Adirondack Loop route surface

[Daniel S]

Hello,
Is the Adirondack Loop route all road surface or is there some gravel or dirt involved?  Considering the route and which bike to ride.
Thanks!

[mbattisti]

I am familiar with all the roads of this loop except for the southern most.  All paved, most with good shoulders

[BikeliciousBabe]

Right now they are probably covered in snow. 

[Daniel S]

Yeah, true!
Thanks....road bike it is.

[sdotkling]

Yup, all paved. And not a December thing, unless you're extremely hardy and have pedal cleats on your snowshoes. I did it in September, and it was E-M-P-T-Y. Short season up there.

[canalligators]

I rode the original route when first introduced, it's been modified a little at the south end.  As you might expect, there are some long climbs and some steep ones.  Of the alternatives, I recommend using the regular route across the north side of Whiteface Mountain.  It is a challenging climb to the toll house at the top, you'll likely walk a bit of it, but the views are great and the descent down the west side is wonderful.

For a great side trip, bikes are allowed up the road to the summit.  From the toll house, it is 8 miles at a fairly consistent 8% grade, doable even on a loaded bike.  The descent back down to the toll house is the most glorious thirteen minutes of riding I've ever done.  I plan to ride Wilmington to the top next year for my second time.

Be aware that the Lake Placid Ironman is July 26.  Part of the route may be closed that day.