Bikers are seen on the Adirondack Rail Trail between Saranac Lake and Floodwood Road. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — Bike Adirondacks and the Adirondack Rail Trail Association are hosting Adirondack Rail Trail Community Day on Saturday, June 21.

During this daylong celebration, participants will have the opportunity to join stewardship projects and explore the Adirondack Rail Trail with an interactive scavenger hunt featuring prizes provided by area businesses. The day culminates with a community party at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake with live music, food vendors, a craft beer garden and raffle.

“The Adirondack Rail Trail’s popularity as an all-season recreational destination is growing,” said John Brockway, chair and Treasurer of ARTA. “We are pleased to celebrate the trail at the beginning of summer with residents and visitors on this Community Day, and showcase the local businesses, and towns and villages along the trail, in partnership with DEC and Bike Adirondacks.”

The event is being organized and sponsored by Bike Adirondacks and ARTA. Registration for the scavenger hunt is $45 for individuals and $90 for families. There is no cost to participate in the service projects, but pre-registration is required. The event party is also free of charge.

“This event is designed to be a full day of interactive family activities that bring visitors and locals together to celebrate the Adirondack Rail Trail and the communities it connects,” said Doug Haney, owner of Bike Adirondacks, a Saranac Lake based bicycle tourism company. “Whether you participate in a service project, play the scavenger hunt or simply come to the party, this is a celebration for all.”

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Event schedule

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9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Open check-in and registration at Riverside Park

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Exploring the Adirondack Rail Trail/scavenger hunt

10 a.m. to noon: Volunteer service opportunities at various locations

4 to 7 p.m.: Event party at Riverside Park

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Scavenger hunt

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The scavenger hunts can be completed any time throughout the day. Participants will pick up their cards for the following options at on-site registration located at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake.

Short: 1 to 2 miles in the village of Saranac Lake

Medium: 20 miles out-and-back from Saranac Lake to Lake Placid

Long: 30 miles out-and-back from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road

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Volunteer service projects

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Participants are also invited to join optional volunteer service projects that will take place at various points along the corridor. Sign-up will happen during the event registration process and exact details will be emailed to each volunteer service project participant in advance of Adirondack Rail Trail Community Day. Each project is guided by a leader and all tools and materials will be provided.

Culvert clearing: To protect the trail from erosion and flooding, culvert intakes need to be cleared of leaves, sticks, and gravel.

Debris removal: The task here is to remove debris from the side of the trail, such as downed trees, to clear the area for mowing.

Ditch cleaning: In order to prevent erosion, this project will require pulling sticks, rocks and other obstructions that may impede the designed flow of water.

Timber rail treatment: This task involves painting a copper coat on the timber railing installed along the trail.

Invasive species removal: This project entails removal of Purple Loosestrife and Oriental Bittersweet from along the corridor.

Registration and complete event details can be found at /bikeadirondacks.com/events/adirondack-rail-trail-community-day. Proceeds from the event will benefit ARTA, a nonprofit stewardship organization promoting and maintaining the corridor.