Adirondack Mountain Club

Health insurance is required to participate in this program.

The Sidecutting on the North Country Trail project is a 3-day-long cooperative trail work opportunity for anyone ages 14 and up. No prior experience is necessary! During the program the group will The crew will be camping in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness during the project. This program is great for anyone who loves the trails in the Adirondacks and wants to give back to them. ADK’s crew leaders will instruct all participants on the use of the tools and the process to build sustainable trail infrastructure in backcountry settings. Come prepared to work hard, get your hands dirty, and have fun!

Our tentative itinerary is as follows: We will meet on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM, At the Cisco Brook trailhead. After group introductions and an overview of the project, the crew will hike in to their campsite. They will set up camp, have some lunch, and begin working on the project. Friday, the crew will spend about 8 hours working. On Saturday, the crew will continue working until early afternoon, when they will pack up camp and hike out. We will aim to be out of the woods and back at the parking lot by 4:00 PM.

While highly rewarding, trail work is also physically and mentally demanding. Participants should be prepared to carry heavy packs, hike up to 8 miles in a day, and work in the rain, bugs, and mud! We will work in virtually all weather conditions, as long as it is safe to do so. Non-motorized hand tools will be used to complete the trail projects. The project will be led by ADK’s professional crew leaders. Instructions on how to use the tools properly and safely will be discussed before beginning work by ADK crew leaders. While no prior experience is necessary, good physical condition, proper clothing, and proper equipment are a must!

ADK provides all the tools, personal protective equipment, food, and group camp gear (cookware, stove, fuel, and food storage) needed for the project. Upon registration, please indicate if you have any dietary restrictions so we can incorporate those into group meals.

*ADK reserves the right to deny participation if group safety will be compromised through an individual’s participation.