The Northville–Placid Trail is approximately 136 miles long, running from the southern terminus located in Waterfront Park in the Town of Northville, NY, to the northern terminus at the corner of Averyville Road and Old Military Road in Lake Placid, NY.
The original trail ran from the railroad station in Northville, NY, to the railroad station in Lake Placid, NY.
A thru-hike (or end-to-end hike) of the Northville–Placid Trail is considered to be approximately 136 miles long. This distance includes the 3.5-mile road walk through Northville before entering the woods at the Collins Gifford Valley Road trailhead. An official end-to-end hike also includes the approximate 3-mile road walk through Piseco, NY; a short road walk on Cedar River Road near Wakely Dam; and the 0.7-mile road walk on Tarbell Road in Long Lake.
The trail can be, and is, hiked both northbound and southbound. Most hikers travel northbound. The distance logs and trail descriptions in the ADK NPT guidebook are written from south to north, making them easier to follow in that direction than in reverse.
General Trail Information
Trail conditions vary greatly. Regardless of the type of hike you take, be aware that conditions can change frequently—sometimes even hourly. Be prepared for mud, trail relocations (both permanent and temporary), washed-out bridges, beaver activity, severe weather, biting insects, missing trail markers, and overgrown sections.
Maintaining trails requires significant effort. Due to state fiscal challenges, a down economy, and limited funding and volunteer support, keeping the Northville–Placid Trail in good condition is a difficult task. The Adirondack Mountain Club, its various chapters, members, and volunteers, along with the New York State DEC, cannot control the weather or insects, but they are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable trail experience.
More can always be done, and one of the purposes of this website is to raise awareness of trail issues and provide opportunities for people to get involved and help, and we hope you’ll consider joining the NPT Chapter to help maintain the Northville-Placid Trail for current and future generations.