Bicycling

Warren County Lakes and Rivers

Scenic views, quiet roads and no big hills

by Darryl Caron

This loop rolls through the towns of Warrensburg, Chester and Horicon, past the Hudson River, Friends Lake, Loon Lake, Pottersville, Schroon Lake, Adirondack, Brant Lake and back to Warrensburg along the Schroon River. It’s a good mix of water and forest, small towns and local history. Stop at a restaurant or general store along the way for food, a drink and good conversation.

The described route covers a distance of 55 miles over moderate terrain, with a number of rolling, yet gentle climbs. You can quote me, it’s “an Adirondack ride with no big hills!” And, as you see on the accompanying map there are quite a few crossroads, which allow riders to easily cut short or plan shorter loops of 20 to 40 miles, as I did with my wife and kids in August.

While riding the route you may notice “ALA” 60- and 40-mile ride symbols painted on the road. The majority of this loop was used for the American Lung Association’s Autumn Bike Trek in the Adirondacks, and that’s how I learned of it a couple of years ago.

The tour begins at the Echo Lake Beach and Recreation Area in Warrensburg. To get there, take the Northway (I-87) to Exit 23, turn left – or right if you’re southbound – for NY Route 9. At 0.2 miles (mi), turn right on Route 9 and proceed north through the Warrensburg. At 1.4 mi, turn left at traffic light onto Hudson Street. At 2.2 mi, after the cemetery, turn left into the signed Morry Stein Park and Beach at Echo Lake. Park in the lot overlooking the lake and get ready to ride. During July and August the sandy beach is a great spot for post-ride relaxation and swimming.

From the Echo Lake parking lot, ride 0.2 mi and turn left onto Hudson Street (becomes Golf Course Rd). At 0.4 mi, Echo Lake Camp is on the left and the regional DEC office is at right. Around 1.3 mi, Cronin’s Golf Resort is on the left. At 2.0 mi, this trailhead in the Lake George Wild Forest for the Hudson River Recreation Area is home to a network of nature and cross country ski trails. Soon after, the beautiful Hudson River will be in view for about a mile.

At 4.3 mi, take a left on NY Route 28. The state routes that we will follow occasionally on this tour have more vehicles and faster speeds, but the shoulders are generally smooth and safe for cycling. Continue on Route 28 for just over a mile.

At 5.4 mi turn right onto lightly traveled Potters Brook Road. A few rolling hills will help you warm up. At 9.0 miles, Circle B Ranch offers horseback riding and winter sleigh rides. You will see an increased number of camps as you approach the east side of Friends Lake. Around 11 miles, you’ll see a sign for nearby Friends Lake Inn, a country inn with a highly acclaimed restaurant.

At 13.1 mi, take a left at NY Routes 8 & 9. At 13.4, Loon Lake is on the right; there are public restrooms near the public beach. Loon Lake Stables are on the left. At 15.0 mi, turn right to continue on Route 9 to Schroon Lake. On the corner, there is a market/deli and a restaurant. Loon Lake is on the right for a couple of miles. At 19.2 mi, Warner Pond is on the left.

Enter the quiet town of Pottersville at 20.0 mi. The ever-popular Black Bear Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the center of town, Pottersville Market serves good sandwiches. Continue on Route 9 and at 20.5 mi take a right onto Glendale Road (to Schroon River Road). At 21.2 mi, you will cross a bridge over the origin of the lower Schroon River. The southern tip of Schroon Lake and the Horicon Boat Launch are on the left (restrooms available).

Just ahead, at 21.3 mi take a left onto East Shore Drive. You will see quite a few camps along crystal clear Schroon Lake and perhaps a few paddlers. Enjoy the lovely views across the lake and of the Blue Ridge Range to the northwest. At 25.6 mi, enter the hamlet of Adirondack and curve right at Church Street. Climb the short hill; just ahead is the Adirondack General Store – another great destination for breakfast, hot or cold sandwiches/lunch or Adirondack-themed merchandise.

Continue straight on Church Street (don’t take the next right on Valentine Road), and at 26.2 mi curve right on Johnson Road (aka Beaver Pond Road). At 27.8 mi, take a left at Beaver Pond Road. At 29.0 mi you’ll see Beaver Pond and Park Mountain on your left. At 31.0 mi there is a nice downhill stretch. Near the small cemetery, glance left for a nice view of a dairy farm in the shadows of No. 8 Mountain.

At 31.7 mi take a right on Palisades Road and six-mile long Brant Lake will gradually come into view. The road narrows and soon you’ll be riding along the twisting shoreline road dotted with camps. At 38.1 mi, turn right at Route 8 to enter the hamlet of Brant Lake. At 39.1 mi, the town beach is on your right and the general store is straight ahead. Turn left on Horicon Avenue to leave Brant Lake.

At 40.8 mi, soon after crossing a bridge over the Schroon River at the Warren County Canoe Access Site, take a left onto Schroon River Road. For the next 12 mi you will follow the Schroon River on this beautiful, relatively quiet road. At 44.9 mi, continue straight, crossing Bolton Landing Road at Riverbank. There are a couple of campgrounds located near the river. At 52.2 mi, you will see the County Fairgrounds on the left just before returning to Warrensburg.
At 53.9 mi, turn right at the traffic light on Route 9 in Warrensburg. At the traffic light, turn left at 54.5 mi onto Hudson Street. At 55.3 mi, turn left at Echo Lake Park to return to your car. Life is good!

Darryl Caron (darryl@adksportsfitness.com) is publisher of Adirondack Sports & Fitness magazine.

©2000-2003 Adirondack Sports & Fitness. All rights reserved.