FOUR JACKRABBIT TRAIL UPDATES

New "Scott's Cobble" Trail Section Awaits Final Approval by NYSDEC: In 2022, BETA submitted plans to the NYSDEC for a new section of the Jackrabbit Trail in North Elba. The trail will traverse through a beautiful old growth hardwood forest on the north shoulder of Scott's Cobble in the Sentinel Range Wilderness, connecting Craig Wood Golf Course to the intersection of Mountain Lane and Route 73 and providing a more direct route for skiers touring between Lake Placid and Keene. The work plan for the project is open for public comment until early November.  With any luck we'll have all the approvals in place in time to clear the trail before winter.  Stay tuned for future volunteer opportunities.

Route Change at Craig Wood: This winter, there will be a modification to the designated winter route across the Craig Wood Golf Course. Skiers approaching the golf course from the north (via Theresa's Bridge) will now follow a clockwise path around the golf course, hugging the tree line and a portion of the groomed ski trail established by High Peaks Cyclery for the Scott's Cobble Community Trails. This updated route will lead skiers to the new "Scott's Cobble" trail section, which commences behind the lean-to in the southeast corner of the golf course. It will also loop around to the maintenance garage for skiers wishing to continue on the existing route across Route 73 to the Cascade Welcome Center trails.

Affordable Housing Development Preserves Critical Trail Section: Recently, a developer submitted plans to the North Elba Review Board for an affordable housing development on the "Peninsula" in Lake Placid. If approved, it will be situated behind Hannaford and Simply Gourmet, necessitating a rerouting of a portion of the Jackrabbit Trail. Rest assured, BETA is collaborating with the developer, and we've received assurances that public access across the property will be safeguarded at all costs. BETA will continue to work closely with the developers to plan the trail reroute, with construction expected to commence in 2025.
​
Public Access Restored on River Road: Starting this winter, Jackrabbit skiers will once again be permitted to traverse the farm fields at the former Snow Slip Farm on River Road. The property owners have generously reinstated public access to this section of the trail, eliminating the need for skiers to walk approximately half a mile between the steel deck bridge and Bird Song Way. The trail across the farm property will be clearly marked and open for skiing seasonally, from December to April.