Two bikers take their dogs for a ride on the Adirondack Rail Trail in Saranac Lake on Thursday, July 25. (News photo — Delainey Muscato)

LAKE PLACID — To maintain the Adirondack Rail Trail and keep it open for all to use, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Adirondack Rail Trail Association, the friends group, worked together to create rules and etiquette for the trail.

The following list for warm-weather months was compiled by the Lake Placid News and Adirondack Daily Enterprise to keep people safe and happy on the trail.

Currently, only Phase 1 of the trail is open — 10 miles from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake. Phase 2 is expected to be finished by the fall, and Phase 3 is expected to be complete by the fall of 2025. When all three sections are open, the Adirondack Rail Trail will stretch 34 miles from Lake Placid to right now, it will eventually stretch 34 miles to Tupper Lake. People are asked to stay off the sections that are under construction.

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Etiquette

Andrew Zalewski, of Philadelphia, takes a walk on the Adirondack Rail Trail in Saranac Lake on July 25 while on vacation. (News photo — Delainey Muscato)

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The DEC and ARTA websites have even more information on how to properly use the trail. Here are some etiquette tips.

¯ Just like driving, keep to the right of the trail. Pass quickly and carefully. If biking, ride single-file to make space for others.

¯ The entire trail is carry-in/carry-out. There are no trash cans along the trail, so make sure to hold onto your trash until you find a garbage at a trailhead. Users are encouraged to pick up garbage they see on the trail.

¯ Respect wildlife along the trail — plants and animals. Look, but don’t touch.

Holly Kneeshaw, left, and Owen Smith take a walk on the Adirondack Rail Trail in Saranac Lake on Thursday, July 25. (News photo — Delainey Muscato)

¯ According to the DEC website, hunting and trapping are prohibited along the whole length of the trail.

¯ Respect other trail users as you pass them.

¯ While dogs are allowed on the trail, make sure to keep them leashed, and don’t forget to pick up and properly dispose of their poop.

¯ Campfires and camping along the trail are prohibited.

¯ Respect trail signage.

There are porta johns at several access points along the Adirondack Rail Trail from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake, including this one at North Country Community College. (News photo — Delainey Muscato)

¯ Horses are not allowed on the rail trail.

¯ Only class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the trail, but they may not go onto Wild Forest land in the state-owned Forest Preserve at Fowler’s Crossing or other trail intersections.

¯ No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.

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Bike shops

Officials at the state Department of Environmental Conservation remind users of the Adirondack Rail Trail that they should dispose of their own garbage. (News photo — Sydney Emerson)

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Lake Placid and Saranac Lake have bike shops where people can rent a bike or e-bike or purchase gear to use on the trail.

¯ High Peaks Cyclery, 2733 Main St., Lake Placid

¯ Bike Lake Placid, 455 Old Military Road, Lake Placid

¯ Placid Planet Bicycles, 2242 Saranac Ave., Lake Placid

¯ Silver Birch Cycles, 77 Main St., Saranac Lake

¯ Sara Placid Sled & Spoke, 255 Broadway, Saranac Lake

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Safety

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Safety is of the utmost importance while on the trail. Knowing how to respond in an emergency or coming prepared for an emergency can make a big difference.

¯ Be cautious when crossing roads. Look for “Stop Ahead” signs to know when you are coming up to a road.

¯ If you have an emergency on the trail, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) or 911 (24/7).

¯ For drivers, be aware of trail crossings and stop for trail users waiting at crosswalks.

¯ Dress appropriately for your rail trail journey. The DEC recommends stable footwear, rain gear, sunglasses and a flashlight or headlamp.

¯ You can never be too prepared. The DEC recommends bringing sunscreen, a compass, first-aid supplies, snacks, water, bug repellent and more.

¯ Those on bikes should adhere to the 15 mph speed limits along the trail.

¯ Check your bike for any issues before heading out.

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Locations

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The trail currently cuts through central locations of Lake Placid, Ray Brook and Saranac Lake. Knowing what’s around can help you find a bathroom, food and drink, fishing sites, campgrounds and more.

¯ There are portable restrooms at several access points along the rail trail. They can be found at the beginning of the trail near the train station and Old Military Road in Lake Placid, off Old Ray Brook Road in Ray Brook, and on both sides of Fowler’s Crossing, North Country Community College and the Union Depot in Saranac Lake.

¯ There are many fishing opportunities along the trail, including brooks and streams.

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More information

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For more information about the Adirondack Rail Trail rules, visit the DEC website at tinyurl.com/3tk5x98u or the ARTA website at www.adirondackrailtrail.org.