Northville-Placid Trail

By Troy Zohner, 2020 Northville-Placid Trail Thru-Hiker

The Northville-Placid Trail is a 138-mile point-to-point backpacking route traveling through the lower elevations of the Adirondacks of New York. The well-marked trail offers frequent shelters and sees little traffic. Most hike the trail over 8-14 days. 

Region: Mid-Atlantic (Adirondacks, New York) 
Length: 138 Miles (8-14 days) 

Physical Difficulty: Moderate 

• Frequently wet and muddy, bridge-less water crossings
• Dense vegetation in less traveled areas 
• Biting insects much of the prime hiking season 

Logistical Difficulty: Moderate

• Abundant camping and water 
• Long shuttle between termini 
• Limited amenities at resupply points 
• Bear canister required for final 38 miles

Season: Late Spring, Summer, Fall 

Elevation: 770 to 3,008 feet 
Average Elevation: 1,927 feet 
Elevation Gain: ~9,200 feet

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Miles/Day	Days to Complete
19.7	7
17.3	8
15.3	9
13.8	10
12.6	11
11.5	12
10.6	13
9.9	14

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Hiking the Northville-Placid Trail 

As its name implies, the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) travels between the towns of Northville and Lake Placid in the Adirondacks of New York. While most people envision the Adirondacks as a mountainous region, the NPT mostly traverses lower elevations. Although relatively obscure among backpackers, the NPT was built in 1924, making it one of the nation’s oldest long-distance trails. 

While the trail briefly surpasses 3,000 feet at its high point, the NPT avoids summits and remains at lower elevations most of the route. Lower elevations don’t always equal easy hiking. The Adirondacks see abundant moisture that evaporates slowly. The NPT frequently passes through extended wet sections. Beavers thrive in the region and occasionally flood short sections of the trail. Roots and the frequent bog bridges along the trail become a tricky obstacle when wet, which is most of the time. 

Despite its obstacles, there are plenty of reasons to hike the NPT. Compared to better-known trails, the NPT sees little traffic. It’s not uncommon to go a day or more without seeing another hiker. If you are a fan of lakes and streams, the NPT doesn’t disappoint. There is always an opportunity for a dip to cool off or splash some of the mud from your legs. With the frequent lakes comes another treat: loons. Most of the lakes have a resident loon pair that serenade you. The first half of summer, a chorus of frogs join in on the forest music. Most of the lakes and streams are secluded and not easily accessed by day hikers. You will often have the bodies of water to yourself. The NPT travels through some of the most remote areas of the Adirondacks. The remote lakes of the West Canada Lakes Wilderness or loneliness of the Cold River will have you feeling far removed from the rest of the world. 

The entire NPT travels within the Adirondack Park. With the exception of brief road walks and short sections of private land, the trail mostly passes through public land. Along the way the NPT utilizes four Wild Forests and another four Wildernesses. 

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How to Get to the Northville-Placid Trail 

The NPT offers the unique advantage of starting and finishing in towns. 

Southern Terminus: Downtown Northville, New York, at the NPT arch 
Closest City: Albany, New York (59 miles) 

Northern Terminus: Averyville Road Trailhead, Lake Placid, New York (end of hiking trail at mile 136, counts as official ending point), or Old Lake Placid Train Station in Lake Placid (traditional end of trail at mile 138, not required for official hike) 
Closest City: Burlington, Vermont (60 miles)

Bus service travels to Lake Placid. The best option for either trailhead is to arrange a shuttle. The Northville-Placid Trail group on Facebook serves as the best source for finding shuttle options. My best recommendation is to ask for suggestions on the Facebook group page as your start date nears since availability can be sporadic on short notice. 

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When to Hike the Northville-Placid Trail 

The snow-free season on the NPT generally runs between late spring and early fall. The ideal time for a hike of the NPT runs from mid-August through early October. Both mud and bugs reach their low point during this time, with comfortable temperatures. Mid-September through early October have the added bonus of prime fall foliage color. 

Hikes in May are possible, but a few bridgeless water crossings run deep and dangerous. Recent snowmelt leaves the trail muddy and prone to damage. Blackflies will leave you in a state of madness. June improves slightly as mud begins to dry, with blackflies slowing down but more mosquitoes. July into early August offers long days and warm temperatures. Due to the trail’s proximity to water, the mosquitoes tend to linger, with abundant deer flies joining the frenzy during midsummer. Mid-August through early October lets you experience the best of everything the NPT has to offer. By mid-October, snow can fall with significant snow cover through April. 

The trail can be hiked in either direction. Traditionally, most hikers travel north. Northbound hikers finish in Lake Placid, which has abundant food and drink options to celebrate your accomplishment. Trail guides also are written for northbound hikers. Southbound hikers finish walking through a large NPT arch at the southern terminus. As far as resupplies or shuttles, neither direction offers a great advantage.

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Northville-Placid Trail Terrain 

The NPT travels over relatively tame terrain compared to the more mountainous regions of the Adirondacks. Generally the trail sticks to lower elevations as it travels between lakes or along streams. Occasionally the trail gains a low ridge as it travels between drainages but the elevation changes tend to be gradual. The trail’s high point of 3,008 feet is one of the few places with a steep, drawn-out climb and descent. The route features a couple other short, steeper sections, but gradual terrain is the norm. The real challenge comes with the wet footing of the trail. Expect boggy surroundings as the trail travels between bodies of water. Numerous stretches of bog bridges help at times but are frequently as slippery as the wet roots. During spring and big rains, a few bridgeless streams may be difficult to cross. The trail travels its entirety through dense forests, which hold in the moisture. About 3.5 miles of road walk lead in and out of Northville at the southern terminus and an additional 3 miles through the settlement of Piseco.

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Northville-Placid Trail Resupply

During my hike of the NPT, I covered the trail in six days and chose not to resupply for logistical ease. Although somewhat limited, a few resupply options will help lighten your load. 

Mile 42: Piseco, New York: At this time, the best choice is the post office. The NPT passes directly in front of the PO. At this time there are no stores. A couple of lodging options in the area will also hold packages some years. For the most up-to-date details, the Northville-Placid Trail group on Facebook is your best resource. 

Mile 86: Blue Mountain Lake, New York: Blue Mountain Lake offers limited resupply at a Stewart’s Shop 3.2 miles west of the trail and a post office 3.5 miles west. 

Mile 100: Long Lake, New York: Long Lake offers several small stores to resupply as well as a post office. Although a side trail leads to town, traveling west 1.5 miles on Route 28N is the easier option to reach town. Hoss’s in Long Lake also rents bear canisters, which are required as of 2021 between Long Lake and Lake Placid.

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Logistics: Camping, Water, Special Gear 

Camping: Although primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on state land, at least 30 lean-tos and 20 marked campsites can be found along the NPT. Most lean-tos also offer tenting nearby if full. It is strongly recommended that you carry a shelter and not rely solely on lean-tos, especially during the peak hiking season. At mile 86, the trail passes through a state campground that allows camping for a fee as well as pay showers. 

Water: The NPT never travels too far away from a water source. After a rodent chewed my bladder on the first night, I carried only a liter of water at any point and never worried about finding more or running low. Just be aware that many of the lakes and ponds also contain beavers. The NPT isn’t the place to skip water treatment. 

Special Gear: Bear Canister, Extra Socks, Water Shoes

Bear Canister: As of 2021 the entire High Peaks Wilderness requires bear canisters. This covers the northern end of the trail from Long Lake to Lake Placid. Rentals are available at Hoss’s in Long Lake. This regulation has been confirmed by several phone calls to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Extra Socks: Due to the wet nature of the NPT, an extra pair or two of socks, depending on time of year, beyond what you would normally carry may be worth the extra weight.

Water Shoes: A few unbridged water crossings, especially early season or in a wetter year leave you with wet feet. They also come in handy if you decide to swim in the many lakes or streams along the route.

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Know Before You Go 

Bear Canisters: The northern end of the trail passes through the High Peaks Wilderness. Prior to 2020, the wilderness was divided into eastern and western sections. The designation was restructured. Prior to the restructure, only overnight use in the Eastern High Peaks required bear canisters, not the western section with the NPT. With the restructure in 2020, the entire High Peaks Wilderness required bear canisters for overnight use. The regulation, however, was delayed. As of 2021, this regulation is supposed to take effect and will require NPT hikers to use bear canisters north of Long Lake. As of this writing, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) website does not make this clear. I personally spoke to two different people at the regional office and they both indicated that canisters will be required starting in April 2021. To avoid any confusion, I recommend calling the local DEC office at (518) 897-1200 before camping along the NPT section in the High Peaks Wilderness. Ursacks are not acceptable. 

Wet Environment: Don’t underestimate the soggy nature of the NPT. While the trail may be mostly dry by the second half of summer, the route passes near many boggy areas. Beaver activity usually occurs every year, resulting in short sections that become flooded or temporary reroutes. A pair of Crocs or similar shoes help greatly on the NPT. An extra pair of socks or two beyond what you normally carry are worth their weight. Early season and after extended rainy periods leave lingering mud and high water crossings. As with any wet environment, biting insects can be a problem. Any hike before September should include some form of insect protection, including a head net, in your kit. 

Official Thru-Hike Designation: Historically, the NPT traveled from the train station in Northville to the train station in Lake Placid. If you are concerned with a formal thru-hike, you need to hike from the southern terminus to the Averyville Road trailhead, just south of Lake Placid, covering 136.63 miles. If you want to stick to tradition, the guidebook still marks the way to the traditional northern terminus at the old Lake Placid train station for a total of 138.36 miles. The final 1.73 miles are covered by a road walk.

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Northville-Placid Trail Additional Resources 

Northville-Lake Placid Chapter of the ADK: Find useful trail planning info, buy maps and guidebooks, trail history, trail updates and notices, all things NPT.

Northville-Placid Trail Facebook group: A great source for recent trail conditions, find hiking partners, arrange shuttles, ask questions for trip planning, connect with NPT thru-hikers. 

New York DEC Adirondack Backcountry Information: Find regulations and use information for the Adirondacks or specific Wild Forests and Wilderness Area along the NPT.

Backpacking the Northville-Placid Trail: The author’s firsthand account of his September 2020 thru-hike of the NPT.

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