BARKEATER TRAILS ALLIANCE
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Who We Are
    • History
    • Annual Reports
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Community Partners
    • Blog
    • Gallery
    • Contact Us
  • DONATE
  • BIKE TRAILS
    • Bike Trail Conditions
    • Ride With Gratitude
    • Wilmington >
      • Flume Trails
      • Hardy Road (Beaver Brook)
      • Three Sisters (Quaker Mountain)
    • Lake Placid >
      • Lussi Trails
      • Loggers Loops
      • Craig Wood Trails
    • Saranac Lake >
      • Dewey Mountain
      • Mount Pisgah
      • Fowler's Crossing
    • Elizabethtown >
      • Otis Mountain
      • Blueberry Hill
    • Keene
  • SKI TRAILS
    • Conditions
    • Jackrabbit Ski Trail >
      • Lake Clear JCT to Pauls Smith's VIC
      • Saranac Lake to McKenzie Pond Road
      • McKenzie Pond Road to Whiteface Inn
      • Whiteface Inn to Mirror Lake
      • Mirror Lake to ADK Cascade Trails
      • ADK Cascade Trails to Keene
  • EVENTS
    • Wilmington MTB Festival
    • Kids' Summer MTB Series
    • Slow Your Roll Ride + Grill and Chill
    • 1000 ANIMALS
  • VOLUNTEER
  • MERCH

RECAP: Celebration at East Branch Community Trails, Keene

6/27/2025

0 Comments

 
Well over 100 people came out to celebrate the East Branch Community Trails (EBCT) in Keene, NY on June 7th. To all the folks who joined us there – bikers, hikers, and trail runners alike – thank you so much for joining the festivities and our effort to recognize everyone that is making this evolving trail network possible. The forecast was pretty bad, but somehow we were treated to perfect weather!

If you weren’t there, you missed a great day complete with hands-on volunteering (the skills trail we worked on is now rideable with features planned for the future); free drinks and BBQ treats; a few words of appreciation and support from key project partners; the opening of the new enduro-style descent trail Duzzi; and the high spirits that come when people gather to celebrate what’s been created through their hard work, collaboration, and dedication. 
​

As we did on the 7th, we want to express our gratitude to all of you who have supported this incredible trail network through your volunteering and donations. This project got started in 2021 thanks to the initiative of the Keene Youth Commission. The preliminary vision that BETA helped create led directly to an inspiring outpouring of support from individuals and foundations. Great trails aren’t easy to build nor inexpensive – we’ve invested or committed $178,000 of private funds and $145,000 of public funds for a total of $323,000 into this network so far. But once you’ve ridden here you know that trails this fun and well designed are worth it!  Thank you to the Cloudsplitter Foundation and People For Bikes for support with this phase!

As always, we hope you can join us at another BETA event in the near future. At East Branch we have an upper mountain trail already planned so we’ll have more to celebrate here before too long!
0 Comments

Latest Trail Work Updates

6/26/2025

0 Comments

 
In addition to the incredible work of independent volunteers across our region, our pro crew and contractors have been hard at work this season.  Here are some highlights:  

Wilmington
Early season, Dusty and Scott put in a lot of work at Hardy Road which included leading a volunteer work day to address erosion, rebuild drains, restore corners and manage vegetation.  A volunteer machine operator rebuilt a section of trail and features at Flobus in Three Sisters Preserve in late spring to improve the riding experience.  

Keene
Peduzzi Trails, with staff and volunteer support, has finished the enduro-style descent trail Duzzi and the tread for the skills trail (technical features for inclusion along the trail are being planned now) at East Branch Community Trails.  Visitors may notice another addition to the trailhead: a port-a-john at the parking lot which has been sponsored by a local family for the season.  This is quite the upgrade from the privy (a rare “open floor plan 3-seater”) tucked away in the woods.

Saranac Lake 
So far, staff and volunteers have tuned up the trails for the season and invested significant energy into laying the groundwork for upcoming projects in Saranac Lake. That groundwork includes reflagging a new connector trail from Park Ave into Mt. Pisgah, supporting a master trails plan for Mt. Pisgah, and planning new trails at Fowler’s Crossing that would add around 2 miles of high-quality trail to the network.

Lake Placid
Dusty and Scott recently finished the reroute on a number of steep climbs on Back Nine at Craig Wood with the help of volunteers.  We’ve already heard a lot of appreciation for how much better the trail climbs now.  Staff met with DEC to finish flagging a new section of the Jackrabbit ski trail that will bypass much of Mountain Lane.  And finally, work has begun on the new trailhead at the east end of the Jackrabbit near Rock & River!

Elizabethtown
Dusty and Scott have returned to complete work on the new climbing trail that began last summer at Blueberry Hill.  We anticipate a volunteer work day in Elizabethtown within the next 3 weeks and will share more details with you when we’re able – stay tuned.

To all the volunteers, staff, and contractors who steward these special places through respectful use and hands-in-the-dirt work, thank you so much for building and maintaining these trails.  Your hard work makes a big difference for our trails and community.  It is deeply appreciated.
0 Comments

BETA's Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival -- Everything You Need to Know

6/17/2025

0 Comments

 
The Wilmington MTB Festival is 3-day celebration of bikes and community with on-site camping, live music, local food & beer, group rides for all abilities, shuttles, a kids MTB race, and 25+ miles of beautiful Adirondack-style single track riding. This event is hosted by and in support of Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA)! Proceeds support the trails!

Whether you're brand new to this rip-roaring celebration of bikes, trails, and community or you're one of the folks who started it all, we've got all the info you need right here.  For more information, visit wilmingtonmtbfest.com -- to register, visit bikereg.com/wilmingtonmtbfest
REGISTRATION
Register by June 30th for early bird discount.  Prices below are not discounted:
  • Friday Night Dinner -- $25 (optional add-on)
  • Adult 3-day Pass with camping (ages 16 & up) -- $120
  • Adult 3-day Pass with NO camping (ages 16 & up) -- $65
  • Adult Day Pass -- Saturday Only (ages 16 & up) -- $45
  • Kids Event Pass (ages 6 to 15) -- $25 -- Please note: kids' registration for Hardy Kids Race is separate.
SIGN ME UP!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29th
Check in, Hardy Hour, & Welcome Party​

3pm to 7pm - Afternoon check-in for registered participants & campsite set-up.
4:30pm to 6:30pm - Hardy Hour Group Ride - Self-guided riding. Bring a cold beverage and finish your ride at the top of the All In trail. Meet other bike fest participants and locals.
7pm to 9pm - Welcome Party complete with food and tunes.  Dinners ($25 each and must be purchased in advance during online registration) cooked by Cadence Lodge, beats provided by local DJ Ben Sitts, and (regular-sized) bonfire stoked by Jim, Matt, and Wes.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30th
Group Rides, Live Music, and Big Bonfire​

8 to 12pm - Morning check-in for registered participants and walk-up registration
8am to 4pm - Group rides & shuttles (Wilmington and Lake Placid).  Group ride schedule example from 2024 (not yet updated for 2025) here.
4pm to 7pm - Live music by Spring Street Band
4pm til' bellies are full: Beer & Food by Hex & Hop, Two Jerks BBQ and Island Vybz.
7pm to 10pm - Live music by The Outcrops.
To enjoy the party, registration for Bike Fest is not required. Open to the community with a suggested $5 donation at the gate.

7pm to ? - Famous "Dangertown" bonfire and celebration of bikes, brews & BETA.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31st
Group Rides, Hardy Kids Race, East Branch Hang​

9am to 12pm - Morning group rides in Wilmington
8am to 12pm - Hardy Kids MTB Race
12pm to 4pm - Flowy Fun Laps and Fire Pits hangs at the East Branch Community Trails in Keene. With a big, open space and pavilion at the trailhead, this is a good place put your feet up for a few. Bring your lawn chairs, frisbees and coolers and lap leisurely. ​
2pm - 6pm - Food specials will be available at 
Monday Tuesday Grill, which is just across the road. 
CAMPING
If you will be camping on the festival grounds, you must purchase a camping pass
 regardless of if you’re sharing a campsite with other people.

LAYOUT:
  • Camping is provided on-site, located in the town park, utilizing the baseball diamond outfield area.
  • All campsites are 25 feet x 25 feet.
  • Tow-behind campers under 20 feet in length can be accommodated in an adjacent camping area, but please note there is no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups provided whatsoever.
  • Volunteers will be on hand to direct you to campsites and parking.
AMENITIES:
  • Campfires are prohibited at campsites, but there will be a bonfire in the festival village on Friday and Saturday night.  If you want to cook at your campsite please bring a camp stove or portable grill.
  • Port-a-johns and hand-washing stations will be located close (but not too close) to the camping area.  
  • There are no showers in the festival village but the town beach nearby (5 min bike ride) has an outdoor beach-style shower.  
  • Garbage and recycling facilities are provided.
  • Potable drinking water is available near the camping area at the Youth Center building in the town park.
REMINDER: Every individual person camping must purchase a camping pass when you register for the festival. ​
Picture
MUSIC -- ROCK & ROLL, BLUES & SOUL
Saturday night's soundtrack courtesy of live music by Spring Street Band and The Outcrops. 

You may remember Spring Street Band from Bike Fest 2024 -- they serve up a unique mix of old and new rock, blues and strong vocal harmonies. 
​
​The Outcrops hail from the woods of northern New Jersey and spend their days slinging original blues-infused rock'n'roll.  The rhythm section of the band brings a funk and soul feel that melds with the rock'n'roll strings and vocals, creating their band tag: Rock & Roll, Blues & Soul.
Picture
Picture
Have questions this blog post didn't answer?  You can find what you're looking for on the festival website: wilmingtonmtbfestival.com
0 Comments

BETA Awarded Grants Totaling $17,500

5/30/2025

0 Comments

 
Donations from individual people make up a majority of our funding. Grants provide a welcome boost to that foundational grassroots funding, but our work is made possible by members like you. Thank you to both new and long-time members for your vital support of BETA's work.

Recently, BETA has been awarded two separate grants: the Trail Capacity Fund from American Trails and the Community Enhancement Fund from the Town of Keene. 

​The Trails Capacity Program is administered by American Trails and primarily funded by Bronco Wild Fund, a Ford Motor Company program dedicated to connecting people to the outdoors, responsibly. The goal of the Trails Capacity Program is to invest in building trails community capacity nationwide through research, education and stewardship.  BETA has been awarded $7,500 that will support volunteer stewardship initiatives.

The Community Enhancement Fund from the Town of Keene will provide $10,000 to support construction at East Branch Community Trails. Primarily, it will support construction of Duzzi, the enduro-style descent trail currently under construction; a skills park trail; and a new upper mountain loop.
0 Comments

Calling Call Community Members!  BETA's 1-Minute Survey

5/22/2025

0 Comments

 
BETA needs your help to improve the way we share updates, stories, event information, and more with the community. Please lend us a hand by completing our 1-minute survey. Your input will help us understand how you use BETA communications so we can bring you the info you want, how you want it.
SHOW ME THE SURVEY
As a token of our appreciation, folks who fill out the survey can enter to win one of five free tickets to our next Backcountry Film Festival (date TBD).

Please fill out the survey today to help BETA understand how we can improve the ways we connect with the community. It will be open for one week and will close on Thursday, 05/29. Thanks everyone!

With gratitude,
The BETA team with our partner, GreatRange
Picture
0 Comments

Names for Trails at EBCT Decided

4/25/2025

0 Comments

 
Final results are in for the EBCT trail name survey!  After a whopping 156 responses, we have:
  1. Boulder Rush (new downhill on the northern side)
  2. Upstream (formerly "Climbing Trail")
  3. Vista Loop (formerly "Short Loop")
  4. Sentinel Loop (new hand dug lollipop off of Vista Loop)
  5. Duzzi (enduro-style downhill on the southern side; construction is not finished)

Many people left comments to the tune of, "High fives to everyone involved, these trails are great!"  Those comments put the wind in our sails, thank you for leaving them.

​Thank you to everyone who has helped the East Branch Community Trails become what they are today -- a network of incredible smile-inducing trails built for and named by the community.  We are so honored to build with you.
Picture
YOU'RE INVITED: Please join us in celebrating this treasured community resource on National Trails Day, June 7th, 2025.  Prepare for bikes, burgers, and buddies.  Stay tuned for more details.
Picture
Recent volunteer work at EBCT. As of 04/22 all trails were cleared, raked, and tuned up -- they are ready to ride.
Picture
The view from Sentinel Loop lookout, for which the trail was named. The peak framed perfectly is Sentinel Mtn.
0 Comments

Help Us Name Trails at East Branch Community Trails

3/8/2025

0 Comments

 
Big things have been happening at EBCT for years now, and that progress isn't stopping anytime soon.  We want your help with finding good names for the trails that need them (see the map below).  

After this first call for suggested trail names, we will create a short list of finalists from those suggestions, and then hold a round of voting to select our winners from the finalists.

How it works:
  1. Fill out the form to submit trail name suggestions.  You can submit names for as many or as few of the trails as you'd like.  Multiple submissions are fine, but please fill out the form again for new submissions.  Make sure your suggestions are easy to remember and pronounce as well as respectful and appropriate in order to give them the best chance to become a finalist.  The form will close at 11:59pm on Sunday, March 23rd.
  2. Submissions to the form will be reviewed in order to select a short list of finalists.  Note: we may mix and match names from separate submissions.
  3. Voting on the finalists will open in late March.  The link to that form will be shared here on our website, via our email listserv, and via Instagram and Facebook.  Voting on the finalists will close approximately 2 weeks later at which point we will have the winners for trail names.
Picture
Trail #1
This intermediate downhill-only machine-built trail was completed in the Autumn of 2024.  It snakes down the northern portion of the property and is accented by some incredible natural features (such as the boulder perfectly utilized for an optional jump as seen in the picture to the left).  This downhill trail is a bit rowdier and less refined than the green downhill trail, Downriver.

Trail #2
This trail has been called "Climbing Trail" for a while now -- there must be something more fun that we could call it, don't you think?  This trail is the main route by which visitors get to the current top of the system.  We have frequently heard it described as a "dream to climb" due to the skill with which it was built.  Switchbacks, short flat and downhill sections, and a low grade ascent all help make this trail manageable and enjoyable, a serious feat for a climb.
Picture
Trail #1 boulder jump. The line is from where the cameraman is standing more or less straight forward.
Picture
Trail #3 rocky viewpoint featuring Luke Peduzzi and Spud
​Trail #3
This loop (formerly known as "Short Loop") brings visitors to a rocky viewpoint (pictured left), now with a new and improved view.  A great spot for a snack and re-group.
Trail #4
This lollipop off of Trail #3 was hand-dug in the Autumn of 2024.  This undulating trail brings visitors to a viewpoint that perfectly frames Sentinel Mountain (see right) and has a couple of rocks to perch on in a small grassy clearing.
Picture
Entrance to Trail #4
Picture
Trail #4 view of Sentinel Mountain
Trail #5
This enduro-style, downhill-only trail is planned for construction in the Spring of 2025 (AKA very soon!).  It will be a hand-built trail and will demand advanced riding skills.  Having a hard time naming a trail you haven't ridden yet?  Envision your soon to be new favorite trail -- rugged, steep, technical sections, rock gardens, and tight corners -- then give it a name!
Cheers -- Time to Celebrate
We're having a party at EBCT in June
 to celebrate all the seriously awesome growth at this trail system as well as the myriad of folks who have made it possible.  Special thanks go out to Dusty and Kyra, Luke Peduzzi, Joe Pete Wilson and the Town of Keene, the Keene Youth Commission, and the members of the Keene LTC, but there are so many more we simply couldn't name everyone.  The community has benefited greatly from all the work and energy you've put into this project and it's about time we celebrate it. 

Stay tuned for details on that get together, but we're anticipating bikes, brews, food, and tunes on a Saturday in June.
0 Comments

How $155,000 From an Anonymous Donor is Amplifying BETA’s Work

2/19/2025

0 Comments

 
One of the biggest challenges for BETA in planning for trail seasons is knowing whether we will have enough funding on hand to hire trail building professionals – both as staff and contractors – and commit to the planning, landowner partnerships and day-to-day operations that go into every berm, turn, roller, and feature.

Last year, a $70,000 gift from an anonymous donor, combined with member support, grant funding and other public and private contributions, allowed us to commit to phase two of the trail work at East Branch Community Trails in Keene, invest in major trail improvements at Craigwood and Scott’s Cobble in Lake Placid, open the Jackrabbit reroute into the Sentinel Wilderness, begin construction of a new trail at Blueberry Hill in Elizabethtown, and more.

Without this major gift, the pace of the work would have been much slower, as in years instead of a single season. It also played a factor in enabling BETA to organize volunteer workdays that brought together well over a hundred volunteers who spent 2,170 hours clearing brush, tamping tread, moving materials, and lopping roots toward a greater good and collective sense of accomplishment.  

This year, the same donor was so pleased with our effectiveness in using the 2024 support that they are investing $85,000 in BETA. These gifts are a testament to the power of community. We thank every donor, member, and volunteer for enabling BETA to not just build trails, but to build community. A great big thanks to all! 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Pictures are from the July 20th, 2024 volunteer trail day at Blueberry Hill, one of many trail days supported by financial donors.
0 Comments

Backcountry Film Festival -- A Smash Hit

1/29/2025

0 Comments

 
​IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO SEE SO MANY OF YOU AT THE FILM FESTIVAL!
Picture
The crowd at North Country School and Camp Treetops' Walter Breeman Performing Arts Center (WallyPAC)
As BETA's first screening of the Backcountry Film Festival, we weren't sure what exactly to expect.  Measured in smiles, handshakes, and cracked cans it seems we can mark it as a sizeable success.  Shout out and thank you to the businesses, organizations, and volunteers who made this event possible.  Thank you to all attendees for coming out to the event -- your participation and investment in BETA helps us do what we do: advocate for, build, and maintain ski and bike trails that connect people to one another.
Picture
Forrest Barron climbing the Bowl, The Power of Four
Picture
Luc Mehl, The Glide, Alaska
In total, over 150 people joined us at the North Country School and Camp Treetops WallyPAC to enjoy a social hour with snacks, drinks, and good friends; two hours of hand-picked films highlighting both the deep thrill of winter recreation as well as the unstable future of those same activities; and introductions from some of our region's nonprofit leaders in protecting and expanding winter recreation.

We are already looking forward to hosting this film festival in the future. 
Picture
WE OWE SO MANY THANK YOUS!
We'd like to thank The Devlin Inn & Suites once again for supporting this community event as our presenting sponsor.  Thank you to the North Country School and Camp Treetops for lending us their space and thank you Larry Robjent for doing so much to coordinate this evening.  Thank you to Hex and Hop, Capisce Coffee, and High Peaks Cyclery for donating beer, hot coffee, and raffle prizes, respectively -- your donations added an element of excitement to the evening that was well-appreciated.  Thank you to Zach and Leah of the Adirondack Mountain Club and Ron of the Adirondack Powder Skier Association for telling us about the important work you're doing.  Likewise, thank you to Winter Wildlands Alliance for coordinating this film festival and for fighting on behalf of winter recreation interests on a national scale.

Thank you to BETA board members Karen, Bob, Thea, Kaley, and Wes as well as Toni, Linda, Sarah, and Becca for all your help to set up, run, and break down the event.  Once again, thank you to everyone who came out on a blustering January evening -- it was great to see so many familiar faces in the crowd.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Mount Pisgah Update: Thank You Cure Cottage Development, LLC

1/29/2025

 
Mount Pisgah has had some big developments lately.  Recently, the Village of Saranac Lake approved pitching in about half of the funding for a trail design plan at Mount Pisgah.  Another big win for the village-owned recreation area is a new land use agreement with Cure Cottage Development LLC that will grant public access to Mount Pisgah through their Park Ave property.  The planned trail is shown on the map below.

By granting public access through their private property, Cure Cottage Development LLC has facilitated safer access for the many bikers (including student members of the Saranac Lake Middle School Outride Club), hikers, and walkers who enjoy Mount Pisgah.  Accessing the trails by riding or walking on busy roads like Route 3 and Route 86 will no longer be necessary for many visitors.

We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to Wayne and Scott Zukin and Brian Draper of Cure Cottage Development, LLC for this incredibly generous decision.  It is a pleasure to collaborate with landowners like them who are committed to the safety and joy of our community.  Thank you!  
Planned Pisgah Connector on Trailforks.com
<<Previous
    UPCOMING EVENTS
    07/09: 1000 Animals Athletic Social Club Ride, Lake Placid

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

BARKEATER TRAILS ALLIANCE (BETA)
volunteer driven - member supported - human powered


Address

P.O. Box 843 - ​Lake Placid, NY 12946

Telephone

518.523.1365

Email

[email protected]
Privacy Policy
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Who We Are
    • History
    • Annual Reports
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Community Partners
    • Blog
    • Gallery
    • Contact Us
  • DONATE
  • BIKE TRAILS
    • Bike Trail Conditions
    • Ride With Gratitude
    • Wilmington >
      • Flume Trails
      • Hardy Road (Beaver Brook)
      • Three Sisters (Quaker Mountain)
    • Lake Placid >
      • Lussi Trails
      • Loggers Loops
      • Craig Wood Trails
    • Saranac Lake >
      • Dewey Mountain
      • Mount Pisgah
      • Fowler's Crossing
    • Elizabethtown >
      • Otis Mountain
      • Blueberry Hill
    • Keene
  • SKI TRAILS
    • Conditions
    • Jackrabbit Ski Trail >
      • Lake Clear JCT to Pauls Smith's VIC
      • Saranac Lake to McKenzie Pond Road
      • McKenzie Pond Road to Whiteface Inn
      • Whiteface Inn to Mirror Lake
      • Mirror Lake to ADK Cascade Trails
      • ADK Cascade Trails to Keene
  • EVENTS
    • Wilmington MTB Festival
    • Kids' Summer MTB Series
    • Slow Your Roll Ride + Grill and Chill
    • 1000 ANIMALS
  • VOLUNTEER
  • MERCH
Live Chat Support ×

Connecting

You: ::content::
::agent_name:: ::content::
::content::
::content::