, I've never gotten around to riding either one.  I'd just rather spend my time backpacking, canoeing, snowshoeing, day hiking, etc. when I come to the Park.

As a frequent rider on the C&O Canal trail in Maryland and occasional user
of Pine Creek Gorge in Pennsylvania, I know how enjoyable a long distance
bike trail can be.  As long as camping or lodging can be found on or near
the trail along with occasional road access, rail trails are great for
families, Scouts, Youth Groups, or anyone who would like a relatively easy
outdoor experience.
                 
I'd like to see the bike trail extended all the way to Old Forge. With shuttling services available it would be a great trip end-to-end.  While paddling up the Bog River, across Lake Lila, or floating my boat through the “hole to Hoel", I've wondered what it would be like to ride the whole railroad bed.

 Although I'd miss the opportunity to someday ride the  train, here’s my vote for an extended rail trail.
 
Steve Siegert, Freeville, NY

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Great idea to have a bike trail from Lake Placid to Tupper.  I think it would bring lots of joy as well as boost the economy of the area.

Fran Sloatman

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By now you probably know what I think of this idea! You are a much more eloquent writer than I am, but our ideas are the same.

The only thing missing is the next step of continuing to Old Forge. Perhaps we could meet in the middle and "Pull out the rusty spike"!

I am waiting for a bid proposal from National Salvage and Service Co. which will have an initial offer of: Removing the railroad steel and wood, leaving a clean packed surface and pay $1 million. I'm sure the State would need competitive bids which should sweeten the pot.

We should join forces. We would help fund a professional web site and create an association to drive this idea foreword.

Scott Thompson, Beaver River

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Kudos Mr. Beamish.  The Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake corridor is more than ready for a bike path.

As the owners of Placid Planet Bicycles, not a day goes by we don’t hear from someone about the need for a safe place to ride a bike.  As you note, the condition of Route 86 makes cycling there all but impossible.  Tourists assume we have a bike path and are shocked to discover we do not.  People could commute on a relatively flat and safe route between towns.  The path you envision would be an economic boost to the entire region during all seasons. It is proven in other areas and there is no reason that it would not help our area as well.

As citizens of New York, we are appalled at the economic waste of the railroad boondoggle.  It is time to look toward the future and move on with a Lake Placid to Tupper Lake recreational path.

Thank you for your eloquent article and insightful vision.

Julie Voss, Kenny Boettger, Lake Placid

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Wow!!!!

This is a super development if it comes to pass.  It would be great for the Adirondacks and great for people like me who love the outdoors and biking.

Thanks for the article.

Thomas Welsh

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I am writing in response to your recent editorial proposing the replacement of the Tri-Lakes section of the Remsen-Lake Placid railroad with a multi-use recreation trail.  I’d like to speak briefly about the potential health impacts of creating such a trail.

Health problems related to physical inactivity and obesity - predominately heart disease and diabetes – kill hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, and cost taxpayers billions in related health care costs.  Obesity rates continue to skyrocket as Americans become more and more entrenched in increasingly sedentary lifestyles.  As a result, for the first time in history children will have shorter life spans then their parents. 

A growing body of evidence suggests that the way we address these problems – mainly medical treatment and individual education – has had little effect on changing our unhealthy behaviors.  A new way of thinking about our health is gaining momentum – that the “built environment” of our communities has an enormous influence on the choices we make in our daily lives.  People will walk if the sidewalks are in good condition, and more will bike if shoulders and bike lanes are present.  The Institute of Medicine recently noted: “It is unreasonable to expect that people will change their behavior easily when so many forces in the social, cultural, and physical environment conspire against such change.”

People are more likely to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives if they have safe, accessible and aesthetically-pleasing venues for doing so. 
Creating a multi-use trail between Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake would be one way to help improve the health of our residents, as it would offer people of all ages and abilities a convenient place to walk and bike in close proximity to these community centers.  This project would improve opportunities for physical activity for a whole population, instead of treating and educating one person at a time. 

Numerous studies have shown that the presence of walking trails is beneficial in promoting physical activity, especially among women and persons in lower socioeconomic groups.  One study found that creating a walking trail increased rates of physical activity by 48% among participants.  Bicycling is hugely popular in our region, among residents and visitors alike, and a trail like the one proposed would offer a safe and inviting alternative to those who are rightly afraid of riding on much of our busy, often shoulder-less highways. 

This isn’t about creating another place for Joe and Jane Spandex to exercise.  It’s about creating a place where everyone can easily be active while enjoying the beautiful Adirondack outdoors. 

Josh Wilson, Saranac Lake

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Fantastic idea!  I have been to the Adirondacks many times to camp, backpack, ski, kayak and bike. Few areas compare for outdoor activities and the proposed bikeway would certainly add another dimension. Ohio has a nice and expanding rail to trail system in country not comparable to the Adirondacks, yet is very beneficial to rural communities and is well used. 

Mike Wineberg

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GOOD IDEA, BUT...

I enjoyed your article regarding the possible construction of a rail/trail
type bikeway through the Adirondacks. As awesome as the idea sounds, I am
afraid practicality and public safety will likely stand in the way of a
wilderness trail.

First, let's assume the rails are gone and the trail is constructed. The
section between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake is definitely a possibility for a day ride for riders of most skill levels. There are access points along the way as well as cell phone coverage. Fairly heavy usage would make it relatively safe. The next leg between SL and Charlie's Inn becomes more remote, but still a possibility for most riders. However, cell phone reception will likely be an
issue.

Now we get to the leg through the St. Regis area to Tupper Lake -
essentially wilderness with little/no road access to the interior of the
route and no cell phone coverage. While it is nice to imagine camping areas
along the route, modern life will require proper sanitary facilities because
of the amount of wetland in the area. Even assuming water/waste issues can
be resolved, I find it unlikely the state would ever approve the route
through this area citing safety and liability issues.

An undeveloped hiking trail or canoe route assumes the people using it are
prepared for backcountry conditions and associated risks. I doubt,
however, that the average recreational biker could be relied upon to get
themselves out of an emergency situation that far away from roads. Help from
outside would be nearly impossible in a timely fashion without some sort of
robust communication/response system. My feeling is that the average
hiker/paddler has a better feel for the possible backcountry emergencies
than a biker used to improved trails nearer civilization. Lawyers would
contend that an improved, recreational trail of any type implies a certain
expectation by the user of its inherent safety, which could never be insured
this deep in the wilderness without some sort of dependable communication
infrastructure and access by emergency personnel.

In another country with reasonable tort laws, a wilderness bike trail would
be feasible, but it is unlikely it would happen here. Don't get me wrong, I
would be all for it, but I just don't see NYS allowing it in the backcountry
unless suitable and practical communications could be established - such as
phone stations and patrols. However, I do feel the corridor between LP and
SL would be a good starting point. If successful, the trail could be
extended appropriately.

Dana C. Rohleder, Port Kent, NY

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You asked for comments on a proposed bikeway from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid.  I live near Pennsylvania's Pine Creek rail trail and ride on it frequently.  Despite early on misgivings by nearby residents, it has turned out to be a boon to the area economically and a real asset to local communities.
 
The Adirondacks have a lot to offer but I always thought that it lacked a nice rail trail.  The proposed route from Tupper Lake to Saranac Lake would be perfect - giving an economic boost to an area very much in need and creating a really exciting recreational opportunity to go through such a beautiful wild area.

I'm sure there will be objections from the railroading community because of the Lake Placid to Saranac Lake railroad.  I don't see any reason why both camps couldn't be satisfied by retaining the railroad as far as Saranac Lake and then beginning the rail trail at Saranac Lake to Tupper Lake.

In fact, this would better focus the inevitable economic benefits on the towns that need it the most.  A bikeway would provide a much needed boost to Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and the north central Adirondacks and encourage exactly the type of low impact tourism that is needed.

Mike Smith, Port Matilda, PA

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KEEP THE TRAIN

Upon reading with interest the comments and articles on the removal of the rail-bed between Lake Placid and Saranac lake in the November/December, January/February, and March/April issues of the Adirondack Explorer, the first thing that came to mind was the environmental implications.  The equipment necessary to tear-up the rail and ties, and level the bed would be highly destructive to the surrounding ecosystems. Furthermore new substrate would need to be added as the current surface or ballast is not conducive to safe bicycling.  Chances are the new material and equipment used would transport invasive species to the area that would further damage the ecosystem. 
 
Who would maintain this trail? Motorized vehicles would have to be granted access to maintain the trail, trimming trees, removing vegetation (mechanically and using herbicides.)  Substrate would need to be re-applied due to washouts, mud season, and from day to day use.  There would still be a maintenance cost to turning the rail into a bike path.
 
In response to Jim McCulley’s comments in the March/April issue, The Adirondack Scenic Railroad is not the only operating train in the Adirondacks; the former D&H Adirondack Branch is still in use.  Using existing train tracks is not only nostalgic, but offers so much more.  Everyone can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Adirondacks by rail.  The young, old, and those who are not physically able to visit nature can experience it first hand by rail.  The railroad offers many programs, events, and activities that cater to groups of individuals, not just one demographic. 
 
In response to Dick Beamish’s comments in the March/April issue, I agree that the shoulder of the roadway between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake is dangerous but, state law indicates that unless a lane has been specified for bikes, they are to be considered as vehicles on the road and must follow the same laws as cars.  In other words, bikes are to ride in the same lane as cars, as far right as is safe within the lane! 
 
Hard core cyclists, who would be the main users of long distance bike paths, generally carry everything they need on them.  They do not stop to shop, stop to visit attractions, or stop to eat (other than healthy foods).  If you want to leave out the economic boost of families with young children and all those who do not bike, then remove the rail and leave it wild, but if you want the tourist dollars, work with the railroad operator and keep the line. 

Corrina A. Parnapy, Lake George

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I read with interest your editorial asking for comments.  I think it's a bad idea for the following reasons:  The bikeway traverses many private parcels with little-used driveways to seasonal & permanent housing.  Not only would this be potentially dangerous but could also lead to confrontations from bikers who might not realize or care should they decide to get off their bikes and trespass on private property.  Confrontations could also arise during hunting season as the present tracks are used for this purpose as well.

Another point of concern would be the fairness of allowing one group of motorized users (snowmobilers) to have access to the trail and not AWD's, or motorized bikers.

Al Sanders

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I am writing in response to your editorial advocating removing the railroad tracks between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake.

A large group of residents recently raised thousands of dollars, and volunteers contributed hundreds of hours of time to rebuild the Tupper Lake train station in anticipation of rail service being re-established between the tri-lakes villages.  There are plenty of existing trails for visitors to enjoy the beauty of our region, but only one railroad.   The only reason that the tri-lakes exist is because this railroad was built and we should celebrate that and take advantage of the opportunity it offers.

David Tomberlin, Tupper Lake