Get out into some of the besting birding and cycling habitat in the Adirondacks.

Getting there

Turn right from Route 28 in Raquette Lake, drive 5.3 miles to the end of Sagamore Road, and turn right on Hunt Club Road.

From downtown Inlet drive 5 miles northeast to the Eighth Lake State Campground on the left. A day use fee is required.

By the numbers

3.5 miles one way

Hiking

This is a very easy trail to follow that goes through mud, rocks, and over fallen logs. Follow the main road through Eighth Lake State Campground. Continue straight along the wide trail where the road takes a left and you will soon pass over a bridge. At the first fork, turn left; right is a spur trail to Eagle’s Nest Lake.

At 2.7 miles there's a trail junction for Black Bear Mountain. Follow the signs to Uncas Road, which is also known as Brown’s Tract Road. At 7 miles from Route 28 the trail meets Uncas Road, which is a dirt road.

Cycling

This is a great section of single track that brings you to the old Uncas Road from Hunt Club Road, which is a snowmobile trail in winter.

The trail is maintained, but trees come down often. Also note that several bridges are out, but they can all be navigated while carrying your bike. Be careful because one washed out bridge is after a section of downhill trail, so it comes up rather abruptly.

Soon after that final bridge is a gate that can be ridden around. Then you will be at Route 28. At this point, turn right on Route 28 to head toward Raquette Lake and complete the 14-mile loop. Just be sure to turn right on Sagamore Road when you come to it.

Another option is to cross Route 28 and enter Eighth Lake Campground to make the ride about 22 miles long.

Birding

Expect to see Ruffed Grouse, Black-capped Chickadees and Golden-crowned Kinglets along the trail. Also spotted are Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hairy and Black-backed Woodpeckers, and Barred Owl.

Winter overview

During the winter this trail is snowmobile access only and not recommended for ski or snowshoe travel.