The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has developed a free mobile app to help users navigate the Adirondack Rail Trail and connect with communities, businesses, services, events, and attractions along the route.
The app is available through the App Store and Google Play. Users can access RailTrail.APP, a direct link that will automatically redirect to the appropriate App Store based on the user's device.
ROOST envisioned and designed the app with two primary goals in mind: to provide practical navigation support for rail trail users, and to encourage economic activity in nearby communities. By helping users identify nearby towns, villages, restaurants, shops, attractions, and services, the app makes it easier for people to extend their rail trail outing into the surrounding communities.
Users will be able to view their real-time position on the Adirondack Rail Trail, access trail information, and identify nearby communities and points of interest. The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile route through some of the most beautiful and remote areas between Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, NY. While the trail’s remote setting is central to the experience, having access to information, navigation, and nearby services helps users more fully enjoy the trail and connect with the communities along the route.
According to Adam DeSantis, director of economic development at ROOST, one of the app’s most important features is its offline capability. “Users can access key trail information and navigation tools even when they are outside of cellular or Wi-Fi service,” he said. “They can also search for nearby businesses and services and use the app to help navigate to those locations.”
ROOST partnered with UpNCoding to build the app. UpNCoding is a local software engineering bootcamp that trains the next generation of software developers while partnering with local businesses to give students practical, project-based experience guided by seasoned instructors. The partnership allowed ROOST to help provide valuable career training while creating a new tool for Adirondack Rail Trail users.
According to DeSantis, the project was funded through an Economic Development Administration grant designed to support local economies and strengthen tourism-related initiatives. “The grant aligned well with the opportunity to develop this app,” he said. “The app is designed to help people navigate this amazing outdoor resource, discover what is nearby, direct them to local businesses and services, and encourage more visitor activity in the communities along the rail trail.”
Information about the Adirondack Rail Trail can be found at: AdirondacksUSA.com/adirondack-rail-trail.
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is a destination marketing and management organization that leads tourism initiatives in Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the Adirondack communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. ROOST’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents by managing and diversifying the region’s tourism economy while promoting sustainable visitation.