The Adirondack Rail Trail is the perfect place to try out an e-bike for the first time. (News photo — Delainey Muscato)

LAKE PLACID — Under a bright sun and through a gentle breeze on Tuesday, July 16, I took an e-bike on the Adirondack Rail Trail for the first time.

I started on the trail in Lake Placid, near the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society’s museum at the old train station on Station Street. Having never ridden an electric bike before, I wasn’t quite sure how far I would end up going on the trail. I found myself at Fowler’s Crossing, state Route 86, in Saranac Lake before long.

The trail to Saranac Lake was beautiful.

A relaxing bike ride through the woods kicked my morning off in just the right way. I was shocked by how immersive the trail was. Even after driving past trail entrances for weeks, I had no clue about the natural beauty hidden along the rail trail.

The trail features different flora and fauna on both sides.

The Adirondack Rail Trail has breathtaking views of water and wildlife. (News photo — Delainey Muscato)

Chipmunks, frogs and butterflies raced across the trail in front of me, often narrowly avoiding the front tire of my e-bike.

Karen Delaney, co-owner of High Peaks Cyclery, suggested I keep my eyes peeled for any otters in or near the water along the trail. Unfortunately, I did not see any of these cuddly creatures.

I do not often go for walks or bike rides without an accompanying soundtrack, but this time I challenged myself to leave my headphones in the car and listen to the music of nature. I am so thankful I did.

The trail sounded so peaceful. Birds chirping, frogs croaking and even fish jumping kept me more than entertained throughout my whole ride.

My favorite part of the trail was by far the pond just before you reach the trail entrance at North Country Community College. Bright white water lilies and light green lily pads cover the pond.

Here is a pond covered in lily pads and water lilies along the Adirondack Rail Trail. (News photo — Delainey Muscato)

Another aspect of the trail that shocked me was its cleanliness. I don’t think I saw one piece of trash. The care people have for this trail is evident. And almost everyone I passed on the trail, whether on bike or on foot, waved or said hello.

As a first-time e-bike user, I can say the trail was a great place to try it out. Though not entirely paved, the trail rides smoothly and allows you to pick up a good amount of speed. I got up to 26 mph on a downhill section of the trail.

The scariest part of the trail was crossing the road, but not because of the cars zipping by. Every time I had to cross, I was terrified I would crash into the yellow gates marking the gap in the trail. Delaney said a friend of hers once ran into the gates, causing her to crash into her friend. Luckily, I made it through each gate unscathed.

Construction on the 10-mile section of the Adirondack Rail Trail — Phase 1 — from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake began on Nov. 2, 2022, and it was officially opened on Dec. 1, 2023. Phase 2 — from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road — is currently under construction and is expected to be finished this fall. Phase 3 — from Floodwood Road to Tupper Lake — is expected to be complete by the fall of 2025. Then then entire 34-mile trail will be open.

Though I rode the trail alone this time, I would love to ride it again with a buddy. The silent reflection time, however, was really nice.

Adirondack Rail Trail between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake (News photo — Delainey Muscato)

I want to extend a huge thank you to High Peaks Cyclery in Lake Placid for providing me with a bike, helmet and trail information.

There are three bike shops, not too far from the beginning of the trail in Lake Placid, to rent bikes.

¯ Bike Lake Placid is just outside the start of the trail, near the firehouse, at 455 Old Military Road.

¯ High Peaks Cyclery is 1 mile from the trailhead at 2733 Main St.

¯ Placid Planet Bicycles is 1.5 miles from the trail at 2242 Saranac Ave.

Only class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the rail trail.

For more information, visit the Adirondack Rail Trail Association’s website at adirondackrailtrail.org or the rail trail’s page on the state Department of Environmental Conservation website at dec.ny.gov/places/adirondack-rail-trail.