Page Copy
a9b

The open road awaits

Ride the Lake Champlain Region

Hit the road and explore the Lake Champlain Region by bike, with scenic routes winding through charming communities, rolling farmland, historic sites, and along the shores of Lake Champlain. The region is part of the 1,600-mile Lake Champlain Bikeways network, which circles the lake and extends into Quebec, Canada. Choose a route that matches your interests! Along the way, stop at local restaurants, museums, and other attractions.

Lists
daa
Cycling in the Lake Champlain Region.

Legendary Road Cycling Routes

Stoney Lonesome Loop

Stoney Lonesome is a half-day loop featuring remote, unpaved roads and varied terrain, including hills, valleys, forests, marshes, ponds, and streams. The route passes through former mining country, where you can spot remnants of forges, mills, and railroad beds, visit the Penfield Museum, or stop for a swim at Penfield Pond.

Coon Mountain Circuit

Coon Mountain Circuit is an 18.5-mile mountain biking loop that takes you through the scenic landscapes of Split Rock Mountain, Webb-Royce Swamp, and Coon Mountain. The route offers a mix of forested roads, open landscapes, and views of the surrounding Lake Champlain Region.

Lewis Gravel Route

Lewis Gravel Route is an easy 6.2-mile ride on mostly smooth gravel roads, making it a great option for riders of varying experience levels. With 414 feet of elevation gain, the route offers a manageable introduction to gravel cycling while showcasing the quiet roads and scenic landscapes of the Lake Champlain Region.

Penfield Loop

Penfield Loop is a more challenging gravel ride that begins at the birthplace of modern electricity. Choose the 19.2-mile out-and-back route, rated intermediate, or the 17.5-mile loop, rated difficult, with 1,107 and 980 feet of elevation gain, respectively. The route includes a mix of smooth and broken pavement, packed and loose gravel, and dirt, with several miles of rough dirt roads and loose stones on the loop.

Call To Action
c5a
Road cycling in the Lake Champlain Region.

Love Your ADK

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics, you can help ensure that the forests, waterways, and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come. Be mindful of sharing the road and following all rules and suggestions for safe riding.
Learn More
Video
53b
Biking in the fall.

Lake Champlain Region Cycling

Description

Featuring scenic country roads, impressive backdrops, and a variety of terrain for all fitness levels, the Lake Champlain Region offers some of the best biking in the Adirondacks.

Accordion Section
4c6

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the most scenic places to ride?

For some of the most scenic routes in the area, you'll want to explore the network of theme loops on the Lake Champlain bikeways map. These routes are not only scenic, they are also fun and there is much to learn along the way!

Are there mountain biking opportunities in the Lake Champlain Region?

There sure are! Lake Champlain Region mountain biking is legendary with fun, scenic trails and terrain for all skill levels. 

Where can I find more information about getting involved in the Adirondack cycling community?

BikeADK, an Adirondack owned and operated company based in Saranac Lake, creates and promotes charity-driven events, maintains a library of routes and trail networks, and builds custom tours.

Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), a member-supported, volunteer-driven, trail building and stewardship organization.

What is the Empire State Trail?

The Empire State Trail is a 750-mile multi-use trail that consists of both paved and gravel roads and is the longest trail of its kind in the nation, spanning from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo via the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.

Plan your own legendary ride through the Lake Champlain Region on the Empire State Trail!

Are there good places to eat and other things to do while I'm cycling in the Lake Champlain Region?

The Lake Champlain Region is full of great places to stay, eat, and shop, and there are fun and interesting things to do around every bend. Pack your bags and plan a legendary bike tour, complete with a stay at any one of the region's comfortable accommodations.

What are the best ways for cyclists and motorists to share the Adirondack roadways?

As you enjoy the amazing Adirondack landscape, be safe, have fun, and share the road! Learn more about being politely Adirondack on the roadways, whether you're traveling by vehicle or by bike, so that everyone can have fun, safely.

Where are the closest bike repair shops?

Help is near! You'll find gear, repair services, and friendly faces at both High Peaks Cyclery and Placid Planet Bicycles in Lake Placid.

Related Contents
d1d

Explore More

Biking through the Lake Champlain Region.
The Ultimate Adirondack Bike and Train Adventure

What if your next bike ride started with a train ride? Discover a unique Adirondack adventure that combines Amtrak travel, Lake Champlain views, historic stops, and 40 miles of unforgettable cycling.

5 Mountain Biking Trails to Amp You Up for UCI

Five of the best mountain biking areas in and around the Lake Champlain Region! With the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup rolling into Lake Placid from September 27-29, 2024, there's no better time to grab your friends and explore the diverse and thrilling...

Cycling to Waterfalls

Some things just go together so well, peanut butter and jelly, chips and salsa, pancakes and REAL Adk maple syrup and so on. The list can be endless. Perhaps the perfect pairing could also be an adventure, paddling the lake and having the calmest...

Three Gravel Biking Routes in Lake Champlain Region

The Lake Champlain region is full of scenic gravel biking routes on backcountry roads, winding forest trails, and rural pathways to explore. Here are three routes to get you started. 

Got a sec? Champ has tips 🌊