Adirondack Mountain Club

Health insurance is required to participate in the program. 

This trip demands a high level of physical fitness in order to complete it within the available daylight hours. ADK reserves the right to deny participation if group safety will be compromised through an individual's participation.

This is a guided four-day backpacking trip along a section of the Northville-Placid Trail (36.6 miles from Piseco to Northville). It is a cooperative group camping experience. The trip will be led by one or more of ADK’s Education Department staff, who are all NYS Licensed Guides and experienced, professional outdoor educators.

Please plan on meeting at the Collins- Gifford Trailhead in Northville, NY at noon. Please arrive packed and ready to hike. We’ll go through introductions, a trip overview and divvy up group gear before shuttling to the trailhead to begin our journey to our campsite.

Our tentative itinerary is as follows: On Day 1 we’ll drop off personal vehicles at the the trailhead on Collins-Gifford Valley Rd, and shuttle together to Piseco. From Piseco, we will depart for our 3.7-mile hike from the trailhead to a campsite at Hamilton Stream. On Day 2, we’ll hike 11.4 miles to the Silver Lake lean-to. On Day 3, we’ll hike 12.3 miles to a campsite at Woods Lake. Day 4 will conclude with a 9.5-mile hike to the trailhead on Collins-Gifford Valley Road. Plans are subject to change due to weather, trail conditions and numerous other factors. This trip will be physically demanding, especially if the weather is poor. Please be ready for long days and tired feet.

ADK will provide all group equipment (stoves, fuel bottles, cook sets, first aid kit, etc.) and bear canisters. Breakfasts and dinners will also be provided by ADK.  Participants are expected to provide their own lunches, snacks and their personal equipment. Items should be small in size in order to fit into bear canisters for overnight storage. Some equipment, like packs and tents, are available for loan. Please let us know well in advance if you require any equipment.

Prior Adirondacks hiking experience is highly suggested. Be ready for an authentic Adirondack hiking experience along steep, rocky, and muddy trails. Good physical condition, proper clothing, and proper equipment are a must.