Plan out for public comment creates new parking lot, trailhead in Keene, away from private home and business
By Mike Lynch
A plan being called a long-term solution for trailhead parking and access in Keene at the eastern end of the Jackrabbit Trail is in its final stages and is out for public comment.
The proposal calls for the creation of a new parking lot and trailhead on a new town of Keene easement near the end of the Alstead Hill Road.
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The trailhead would connect to the Jackrabbit through a new section of trail that would start on a town easement through private property, go through the Sentinel Range Wilderness, then head back to easement land before connecting to the existing route.
The Jackrabbit is a 34-mile ski trail from Paul Smiths to Keene that goes through the villages of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Sections of the trail are popular for day trips, including the roughly 3-mile segment known as Old Mountain Road that goes from Mountain Lane in North Elba to Alstead Hill Road.
Related reading: Urging a solution to Jackrabbit Trail access
The Palen family agreed to donate the easement lands for the new parking lot and trail sections to Keene because they are supporters of the Jackrabbit and outdoor recreation. But the current trailhead also goes through the Palen’s property, home to their Adirondack Rock and River lodging and guide service. The trailhead location has led Jackrabbit users to park on the Palen’s property, sometimes displacing their guests and requiring the Palens to maintain parking areas for the public on their property.
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Ed Palen also told the Explorer in the past that if his family ever sold the property, a new owner could decide to ban Jackrabbit users from parking on the Rock and River property, therefore cutting off access.
In order to ensure future public access, the Palens proposed this plan with the help of the town of Keene and Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) several years ago. This plan routes skiers away from buildings on his property.
“We’re so relieved that DEC has moved that along,” said Keene Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson. “It’s really a key project for making sure in the future there will be good access from the start here in Keene.”
The plan would require cutting 15 trees between 1-3 inches in diameter and two greater than 3 inches, the creation of several bridges and a nearly 50-foot long boardwalk.
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Pending approval, Wilson said the town could construct the parking lot in spring.
BETA, which maintains the Jackrabbit, would do its portion of the trail work before next winter to allow it to open next ski season pending approval of the work plan and a stream disturbance permit through the state.
“I am excited to see this move forward,” said BETA Executive Director Glenn Glover.
“Assuming there’s no opposition, hopefully the final sign off for the work plan will happen quickly and we can plan for execution of all of the aspects of it this summer.”
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This would be the second recent major reroute of the Jackrabbit. Last year, BETA created a new section near Scott’s Cobble Nordic Center.
The public comment period is for the tree cutting and the due date is Feb. 19. People interested in submitting a comment should follow this link for additional details.
Thanks to the Palens and other parties for working to ensure a solution to the parking issue.
Second that, Todd. The Palen’s have demonstrated their longstanding commitment to and support of the Jackrabbit Trail time and time again. They have exercised extreme patience (as have we all – BETA, Town of Keene, trail users) in waiting for the State to approve this much needed project.
As we have all said throughout this long process – “When there exists a willing landowner that has offered to donate a piece of their land, affording the creation of a permanent parking lot and access point to the state Forest Preserve and a popular trail heavily utilized by locals and visitors, action needs to be taken.”
Thank you Ed and Teresa!
Josh Wilson
former Executive Director, Barkeater Trails Alliance
Ditto! on behalf of grateful skiers – thanks to all for figuring out a solution
Marcha
Here are my comments to DEC…….
I have read the Detailed Project Work Plan for the Reroute of the Jackrabbit Trail (Project # 2024-RB-044). I can think of no reason why this project should not move forward. The Jackrabbit Trail has been (and continues to be) a treasure for local and not-so-local cross country ski enthusiasts. The proposed trail and bridge construction will have minimal ecological impact. The Palen family has long enabled parking and access to the eastern terminus of the trail, and any construction (or policy change) to reduce their burden of accommodating non-paying visitors should be accomplished ASAP. The project will also utilize an easement held by the Town of Keene, thereby securing future parking and trail access in the event of Adirondack Rock and River real estate transfer.
Having recently returned from our more than 30th year annual stay with the Palens’ Rock and River Lodges, our group has witnessed their devoted efforts and generosity in allowing convenient access to the beautiful Jackrabbit Trail at its southern terminus. May the project now move forward smoothly with the State! Huge thanks to Ed and Teresa and efforts of local supporters.