Could a bike trail link NYC to the heart of the Adirondacks?

"If you could have a trail that went through Warren County and connected with a trail that goes up to Tahawus, then you could connect that to the Albany trail, and you could go all the way from New York City on a multi purpose trail into the heart of the Adirondacks, which would be pretty cool."

"Warren County owns the track in between, a 40-mile segment from Hadley along the Hudson River to North Creek. Taflan said county supervisors will hear input from all interested parties, not all of whom are likely to support a trail - railroad buffs and industrial advocates generally oppose ripping up the tracks."

"The physical rails also support the highly successful Revolution Rail, which operates four railbiking venues along the river, a golden goose no one wants to disturb. They have been a valuable partner and are a great tourist attraction for our region."

A $50,000 state grant has been awarded to study converting a 40-mile stretch of publicly owned railroad in Warren County into a bike trail. This project would create a continuous multi-purpose trail from New York City through the Empire State Trail into the heart of the Adirondacks, connecting to trails reaching Tahawus. Warren County officials cite the success of the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid as a model. However, significant challenges exist, including opposition from railroad enthusiasts and industrial advocates who oppose removing tracks. Additionally, the Revolution Rail operates successful railbiking venues on the existing tracks, creating a conflict between trail development and preserving this profitable tourist attraction.

Read at Adirondack Explorer