Bike Ride

Lake Luzerne to Bear Slides Trailhead via River Road

Travel back in time to when farms dotted the shores of the Hudson River, and the trees on its banks grew stately and tall! The Lake Luzerne to Bear Slides Trailhead bike ride is a 16.3-mile round-trip ride that offers gorgeous views of the Hudson River, old farms, old-growth pine trees, and open fields. Most of the ride is on asphalt with a few miles of hardpack (compressed gravel and dirt). It’s an easy ride until you turn left on Thomas Road at mile 10, where you’ll encounter a couple of moderately difficult hills up to Old Stage Road. There is an additional challenging hill on Scofield Road, after which it’s all downhill back to River Road.

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Photo by Jennifer Kietzman.

River Road to Bear Slides Trailhead - Jennifer Kietzman, Farm

Things to look for along the way include the Bear Slides Trailhead – this hike is also part of the Gateway 8 – at mile 7.7, a great swimming spot just beyond Bear Slides, and the quirky yard sculptures at the corner of Old Stage Rd. and Potash Rd. at mile 10.5. Also, don’t miss the Harris Land Preserve Trailhead on Potash Rd. at mile 11.

There is a porta potty at the Bear Slides trailhead.

16.3 mi

1.5- 2.5 hours

43.319° N, 73.836° W

Relatively Easy*

*There are a few steep, challenging hills.

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Parking

Park at the lot for the Town of Lake Luzerne’s tennis and basketball courts, conveniently located next to the Adirondack Folk School.

Plan Your Route

Directions

As you exit the parking lot, turn left onto Main St. followed by a quick left onto Wall St., which will quickly turn into River Rd.
The ride “out” follows River Rd. for the entirety of the way; ride until you see the Bear Slides Trailhead on the right.
When you’re ready to continue on, turn around and head back down River Rd.
Turn left onto Thomas Rd. The pavement resumes a little way up this Rd.
Cross over Old Stage Rd. and continue on Potash Rd.
Turn right onto Route 9N.
Turn right onto Gailey Hill Rd.
Turn left onto Scofield Rd.
Turn left onto River Rd., which will turn into Wall St.
Turn left onto Main St.
Turn left into the parking lot.

Jennifer Kietzman, Hard Pack Road

Jennifer Kietzman, Swim Spot

Jennifer Kietzman, Mailbox

Jennifer Kietzman, Farm

Jennifer Kietzman, Window on the Hudson

Jennifer Kietzman, Buttermilk Falls

Jennifer Kietzman, Mossy Banks along Buttermilk Brook

Jennifer Kietzman, Trail View in the Woods

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Scenic Stops &
Hidden Gems

Things to look for along the way include the Bear Slides Trailhead at mile 7.7, a great swimming spot just beyond Bear Slides, and the quirky yard sculptures at the corner of Old Stage Rd. and Potash Rd. at mile 10.5. Also, don’t miss the Harris Land Preserve Trailhead on Potash Rd. at mile 11.

Things to look for on your way

Discover the Bear Slides Trailhead (also a Gateway 8 Challenge activity) along River Rd., a great spot to begin your hike.
Enjoy a hidden swimming spot at the end of River Rd., just beyond the Bear Slides Trailhead.
Don’t miss the unique yard sculptures at the corner of Old Stage Rd. and Potash Rd.—they’re truly a sight to see!
Explore the Harris Land Preserve Trailhead, leading to Potash Mountain, located on Potash Rd.

Places for Food and Beverage

For a quick bite or local goods, stop by Harris Grocery or the Rockwell Falls General Store. If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, the Long Horn Restaurant and Pub or The Hitching Post offer cozy dining options. For fresh groceries and snacks, Luzerne Market is a great stop, while the Vested Veteran Grill serves up flavorful meals. You can also enjoy Italian cuisine at Rocco’s II or savor Asian dishes at Moon Star Asian Bistro. And of course, Stewart’s is always a convenient option for refreshments and essentials.

Tour and Stopovers

The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary figure is repeated without end.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Circles

Nearby Activities to Explore

Nearby Adventures

After the ride, hike the Bear Slides or Potash Mountain, or visit the Adirondack Folk School and Frances Kinnear Museum. Take a dip at Wayside Beach or try thrilling activities like tubing and rafting at Adirondack Adventure Center. End your day with BBQ and bull riding at the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo.

Embark on the Bear Slides hike, a highlight of the Gateway 8 Challenge.
Conquer the scenic Potash Mountain hike, another adventure in the Gateway 8 series.
Discover traditional crafts and skills with a visit to the Adirondack Folk School.
Explore local history at the Frances Kinnear Museum of Local History.
Cool off with a refreshing swim at Lake Luzerne’s Wayside Beach.
End the day with BBQ and live bull riding at the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo.
Dive into adventure at Adirondack Adventure Center, Tubby Tubes, Wild Waters Outdoor Center, or Revolution Rail for thrilling tubing, rafting, ziplining, or rail biking experiences.
Enjoy an exciting ATV ride at the Mountain Airstrip Farm for a fun off-road adventure.

Route Map

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Take the Challenge

Are you ready to conquer the outdoors? Register for the Gateway 8 Challenge and explore Saratoga and Warren County’s most scenic hiking, biking, and paddling routes. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the trails, this challenge offers the perfect mix of stunning views and physical achievement.

Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and start your adventure today!

Lake Luzerne to Bear Slides Trailhead via River Road

Plan Your Route

Parking

Bear Slides Trailhead

Jennifer Kietzman, Hard Pack Road

Jennifer Kietzman, Swim Spot

Jennifer Kietzman, Mailbox

Jennifer Kietzman, Farm

Jennifer Kietzman, Window on the Hudson

Jennifer Kietzman, Buttermilk Falls

Jennifer Kietzman, Mossy Banks along Buttermilk Brook

Jennifer Kietzman, Trail View in the Woods

Scenic Stops &Hidden Gems

Nearby Adventures

Similar Routes

In and Around Northumberland