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 three-day backpacking trip along a section of the Northville-Placid Trail (26.3 miles from Wakely Dam to Long Lake). 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 7:30 am at the Northville Lake Placid Trailhead in Long Lake, NY located at 8249 Newcomb Rd, Long Lake, NY 12847. 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 Northville-Placid Trailhead on Route 28N (Newcomb Rd), and shuttle together to Wakely Dam. From there, we will depart 8.1 miles to a campsite at Stephens Pond. On Day 2, we’ll hike another 8.1 miles to a campsite along the shores of Tirrell Pond. We will conclude our journey on Day 3 with a 10.1-mile hike, including a climb to the highest point of the Northville-Placid Trail, and ending at the trailhead along Route 28N. 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.

*ADK cannot guarantee a time the guided trip will be completed by.*

Northville-Placid Trail: Wakely Dam to Long Lake