Bike Adirondacks

Santa Clara Tract

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Overview

The Santa Clara Tract, located in Franklin County near Paul Smiths, provides the setting for a challenging, because of its length, yet rewarding tour through some wild Adirondack countryside. Opportunity exists to enjoy some lovely scenery and solitude as few vehicles are likely to be encountered on this long dirt and gravel road. Nearby are the Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center and Paul Smith's College. Another highlight along this route is a hike up Azure Mountain with its recently reopened fire tower.

Difficulty:moderate

Length:25.0 mi

Configuration:one way

Type and Surface:dirt road, paved roads

Type of Riding:Entire route includes dirt/gravel roads as well as paved roads. Using two vehicles will enable you to complete just a section of this 50-mile loop.

Season:Generally, trails are suitable for riding from mid-May to mid-October.

Directions:Southern trailhead is on east side of Route 30 just north of Paul Smith's College and opposite Keese Mills Road. Northern trailhead is off Route 458 at DEC Fishing Access Site in Santa Clara.

Caution:Hikers also use this trail system. Always yield to other users. Avoid using trails in wet seasons or conditions.


The trail illustrated here is appropriate for mountain biking, however, not all trails in the Adirondack Park are open to mountain bikes. Both land ownership and land use classifications influence which trails are available for mountain biking. For example, bicycles are not allowed on Forest Preserve land classified as Wilderness, therefore, hiking trails that connect with this mountain biking trail may not be open to bicycles. Before you ride this trail or any trail in the Adirondack Park you are strongly encouraged to check at a local bicycle shop, information center, or NYS DEC office to confirm the suitability of your planned activity and to obtain the latest trail information

See Before You Ride for more suggestions on enjoyable and safe riding in the Adirondack Park.

For More Information

This online atlas information only provides introductory information additional information is required before you ride. See the following suggestions on guidebooks, bike shops, maps, etc. that should be consulted before starting your ride.

Guidebook Descriptions of This Trail

Nearby Bike Shops

Nearby Villages and Information Centers

USGS Maps

Other Maps and Brochures

Other Nearby Opportunities and Activities

While in the area you might enjoy some of these other activities in the vicinity of this trail.

Nearby Mountain Biking Opportunities

Other Nearby Recreational Opportunities

Nearby mountain biking opportunities include the Hays Brook, Grass Pond, Sheep Meadow, and Slush Pond trails north of Paul Smiths, and the Meacham Lake to Debar Meadow trail. Nearby places to hike include Azure Mountain, Debar Mountain near Meacham Lake, St. Regis and Jenkins Mountains near Pauls Smiths, and the trail system at the Adirondack Park Visitors Interpretive Center. The Fish Creek and Rollins Pond State Campgrounds are located to the south along Route 30, the Meacham Lake State Campground is on Route 30 north of Paul Smiths, and the Buck Pond State Campground is east of Paul Smiths in Onchiota.

Neaby Sites & Attractions

Disclaimer

The map and information presented here are not sufficient to implementing a safe and enjoyable mountain bike ride in the Adirondack Park. Users should first review guidebooks if available, obtain more detailed maps, and most importantly, discuss your planned route with a knowledgeable person just prior to beginning your ride. A quick visit to a local bicycle shop, Chamber of Commerce office, NYS DEC office, or sporting goods shop will provide you with important, up-to-date information on your selected ride.

This information is provided in the interest of informing the public on mountain biking opportunities in the Adirondack Park. The user of this information assumes all risk for any injuries or difficulties that result. Mountain Biking can be a dangerous activity and regardless of what is presented on this website, you always ride at your own risk. The listing of any businesses, organizations, or other sources of information on this website does not represent endorsement of those entities, does not guarantee the accuracy of any information they provide, and does not make them liable for any injuries resulting from any activity suggested by this website. The owners, managers, and sponsors of BikeAdirondacks.org and BikeAdirondacks.com are not responsible for any injury or misfortune that results from use of the information presented here. Comments and suggestions can be emailed to us.