Looking for the best trails around Essex?

Explore the best rated trails in Essex, NY, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and Cross Vermont Trail . With more than 34 trails covering 400 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

Adirondack Rail Trail

Saranac Lake to Floodwood Outpost

July, 2025 by luvmts

This trail ROCKS! We rode from Saranac to Floodwood Outpost maybe 20 miles. The section we rode is not on the TrailLink map (yet). The Adirondack Rail Trail group has an excellent map of all the trail, from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, well worth getting if you plan to ride this.
As we rode past Rat Pond, we encountered a moose swimming across the pond being chased by two angry loons. And as we found out latter, seeing a moose in the Adirondacks is a rare event.
The trail surface is gravel and well maintained on a nice gentle grade. Around wet or marshy areas there are wooden fencing in place. And at the trail access points there are porta-potties (clean!). All in all, this is a great trail.

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

Great trail

June, 2025 by albertinemerriman

On a sunny day, you can't beat this lovely ride! P.S. I can't beleive someone used a Trail Link review to attack Democratic legislators for trail closures due to flood repairs. Remember that the president and the GOP have slashed funding for parks and recreational sites across the entire country. Park and trail maintenance is critical and without it, parks decline and decay. But the Trump Administration is prioritizing Billionaires over families who just want to hike and camp and bike in our beautiful hills and valleys. I hope Congress will come to its senses and go back to funding these parks ... they are our heritage and refuge.

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

The grift continues on this rail trail there is money to repair old unused rail station while the rail trail is closed from St Johnsbury this is what happened when Democrats run your state.

June, 2025 by steve80

The grift continues on this rail trail there is money to repair old unused rail station while the rail trail is closed from St Johnsbury this is what happened when Democrats run your state.

Accordion

Island Line Trail

Spectacular ride

June, 2025 by rockieslights

Enjoyed the trail on a sunny June day with temperatures in the low 60's! It does get crowded near the waterfront, but the trail is wide enough that it never became an issue. We loved the views of Lake Champlain and also some of the beautiful houses that are next to the trail. It's a very level ride. More riders than walkers on the day we were there. Every bit of this trail offers something new. One of the most entertaining trails I've ever ridden.

Stowe Recreation Path

Beautiful scenery

June, 2025 by rockieslights

An enjoyable ride, but like a few reviewers have said, you have to work a little for it. 11 bridges on the 5.3 mile trail and if you meet a rider going the other way it's a tight fit. It can be crowded. But the combination of wildlife, views and nice restaurants and shops is really hard to beat. Just bring some patience. The people I encountered were all really friendly...but there was a lot of them. It's a trail well worth a visit.

Adirondack Rail Trail

rail trail

June, 2025 by ottaviniadonna

We walked from the parking lot on 86 into Saranac lake Depo. What a wonderful walk. The trail is wide enough for everyone to enjoy. They were planting lots of new trees along the path. There were no bugs¿¿¿¿

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

Highgate to Fairfield

March, 2025 by apnichols

love this trail and am really looking forward to more good-weather days ahead. I managed to get out for a ride this afternoon after a quick rain shower moved through, and it turned out to be a decent day. Despite the recent rain—and even snow just two days ago—the trail was in great shape between Highgate and Fairfield. I rode 15 miles out and back for a total of 30 miles. Smooth ride, beautiful scenery, and well-maintained conditions. Can’t wait to be back out there again soon! Better weather is coming…

Adirondack Rail Trail

Dangerous Mixed Use

January, 2025 by sharkey.js

X-county skied the trail. Found it was it was heavily used by snowmobiling which was ok 85% of the time because they shared the trail respectfully. The other 15% maintained high rates of speed when passing, enough so we found it best to stop and stand to the side when they passed. One in particular proved a point passing within 10” of us. Would not recommend for mixed use.

Island Line Trail

Crowded on summer weekends

December, 2024 by traillink928

We rode out to the ferry on Sunday Sept 1, 2004, which was a very warm beautiful day. The causeway was too crowded to do anything other than ride single-file each way, with few opportunities to pass. User 'daniellefort' was correct about weekends but also correct about the nice little beach bar which we hit on the way back and that was wonderful on our hot day.

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

Three trees down between miles 21 and, I think, 22

October, 2024 by pianomath

The trail is beautiful ... and there are three trees that were blown down a few days ago. Clearing them out requires a chainsaw or a group of strong people. It is possible to walk around them. If possible, I will post some photos. It's unfortunate that I see no way of communicating this directly to the State of Vermont.

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

Trail closed at I91 westbound. DANGER Do not enter sign. Gate across trail.

September, 2024 by kroselle25

Trail closed at I91 westbound. DANGER Do not enter sign. Gate across trail.

Island Line Trail

Scott

September, 2024 by theblur18

Wonderful trail to ride. Not hilly. We did it with ebikes and had a blast!! Gets busy in town but when you get farther out busy but not congested. Beautiful scenery the whole way. Some little parts through housing developments but still very open.

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Accordion

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