Good news for trail lovers in upstate New York. With many small rail systems covering the area which are now mostly not in use, the governor has decided to turn at least half of this rail bed into a trail open for multi use.
This will provide 34 more miles in the Adirondacks for running, biking, and more – good news for visitors and residents of the area:
Now the governor says the state will “immediately invest in the implementation of the plan,” pledging $15 million to upgrade the railroad from Big Moose north to Tupper Lake and $8 million to build a multi-use trail between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. Those expenses are roughly in line with estimates from June 2015, when the DOT said it expected track rehabilitation to cost $11 million and the 34-mile trail to cost $7.8 million to $9.8 million.
It should all be done in three years, the governor’s office said.
While 3 years might sound like a long time, in terms of state planning and execution this isn’t so bad. This includes time to remove the rail components from the rail bed and make it suitable for multi purpose recreational use.
While many people might not want to do a long “trail” run on an altered trail bed, it should allow for connecting sections of runs, adding distance, and having an easier way to get out and get some miles in for a variety of people.
The trail, with a railroad’s flat grade, would be a place for cycling, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, running and walking. The state Olympic Regional Development Authority would have a hand in managing it.
“From Tupper Lake to Lake Placid, the Adirondacks is home to unparalleled natural beauty, and today we are building on what makes this region so special,” Cuomo said in the release. “By rehabilitating the railway and building a scenic trail, we are better utilizing the corridor and its surrounding lands to create more economic and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. I am proud the state is moving forward on this important project and this is yet another example of our commitment to ensuring the Adirondacks remain a first-class tourism destination for generations to come.” Governor green-lights rail-trail plan – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Saranac Lake region — Adirondack Daily Enterprise
This sounds like great news for the Lake Placid area – known for its outdoor activity and will now have another long trail in place for people to use for a wide range of activities.
If you are headed into the area in the next few years keep this on your list and check it out!
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