Adirondack Park International Paper Company Road
Active logging roads through private Adirondack timberlands
This extensive network of active logging roads cuts through 45,000 acres of International Paper Company timberlands between Tupper Lake and the Saranac Lakes. Originally built in the 1920s for timber extraction, these well-maintained gravel roads provide access to remote ponds, hunting camps, and active logging operations. The main spine road runs 22 miles east-west, with dozens of spur roads leading to fishing spots like Little Clear Pond and the headwaters of the Cold River. Watch for massive logging trucks — they have right of way and won’t slow down.
Easy to moderate difficulty on well-graded gravel roads suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles. Open year-round except during active logging operations or mud season restrictions. Purchase required access permit from International Paper for $35 annually. Best visited June through October when roads are driest. No dispersed camping allowed on company land, but nearby state campgrounds provide options. This working forest offers a glimpse into the Adirondacks’ timber heritage while accessing truly remote country most never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 22 mi / 35.4 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1680 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Tupper Lake, NY |
| Land manager | International Paper Company |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee or 4Runner handle this trail without modifications?
Yes. The trail is graded gravel with only 800 feet of elevation gain over 22 miles, so any stock high-clearance vehicle handles it fine. A lifted rig is overkill here — this isn't a rock crawl.
When is the IP Road open and are there seasonal closures?
Best window is June through October. Spring mud season (typically April–May) often triggers closures because active logging equipment tears up the road and the land manager restricts access to protect the surface. Check conditions before heading out.
Do you actually need a permit to drive the IP Road, and where do you get one?
Yes, a permit is required because this is private International Paper Company timberland, not public land. Contact IP directly or check with the Adirondack Park Agency for current access agreements — the permit process has changed over the years and you don't want to get turned around at the gate.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect driving it?
There's no genuinely difficult section — this is a scenic gravel logging road, not a technical trail. The main hazard is active logging trucks moving fast on narrow roads, so pull over and yield immediately when you see one.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and are there places to camp along the route?
Cell service is essentially zero for the entire 22 miles — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you leave Tupper Lake. Dispersed camping is not permitted on IP private timberland, so base camp elsewhere and run this as a day drive.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.