Construction of the first segment of the multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail path has been started between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid in the state's North Country region, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office on Wednesday announced. 

The 34-mile trail is part of the first of three phases of construction that is converting a former railbed into a corridor for biking, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. 

"New York is home to some of the nation's most scenic regions with spectacular landscapes and incredible recreational opportunities," Hochul said. "The Adirondack Rail Trail will be a premier attraction in one of our most picturesque regions, and will allow residents and visitors to experience the Adirondacks with ease, while also connecting them to countless local economies and communities."  

The new trail is expected to connect Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake in the Adirondack Park once it is finished by 2025. The trail is also expected to provide access to additional trails, campsites and waterways in the preserve. 

The first phase of the construction was part of a $7.9 million contract that included funding from NY Works and the Environmental Protection Fund. 

"The Adirondack Rail Trail will be a premier destination to connect New Yorkers to nature and attract more residents and visitors to the many recreational opportunities in this region," said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The start of construction is an exciting milestone in the Rail trail implementation and we look forward to the ongoing state, federal, Indigenous Nation, and local partnerships that will make this project a reality."