15 August 2022 – Monday
posted 28 April 2023

Riding through the Adirondacks

0800  49,643  60°  Holland Patent, NY

Walked over to Poppy’s Place Cafe and Bakery near the Harvest Host (16 Stone BrewPub) to pick-up some fresh blueberry muffins before heading north.

0852  49,682  Thendara, NY

Our first stop, as we headed into the Adirondack Park on Route 28, was Thendara Station, just outside of Old Forge.

Thendara is one of only a few stations currently operating on the Adirondack Railroad.  Tracks run through some of the most scenic areas of the Adirondacks. If you check it out on a map, you might discover that the Adirondack Park is the largest State Park in the continental United States.

Having only recently resumed passenger service here, we were happy to find a couple of locomotives staged outside the station.

The Adirondack Railroad’s newest locomotive shows off an updated paint scheme.

The locomotive is an ALCO Century 425 built in the 1960’s. I can’t find the history of this specific engine, but it probably came out of the American Locomotive Company shops in Schnectady, New York.

The railroad is owned by a group of volunteers that formed the non-profit Adirondack Railway Preservation Society.

For those that prefer open air and exercise, railbikes can be rented to travel when trains aren’t running. They are made in New York and look like a fun way to get out into the woods.

The railroad returned service north to Big Moose and Beaver River. They hope to refurbish the line all the way to Lake Placid. Here’s the 2022 summer schedule. In 2023, special trains are making a full day trip from Utica to Thendora (Old Forge) and back.

Just across the street from the station, we found an Inn that has been serving travelers since 1891. If you have $495K, the Van Aukens Inn could be yours.  The basement even has a Speak Easy!

This 1890’s Town Hall rounds out the Thendora Historic District. 

We headed north again at 0920.

0949  49,700  66°  Seventh Lake 

Enjoying the uncrowded road, we stopped between Inlet & Raquette Lakes to enjoy the view.

1115  49,746  76°  Tupper Lake

Just before the town, this scenic pullout is a good place to listen for loons and stretch your legs.

Birches, green mountains, and clear waters; it is starting to feel like home.

1230  49,754  76°  Tupper Lake, NY

This reproduction of the original Tupper Lake Depot was built by local volunteers.

A line of railbikes is ready for riders. They depart in groups at 1000, 1300, and 1500. The tour guide follows the group on the only gas powered bike.

1255  49,767  Fish Creek Pond 

We stopped at this State Park Campground to fill our water tank. I fondly recall tent camping and canoeing here as a kid.

1430  49,815  Fern Lake

4,600 miles into our summer trip, we arrived at my parents cottage. We’re here to celebrate Mom’s 90th birthday in one of her favorite places!

The lake is active. If you look closely you might find a seaplane taking off and a hummingbird defending her territory.

So long from Fern Lake.

Today’s Route

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