A plan to remove a railroad line and replace it with a trail has now been approved by the Adirondack Park Agency making it likely to happen. They would remove a 32-mile portion of the historic railroad built in the 1800’s and put a relatively flat trail in its place. While doing this, they will also refurbish another portion of the rail that is more frequently used. The railroad was likely once used in the logging or mining industries but with new technology it is simply there for historic purposes. The private company that operates the railroad as a way to get deep into the park for tourists and hunters is fighting for the tracks. They are content that a portion is being refurbished but they also want to help get the rest of the track cleaned up as well.
This approval surfaces an interesting controversy. Is the historic value of the rail road more valuable than the recreational value of adding a new trail? Adding a flat trail will attract more bikers, skiers, and tourists who don’t want to hike the difficult trails. This could bring business and money to the park which is something that the park could use. At the same time, the railroad could be historically valuable to many of the park’s residents. With the increase in the number of people who come into the park to use the new trail, the park will hopefully benefit from the new Adirondack adventurers.
The next step in making this shift from rail to trail happen is for the state commissioners of the Environmental conservation and Transportation departments to approve. With backing from the Adirondack Park Agency, the likelihood of this happening is pretty high. Personally, I am looking forward to having another way into the interior of park!
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I think it's wild that just as we view the railroad as a part of Adirondack history, future locals, tourists and nature enthusiasts will likely view this transformation from rail to trail as a part of history too! I love that this is an example of how we can make potential positive changes to the park. I say "potential" in hopes that it will be used respectfully and will not inhibit or destruct the trail's natural surroundings. Though the railroad is historically significant, I think it's ever-important that we find to ways for people to enjoy the park in a natural and genuine way.
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