Morning Ride: Schroon River to Schroon Lake

Schroon River

Early morning bike rides in the Adirondacks have specific appeals – the beauty of the environment, the cool breezes during your stops before the heat and humidity settle in on a summer day, and if you so choose, the chance for quiet solitude as you enjoy views of the water and mountains. Those were the conditions on a weekday morning in August for a ride along Schroon River and Schroon Lake to the hamlet of Adirondack. This ride begins at the Murray Memorial Bridge Parking Area in Riverbank, just east of Exit 24 of the Northway, a scenic 40-minute drive from Saratoga Springs.

After crossing Bolton Landing-Riverbank Road, I headed north on the lightly rolling hills of Schroon River Road, first through a wooded area virtually free of traffic. Soon the Schroon River came into view to the east, through the trees in the bright early morning light.

The road hugs the river fairly closely for much of the five-mile distance to Route 8, which calls for a full stop to make sure crossing the more heavily-trafficked state road is safe.

Just after going straight across Route 8 to stay on Schroon River Road, I came to the Crossroads Country Store on the right, making a mental note of the adjacent Crossroads Ice Cream shop for future reference.

Half a mile or so later, the road crosses the river at Starbuckville Dam, which offers a popular spot for fishermen, on this day including one hardy soul starting his morning by wading in the light rapids just below the dam.

Adirondack General Store

Shortly after crossing the river, I turned left onto East Schroon River Road, aka CR 64, with the views of the river now to my left. For the next four miles, the views alternated between the widening Schroon River on one side, and wooded areas and farmland on the other.

At the 10-mile mark of the trip, I turned right on East Shore Drive, aka Adirondack Road, and soon encountered another prize of the ride: sweeping views of Schroon Lake to the northwest, and striking views of the High Peaks in the distance. 

After four-plus miles on East Shore Drive, at the Town of Horicon Public Beach at the easternmost edge of the lake, I turned right on Johnson Road.

In less than another half-mile I reached the Adirondack General Store, a popular destination in this region of the Adirondacks for decades. While I arrived midmorning rather than mealtime, I heartily recommend lunch in the store’s dining room, or carrying your sandwich across the road to enjoy it in a shady public park.

My ride this day concluded with a pleasant return trip along the same route to the Exit 24 parking area. The total distance I recorded was 29 miles in just over two hours, with just a 630-foot accumulated elevation. So for those seeking a ride to experience the beauty of the Adirondacks and its rivers and lakes without a lot of hill climbing, this ride comes highly recommended.