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This is a great trail for a shakedown thru-hike, ultra-run, or fishing and camping.


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Map Key

141.2

Miles

227.3

KM

98%

Runnable

3,024' 922 m

High

781' 238 m

Low

12,875' 3,924 m

Up

12,070' 3,679 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (1°)

15%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The Northville-Placid Trail was established by the Adirondack Mountain Club in 1922 and is maintained by the NY DEC. The trail starts in Northville and ends in Lake Placid. The southern two-thirds of the trail gradually ascends to a central plateau, past Long Lake, the largest body of water along the route. The Northern third of the trail winds through valleys between the beautiful High Peaks until you arrive at the end in Lake Placid. The trail is heavily marked with blue trail markers that say NPT Trail. You can find more information about the NPT here

Run Sections

Need to Know

There is a ford over the West Carry Creek. It's a good idea to call a ranger when it's been raining or there's been a lot of snow melt to check the depth, as it can be hard to cross if the levels are high.

Runner Notes

Watch out for big rocks and many roots. There are also several muddy spots and some narrow footbridges.

Description

The trail officially starts at a parking lot on Main Street in Northville. There are plenty of local eateries and shops for any last minute items you may have forgotten. There's a trail register for you to sign and important safety information provided on a bulletin board.

After about a 3.5 mile road run to get you started, you get to another parking area with its own register at Collins-Gifford Valley Rd. The next parking area is at Benson Rd. and there's a beautiful camping area on Woods Lake. From here, you'll pass many lakes and streams and multiple designated camping spots.

The trail then heads north till you get to Piseco Lake where it comes out to Route 8. You'll follow Haskell Road for a ways before heading back into the woods. Along the road you'll pass a post office if you want to mail yourself additional supplies ahead for pickup. Check the post office hours though so you don't have to wait around.

You'll be going through the Jessup River Wild Forest and then the West Canada Lake wilderness area and straight up through the Moose River Plains wild forest. When you get to the West Canada lake wilderness area you'll start to find many lean-tos that are in great shape. When you come out to Route 30 you'll be at the Lake Durant Campground; here you can have a hot shower and get some fresh water if the campground is open. If its not, there is another store just down the road a couple miles.

The next road you'll come to is route 28N. After you cross 28N you'll be going along Long Lake for awhile. It is gorgeous and there are lean-tos all over the place in this neck of the woods, which make for great camping or nice picnic spots.

Good luck and happy running!

Flora & Fauna

There are many wildflowers and all kinds of wildlife along the way.

History & Background

The Northville-Placid Trail was established by the Adirondack Mountain Club in 1922.

Contacts

Shared By:

Sarah M

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 4 votes

#1

in Northville

#1020

Overall
  5.0 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Northville

#15

in New York

#1,020

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21 Views Last Month
9,233 Since May 13, 2015
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Photos

Lake Durant at sunset
Mar 1, 2019 near Lake Pl…, NY
Looking out onto the lake from the lean-to
May 14, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
6 am ....one quick pic before we set off for the day
May 14, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
Very cool bridge that crosses South Lake
May 14, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
Getting ready to make some dinner after a long day's hike.
May 14, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
Another great view along the Northville-Lake Placid Trail
May 14, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY

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