Brewster Peninsula Trails: A Short Yet Challenging Loop Near Lake Placid

Introduction: A Lakeside Marvel or a Technical Challenge?

Nestled on the outskirts of Lake Placid, New York, the Brewster Peninsula Trails offer a compact but challenging biking experience. While the loop measures a mere 2 miles, don't be fooled by its length. It comes with its own set of peculiarities that can either make it a delightful or frustrating ride, depending on what one is looking for.

Trail Basics

• Distance: 2 mi
• Level: Very Easy
• Route Type: Loop
• City: Lake Placid
• State: New York

Trail Composition: A Tale of Two Sides

Right Side Versus Left Side

• Right Side: A pleasant biking experience with moderate challenges.
• Left Side (Lakeshore Trail): A brutal root-infested stretch that can challenge even experienced riders.

Scenic Views

• View of the serene lake, and if you are lucky, Whiteface Mountain could be seen in the background.

Public Opinion: Love It or Hate It

• "Very short, rooty, wide, and flat, but the view is splendid."
• "A lot of the trail can be unpassable. Possibly suitable for fat tire bikes."
• "Best enjoyed on a bone-dry day. The scenery is top-notch, better than any other mountain bike trail in the area."

How to Get There

From Lake Placid, head toward Saranac Lake on Route 86. Just as you start climbing the hill past the large hotels, take a right onto the small driveway marked by the sign for the Brewster Peninsula Trails (near the Howard Johnson). Follow this less-than-half-mile road until it turns to gravel, and then park in the designated area.

Verdict: A Mixed Bag Worth Trying

The Brewster Peninsula Trails offer a split experience. The right side of the trail is a fairly standard ride, but the Lakeshore Trail can turn into an obstacle course filled with roots. This might deter some riders, but if one is looking for a technical challenge, this trail provides just that. Plus, the stunning views of the lake are hard to beat.Though it may not offer a long or adrenaline-pumping ride, the Brewster Peninsula Trails serve as a sort of litmus test for your technical abilities. And let's face it, not many loops allow you to test your skills while also serving up great vistas. So if you're in or around Lake Placid, give it a spin; it might just become your new after-work loop.