The Best Snowmobiling in New York

New York is home to thousands of miles of backcountry and groomed snowmobile trails, with the Adirondacks leading the way in quality and quantity. Winding for miles around snow-covered forests, along frozen rivers, and through picturesque communities, the Adirondacks are "the place" to snowmobile in New York. Coordinate with friends and family, and create a NY snowmobiling experience you can't find anywhere but in the Adirondacks.

snowmobiling in the Adirondacks

As one of the East Coast's premier snowmobiling destinations, Adirondack towns and villages offer interconnected trail systems, lodging, and restaurants catering to the sledding community. Discover the best terrain in the Tughill Plateau, or connect to 700 miles of trails that wind around the St. Lawrence Region. ATV and snowmobile riders can expect to find secluded trails, dining and vacation packages that exclusively cater to sledders visiting the Adirondacks. It's a New York snowmobiling destination that simply cannot be matched.

Adirondack Region Snowmobiling Areas

Adirondacks Tug Hill Plateau

Adirondacks Tug Hill Plateau is the mother of all Adirondack snowmobiling destinations offering wide-open trails, and lots of them. Located in the western Adirondacks, the Tughill Plateau offers an off-the-well-sledded-path snowmobiling experience. Hundreds of miles of groomed trails, as well as restaurants and Adirondack lodges, that cater specifically to the sledding community, make the Plateau a perfect snowmobiling destination. The 200-300" of annual snowfall doesn't hurt either. And bonus, you can connect to snowmobile trail networks in Canada and across New York State.

Lake George Region

The Lake George Region offers a variety of snowmobile sledding experiences with more than 200 miles of trails. Take a guided tour through Prospect Mountain, or check out the Thurman Trail system, a network of nearly 80 miles of trails that wind through the Adirondack Foothills. Though many of the trails cross private land, access is granted to snowmobilers.

Adirondack Seaway Region

The Adirondack Seaway in St. Lawrence County offers one of the most extensive trail networks in the Adirondacks, offering access to more than 500 miles of snowmobile trails traversing Cranberry Lake, South Colton, and the Brasher State Forest. Connect to larger Adirondack trail systems and find lodging, gas, and food along the way.

Saranac Lake Region

Saranac Lake is crisscrossed with hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails. The close-knit local community of outdoor enthusiasts turns snowmobiling into a social adventure that spans miles and borders.

Adirondack Coast

The Adirondack Coast hosts SnoCross each January. For two days, see the best snowmobilers in the industry fly, flip, and soar through the air - then hit the trails and sled along the frozen shores of Lake Champlain.

Adirondack Experience Region

The Adirondack Experience region is home to the Moose River Plains' backcountry trails, which can be accessed via two state-operated entrance gates. Representing the largest block of remote Adirondack public land that is accessible by snowmobile, the Plains are located off State Route 28 in the town of Inlet, NY. Inlet is also home to professionally groomed snowmobile trails that connect to hundreds of miles of surrounding community trails.

Schroon Lake Region

The Schroon Lake Region in the eastern Adirondacks features groomed snowmobiling trails that wind along the lake and dart into the forest. Enjoy close proximity to Lake Placid area attractions.

Tupper Lake Region

In Tupper Lake, miles of scenic, well-groomed trails follow the New York Central Line (C7). They connect to neighboring trail networks while staying close to amenities, making the perfect area for snowmobile enthusiasts.

Malone Region

Malone provides a scenic and convenient atmosphere for a cruise with friends, with many shops open where snowmobilers can gear up, and miles of backcountry trails. Located near the Canadian border, Malone offers a vast interconnected system of snowmobile trails, as well as sled and stay packages for overnight guests.

Snowmobiling Safety Tips

Riding or driving a snowmobiling can be an incredibly fun winter activity, but it is also one of the most dangerous. Please always use caution while riding and follow our snowmobiling tips and safety advice to ensure you have a safe and fun winter season in the Adirondacks.

Know your abilities

It is so important to understand your level of expertise and to only drive at speeds that will allow you to keep control of your sled.

Carry a compass and map at all times

Bring these along with you even if you are familiar with the trails. Snowdrift and unexpected storms can alter the look of trails, making navigation harder.

Know your signals and relay them to the sledders behind you

This tip is especially important when making turns or crossing roadways. The best way to ensure your group's safety when crossing a road is to post a guard at the crossing to signal and stop sledders when traffic is present. Do not stop within an intersection and stay to the right on the trails and roadways.

Look for the Snowmobiling Permitted signs

Keep an eye out for snowmobiling signage along routes and roads throughout the Adirondacks. These trail markers designate routes that are open to sledders. Also look for Stop signs, No Snowmobiling, and other common traffic signs like Caution and Bridge Ahead. Follow the signs and stay safe.

Follow the leader

If snowmobiling in a group, stick together. And remember, a safe distance for following is three to four sled lengths from the sled ahead and behind you.

Trail Etiquette

Many of the trails in the Adirondack region are multi-use. Cross-country skiing trails link to sled trails and wildlife have free reign. Exercise caution and safe speeds when in multi-use areas and slow down when encountering skiers, walkers, snowshoers, or animals. Additionally, yield to faster sledders and groomers, pull off of the trail if you need to stop, and do not stop side-by-side with another snowmobile on the trail.

snowmobiling on Adirondack trails

Regional New York Snowmobiling Contacts for Maps & Information

The beauty of New York's Adirondacks is that each region has its own unique topography that allows for unique snowmobiling trails and weather patterns. Visiting each offers different experiences that makes it impossible for each trip to be the same. Contact snowmobile clubs and cities for details about current weather and trail conditions. Snowmobile tour operators throughout the Adirondacks also offer safe riding instruction, rentals, and guided tours through some of the region's most scenic places.

Note: All snowmobiles must be registered with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle Office.

Snowmobiling Trails, Rentals, & Associations

More Winter Activities

skiers and snowboarders in the Adirondacks

Skiing & Snowboarding

Hit the Slopes
cross country skiing at Mt VanHoevenberg in the Adirondacks

Cross Country Skiing

Nordic Skiing
bunch of snowshoes in a circle

Snowshoeing

Deep Snow Treks