September 2026 Trail Work Round Up: New Trails Open; Ski Maintenance underway

Volunteers, contractors, and the BETA trail crew have been checking trail projects off the list left and right. Here are some highlights:​

Jackrabbit Ski Trail | Paul Smiths, Lake Placid, Keene

• Replacement of the Bird Song Bridge in Lake Placid (below).
• Side cutting from Paul Smith’s VIC to Haul Road, Bird Song Lane to Craig Wood, Craig Wood to Route 86.
• Additional signage from Paul Smith’s VIC to Haul Road for easier wayfinding.
• New ramp and railing extensions at Bob’s Bridge near the Keene trailhead to make a safer entrance for skiers (below).
• Upcoming Jackrabbit Trail Work Projects
  • Railing replacement on Theresa's Bridge in Lake Placid.
  • Seasonal mowing with Tony Goodwin and Woods McCahill.
  • Volunteer day to clean drainage on McKenzie Pass from Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid on October 25th.
• Upcoming Trail Work Projects on Other Ski Trails
  • Side cutting at the Hays Brook trail in Paul Smiths. 
  • Blowdown removal and clearing in the High Peaks Wilderness 

Bird Song Bridge -- Early in the replacement process; crossbeam removal.

Bird Song Bridge -- After replacement. New stringers, sills, abutments, and decking.

Bob's Bridge near the Keene trailhead. Bridge and railing extension on the left.

Dewey | Saranac Lake

• Side cutting on Backgammon.
• Replaced failing sections of boardwalk on Backgammon and Risk.
• Rehabbed drainages on Operation.

Mount Pisgah | Saranac Lake

• Park Ave Connector Trail construction has begun. You can help with the project by joining us for a volunteer work party on Sunday, 09/27 from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Meet at the Mount Pisgah parking lot.

Finding creative solutions to get the old boardwalk out of Dewey.

Map of the planned Park Ave Connector Trail.

Corridor of the planned Park Ave Connector Trail.

Craig Wood | Lake Placid

• Rehabbed drainages on lower 19th Hole and bottom of Back Nine.
• The drainage on Duffer’s Delight was fully rehabbed.
• Volunteers and trail crew did some side cutting, drainage and tread improvements on the Scott's Cobble climbing trail.
• New climbing trail finished. This trail makes lapping Green and Gold Jacket easier.

Building up a new corner, making good use of the YARDMAX and trying not to disturb Rekker's nap.

Three Sisters Preserve | Wilmington 

• Town Connector Trail reroute – Tahawus Trails has been creating a reroute that preserves this valuable connection in anticipation of future development of residential lots.
• Flobus – Drainages cleared; brake bumps on berms smoothed out.

Kevin and Jen raking out the new surface on the Town Connector Trail reroute.

A section of the new Town Connector Trail reroute.

East Branch Community Trails | Keene

• Trail 8 is complete! This adaptive-friendly black diamond trail built by Peduzzi Trails opened in early September. 
• Help us find better names for Trail 7 and Trail 8; submit your name suggestions to this form by the 28th. A poll of the finalist options will be shared on our website, socials, and via an upcoming email – make sure to vote!