The 47 miles along the Saranac Lake-Cranberry Lake segment of the Olympic Byway takes in the central Adirondack Park portion of this ride. Other communities along the ride include Tupper Lake, Piercefield and Childwold. A number of large lakes are on or near the ride, including Lower Saranac Lake, Middle Saranac Lake, Upper Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake and Cranberry Lake. The Raquette River is crossed at Piercefield.
Saranac Lake has a thriving arts community, with a number of shops and galleries. It is home to the Robert Louis Stevenson cottage and historic Trudeau Saranac Laboratory. Tupper Lake is home to the Wild Center and its interpretation of the Adirondack’s natural resources with displays of otters, fish and a number of other species as well as interpretive trails along the Raquette River. Cranberry Lake offers boat rentals, boat launch, swim beach, lodging and restaurants.
Road Bike Opportunities
There are a number of on-road rides and loops along this segment of the Olympic Byway. Always dress for the weather and carry water, snacks, map, repair kit and cell phone, as well as review your route with someone knowledgeable of the area. This is a predominately rural area so consider that services may be unavailable along your ride.
Moderate Ride – Try the Malone–Owls Head Loop, a 40 mile loop around Titus Mountain taking in the scenery along the Salmon River and the lakes at Mountain View.
Training Ride – Stratton Century Ride (100 miles), following the route of the annual Stratton Memorial Ride, with 50- and 25-mile options.
Not to Miss
- Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage –One of the finest Stevenson collections in the world, housed in the Baker Cottage in Saranac Lake where Stevenson spent the winter of 1887-88, just before he sailed to the south seas.
- Trudeau Saranac Laboratory – Dr. Trudeau came to the Adirondacks in 1873 seriously ill with tuberculosis and here his health improved in the mountain climate. Historic Saranac Lake has restored his laboratory as a museum on Saranac Lake’s unique role in the research and treatment of tuberculosis.
- Wild Center Natural History Museum – With spectacular exhibits of otters and other animals and fish, along with an enjoyable trail system, the Wild Center in Tupper Lake will ignite an enduring passion for the Adirondacks.
- Mt. Arab Fire Tower – The fire tower on the summit of Mt. Arab, erected in 1918 and renovated in 1999, is a short, one-mile, moderately difficult hike.
- Wanakena Suspension Bridge -The Wanakena Footbridge spanning the Oswegatchie River at Wanakena has the distinction of being the largest suspension footbridge in the United States. Built in 1902 by the Rich Lumber Company, this suspension bridge spans 171 feet between the supporting towers.
also see Adirondack Scenic Byways.org for many more points of interest along this route
Join Great Bike Tours in Late August for a fabulous adventure in the region https://greatbiketours.com/new-york-adirondack-adventure/
