Bike Adirondacks and the Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) are hosting Adirondack Rail Trail Community Day on Saturday, June 21.

During this daylong celebration, participants will have the opportunity to join stewardship projects and explore the Adirondack Rail Trail with an interactive scavenger hunt featuring prizes provided by area businesses. The day culminates with a community party at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake with live music, food vendors, a craft beer garden and raffle.

“The Adirondack Rail Trail’s popularity as an all-season recreational destination is growing. We are pleased to celebrate the trail at the beginning of Summer with residents and visitors on this Community Day, and showcase the local businesses, and towns and villages along the trail, in partnership with DEC and Bike Adirondacks,” said John Brockway, Chair and Treasurer of ARTA.

“This event is designed to be a full day of interactive family activities that bring visitors and locals together to celebrate the Adirondack Rail Trail and the communities it connects,” said Doug Haney, owner of Bike Adirondacks, a Saranac Lake based bicycle tourism company. “Whether you participate in a service project, play the scavenger hunt or simply come to the party, this is a celebration for all.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “There is much to celebrate when it comes to the Adirondack Rail Trail, its benefits to the communities it connects and its power to connect visitors with the natural beauty of the Adirondack Park. DEC welcomes visitors to the experience this multi-use recreational trail and we look forward to the many fun-filled days residents and visitors alike will have exploring this incredible addition to the Adirondacks.”

The event is being organized and sponsored by Bike Adirondacks and the Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA). Registration for the scavenger hunt is $45 for individuals and $90 for families. There is no cost to participate in the service projects, but pre-registration is required. The event party is also free of charge.

Registration and complete event details can be found at https://bikeadirondacks.com/events/adirondack-rail-trail-community-day. Proceeds from the event will benefit ARTA, a nonprofit stewardship organization promoting and maintaining the corridor.

EVENT SCHEDULE
9a-1p: Open Check-In & Registration – Riverside Park, Saranac Lake
9a-4p: Exploring the Adirondack Rail Trail/Scavenger Hunt
10a-12p: Volunteer Service Opportunities – Various Locations
4-7p: Event Party – Riverside Park, Saranac Lake

SCAVENGER HUNT
The Scavenger Hunts can be completed any time throughout the day. Participants will pick up their cards for the following options at on-site registration located at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake.

Short: 1-2 miles in the Village of Saranac Lake
Medium: 20 miles out-and-back from Saranac Lake to Lake Placid
Long: 30 miles out-and-back from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Rd

VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROJECTS
Participants are also invited to join optional volunteer service projects that will take place between 10a-12p at various points along the corridor. Sign up will happen during the event registration process and exact details will be emailed to each volunteer service project participant in advance of Adirondack Rail Trail Community Day. Each project is guided by a leader and all tools and materials will be provided.

Culvert Clearing
To protect the trail from erosion and flooding, culvert intakes need to be cleared of leaves, sticks, and gravel.

Debris Removal
The task here is to remove debris from the side of the trail, such as downed trees, to clear the area for mowing.

Ditch Cleaning
In order to prevent erosion, this project will require pulling sticks, rocks and other obstructions that may impede the designed flow of water.

Timber Rail Treatment
This task involves painting a Copper Coat on the timber railing installed along the trail.

Invasive Species Removal
This project entails removal of Purple Loosestrife and Oriental Bittersweet from along the corridor.

Registration and complete event details can be found at https://bikeadirondacks.com/events/adirondack-rail-trail-community-day.

Bike Adirondacks

Bike Adirondacks (BikeADK) is Adirondack owned and operated bicycle powered company based in Saranac Lake, NY. BikeADK creates, executes, promotes and supports charity driven events, curates a library of routes and trail networks, builds custom tours, and sells cool t-shirts. BikeADK is your Adirondack cycling source. Learn more at www.bikeadirondacks.com.

Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA)

ARTA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that partners with NYS DEC to steward the Adirondack Rail Trail, helps residents and visitors enjoy an accessible and exceptional outdoor recreational experience, and promotes the local businesses and surrounding communities of Lake Placid, North Elba, Ray Brook, Saranac Lake, Harrietstown, Lake Clear, Santa Clara and Tupper Lake.