5 of the Best Motorcycle Rides in the Adirondack Region
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, one of the things you likely enjoy while out on a ride is beautiful scenic views. If you’re ever in New York, you’ll want to explore the Adirondack region for its gorgeous scenery, laid-back vibe, and peaceful beauty. For the price of a tank of gas, you can roam scenic Adirondack Park and all the villages and vistas nearby. There are fourteen New York State Scenic Byways to check out in total, but here are five of the best motorcycle routes in the area.
1. The Adirondack Lake Loop
The 2 Wheels on the Road team recommends this loop that begins and ends with Lake George and takes half a day to travel. The road is well-maintained, but it’s a winding country road in the truest sense, with great scenery and sharp turns. Additionally, there are plenty of great dining and shopping options for breaks along the way.
Start on Rt. 9 North to Ticonderoga and head down to I-74, where you’ll ride for around 20 miles. You’ll go south by way of Rt. 9 and Schroon River Road next, and the views of lakeshores there are spectacular. Bolton Landing is a great place to break for lunch. You could also spend time on Lake Schroon if you have the time, where there are paddle boat rentals.
2. Tracy Road
Tracy Road is another favorite route of 2 Wheels on the Road in the Adirondack region. There’s little traffic, and the road is in great condition. It runs from Moriah Center to where Interstate Highway I-87 intersects Tracy Road. At an estimated 11 minutes, it’s not long but offers an ideal tour of Lake Placid.
The draw of this route is the laidback trek through the Adirondack forest. You’ll encounter wildlife along the way and enjoy a relaxing ride along with beautiful views.
3. NYS Route 3
Connecting western New York with the city of Plattsburgh, NYS Route 3, according to Visit Adirondacks, runs from east to west. Its Adirondack section is called the “Olympic Byway,” and it’s 170 miles from Lake Ontario all the way to Keeseville.
There’s a lot to see here. Some great towns you’ll encounter include Cranberry Lake, Harrisville, Lake Placid, Natural Bridge, Tupper Lake, and Wilmington. If you travel along NYS Route 3 between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can take your bike up Mountain’s Veterans Memorial Highway for a stunning 360-degree view.
4. U.S. Route 9
Also called the Lakes-to-Locks Passage, U.S. Route 9 takes you along the Adirondack Coast and into Quebec via Lake Champlain. It’s a total of 225 miles that takes you to historic sites like Crown Point, Essex, Plattsburgh, Port Henry, and Ticonderoga. You’ll travel by the Upper Hudson River and the Champlain Canal.
Be sure to stop by Ausable Chasm, which is a popular, world-famous natural attraction.
5. NYS Route 30
Stretching from north to south, Route 30 is another route recommended by Visit Adirondacks. This gorgeous route takes you through scenic Adirondack Park and into Quebec. You’ll see the area’s breathtaking wilderness areas during this trip.
In the fall, the ride shows off some of the best autumn colors. You’ll pass through Indian Lake, Lake Pleasant, Malone, and Tupper Lake. There are also great attractions, like the Adirondack Experience courtesy of The Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, the Wild Center, and even golf at the Saranac Inn Golf Course.
If you enjoy traveling on two wheels, check out these five routes in the scenic Adirondack region. They are ideal for history lovers and those who enjoy time in the great outdoors all year long.
Next, read our ultimate guide to packing for a motorcycle trip, or learn more about motorcycling the Adirondacks in the video below:
