79 Comments

  1. I was planning on hiking to Spruce Lake lean-to #2 from the Haskell Rd. trailhead on Monday 06/29 and staying the night and then hiking back on Tuesday 06/30. Looking at the future weather report for the Piseco area on those dates, it calls for, what looks like, some decent rain for Saturday and Sunday preceding. Is this hike still doable and safe then on Monday? Will the Jessup and the other creeks and streams on the way up be too swollen to safely cross? Any assistance is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

    Mike B.

  2. is there a shuttle service for thru hikers to leave their car at the end and get shuttled to another point on the trail

    • Duct Tape, thanks for the FB link…but, not on FB. Any other options for making a connection with a lady who would be open to doing a shuttle? Thanks so much.

  3. Northville-Placid Trail has been included in a new post on the CDPHP blog, The Daily Dose. At CDPHP, we love hiking! And, we love New York and all of the great natural resources it offers, including a variety of hiking and walking trails. That’s why we wanted to offer New Yorkers a great resource to help them discover spots across the state where they can find wellness benefits, as well as an appreciation for the outdoors in summer.

    Since fitness and health is so important for everyone, the accompanying blog post and map are designed to help New York residents and tourists find fabulous outdoor adventures, while getting exercise.

    If you would please consider a link to the blog post and walking/hiking trails map on your website that would be wonderful. As well, sharing on social media would be a great way to help our friends and neighbors to discover new places, appreciate nature and do great things for their own health and wellness.

    The link to the Walking New York map and listing is here: http://blog.cdphp.com/community/walking-new-york-your-path-to-better-health/

    If you have any questions, or for more information, please contact me at aschreff@cdphp.com.

    Thank you!
    Allie Schreffler

  4. Where can I get current information (Summer/Fall 2015)about the NPT reroutes? I am interested in maps, trail descriptions, etc.

    Thanks.

  5. Just wanted to let you know that I am the new lean to adopter for Moose Pond (the lean to list is not updated). Thanks again Kevin for transferring this lean to to me! I enjoy giving back!

    • Tony just saw this note I Know you are the adopted For moose pond we will update. We usually put the list up we receive from the ADK annually and make changes once a year that is why it wasn’t updated. Thanks for making us aware of it. I enjoy giving back as well!!!

  6. Leanto Rescue and the DEC are planning to repair the Moose Pond Leanto this year. The project includes replacing the roof, a couple of burned floor boards and the front and back deacon logs.

    Since the leanto is 8 miles in, we have requested that the materials be flown in. The DEC has indicated that they will do this during their spring flights if possible.

    In preparation for the repairs, Tony Oehler and I will be stripping the roof and prepping the debris to be flown out. This will happen in the next couple months to support the DEC flights.

    • Yes. Access to the NPT from upper benson is still available. The old NPT to the bridge is a marked spur trail. Once you cross the bridge over the W Branch of Stony Creek, take a left on the trail, heading upstream. The compass bearing is South which may confuse some.

  7. Hi there,

    My Friend and I are planning a full hike of the NPT from APRIL 22 – 30. We are wondering what the conditions of the trail are right now and what the situation is with a shuttle of any kind?

    Any information is really appreciated.
    Thank you.

    • Hi sorry for the delayed response. Typically this early InThe year there would still be snow in spots on the trail but not this year. You can expect mud always but more in spring. If you are starting from the Arch in northville which I assume you are since you said you are hiking the whole trail. Then you may have an issue crossing the west branch or Stoney creek about 8 Miles into your hike. This crossing is slated to get a bridge in 2017 but currently is a 90′ ford and it’s running pretty good right now. Other than that it should be a good time to hike with no bugs. Shuttles are tough the best thing to do is ask for help on our Facebook page there are over 1000 members on there that love to help if available. There is a hostle tmax and topos that does some shuttling I don’t known the fees. If you have other questions feel free to contact me directly.

      Bill. Nptstewardship@gmail.com

  8. I am co-trails chair for the Albany chapter. We have adopted the Sucker Brook trail. We are in the process of planning a re-route of the western half of the trail to avoid the 10 major stream crossings and the flooded trail due to beaver activity. The short section between the NPT and the Cedar River is extremely difficult for us to access and I would like to discuss with you taking over the maintenance for that section. Please reply to my e-mail or call me at 518-674-8121. Thanks.

    • John

      Thanks for reaching out to us.I have spoken to Russ Byer trail steward for suckerbrook junction to Cedar dam. Russ travel in on the suckerbrook trail and would be happy to take over the roughly 1 mile section you are asking about as he travel thru there anyhow. I am glad that will work out for everyone if you have any question or want to discuss it more please contact me directly Bill Celentano at nptstewardship@gmail.com

    • HI Jeffrey – The NPT Chapter offers guided section hikes throughout the year. Keep an eye out on the calendar of events for the trips to be posted. Also, if you haven’t already sign up to receive email notifications for this website so when we post about outings you will be notified.

  9. Hello,
    Are there shower facilities near the trail? I’m assuming Long Lake has Motels and Laundromats. Is there a campground or motel near Piseco or Blue Mt. Lake that would be open in September? Thanks for the info.

  10. Hello,
    I have recently started the journey to becoming an eagle scout, and i was wondering if anyone could give me contact info of someone who could approve project ideas or inform me of projects that should get done.

  11. Can someone tell me is it easier to hike from the trail head at Benson to Northville or to go the other direction. I want to finish the trail but getting older every day!

  12. Fellow Hikers:
    Does anyone have and good ideas on how to arrange a ride from Gloversville to the trail beginning in Northville?
    Sure I could call a taxi/ Uber/ Lyft.
    I will be coming up from NYC on the train to Amsterdam, NY and then bus to Gloversville in a couple of weeks near July 18th. Planing on doing the whole trail. I did Blue Mountain Lake to Placid twice decades ago when Trailways had a route right to Blue Mountain Lake.
    Thanks,
    Steve

  13. Promised information on this site lacking. Is there a bridge over W. Stony Creek? If not, is it currently passable?

  14. Does anyone know if there is somewhere in Syracuse I can buy a NPT map and/or guide? Looking at a last minute section hike & time is therefore the issue vs. online ordering. Thanks!

  15. Hi Russ,
    I’m headed out on NPT July 29 from Benson and seek info on the likelihood of a bear encounter. Planning on doing the whole trail to Northville in segments with two days out in between each one. Any info on current conditions would be appreciated. I may end up alone for some of the trail. Hear it’s muddy. What is the best footwear for such conditions? I would appreciate any and all advice and info.

  16. I finished the trail with my significant other and at each register I wrote down 2 in my party. Will he be able to get a patch also? He did not write his name in the register, I only wrote two in my party??

  17. TlI hiked the trail in 2015. I am hiking the section from Wakley dam to Lake Durant next week. I was wondering if there were any surprises on the trail? Any problems on the trail?

    • Have a great hike, Marti!
      A group of NPT members just finished a through hike. Maybe one of them will comment on trail conditions?
      Health and Happiness!

  18. How I get a login for the interactive trail maps? I.e., how to register. Registered for the forum, but that didn’t work either.

    • Hi David, Sorry for the delay in response. There is no log in for the interactive trail map. What you are seeing is an admin log in. If you want to provide a trail condition update just click on Feedback and follow the instructions.

  19. Hey Matt, I thruhiked the NPT in 2013 but never did a log or anything. I’d really like to get one of the patches to put on my new pack. I’ve been doing a lot of long hikes the last couple years and had the patches but someone stole all my gear recently so I’m replacing the patches. The NPT was the first long hike I ever did and I’d really really love a patch. I’ll gladly purchase one. Thanks.

    • Hi Michael, Sorry for the delay in our response. In order to get a patch you must submit a trail completion form to the Schenectady Chapter of the ADK.

  20. Hi! Just wondering if there are any additional requirements of Canadians looking to get the patch. Should I send a self-addressed, stamped envelope or additional funds?

  21. Planning a section hike Northville to Piseco first week in may 2018. wondering the conditions of the ford at west stony creek.

  22. Hi. I wonder if you fine folks can tell me if the actual NPT (with the exception of the new southern re-route) is the same as is shown on the topo map found in the 4th edition NPT guide.

    And, in your opinion, if you already have the 4th edition guide, is it really worth it to get the 5th ?

    I thru hiked the trail back in 1998. I’m anxious to return and see all the improvements that have been made by the hard working trail crews over the years.

    Thanks.
    Janet Stein

  23. I want to report on my trail maintenance of a section of the NPT north out of Lake Durant, especially a severely partial collapsed two six-inch stringer bridge to the O’Neil lean-to. I can send a picture. Who do I contact?

  24. Hi. Am a member of the Albany Chapter of ADK, and completed my 46 high peaks last August. Am interested in hiking the NPT as a thru hike this coming August. Hoping to be put in touch with someone from your chapter who can answer the questions that I have. Thank you!

    • Hi sorry for the delay in a response I would be happy to answer your questions. Please email me directly and we can go from there.

    • I have never heard of conditions being impacted by this race. As always, increased attention at an area may mean your chosen campsite may not be available so have a plan b for the night. Wakely gets filled to capacity in our experience before and after races.

  25. A group of retired, experienced hikers are interested in some section hiking on the NPT this summer. After sending an inquiry on ADK Forums, the Piseco to Wakely Dam sections were highly recommended. I did some research and was very excited by the scenic variety of terrain, numerous ponds and remote natural areas. However, our group has specific dates that would place us in those sections right after the staging of the Wakeley Dam Ultra. Consequently, I have concerns how the amount of concentrated foot traffic from the Ultra might adversely effect the pristine landscape of this section. Are my concerns warranted and, if so, do you have any additional section recommendations that we could consider? Thank you.

    • Hello, since they run other races on the trail in the area I would not expect any adverse impact. Of course if there has been a lot of rain etc could potentially spread the mud a bit temporarily. There is usually a lot of camping pressure around Wakely for these events so if staying there you may wish to have a plan by immediately before or after a race as some families will remain and camp.

    • Lori it can be forged most times of the year water levels do change with conditions but this year the water levels have been low.

  26. Hi. Am planning a thru-hike of the NPT toward the end of August, and have a bunch of questions. Is there a chapter member you could put me in touch with? Thanks!

  27. I would like to know if there are any important changes in the NPT routing/conditions from Plumley Point to Averyville Road. My hiking partner and I are planning to complete our section hike with this section August 2018. I currently have the 2007 Guidebook.

    • Nothing significant in that section however a new map would be helpful. The new National Geographic map is my favorite. There are significant changes to the trail but primarily in the middle and lsouthern sections

  28. Mary Glynn is leading a hike on July 28-31. She suggested letting her know ASAP if we were interested in joining. We’ve sent several emails and haven’t heard back.
    Is this trip happening? Is there space?

  29. Hi, I’m planning on thru-hiking the NPT south to north next week. I don’t own a vehicle and am trying to figure out how to get to the starting point in Northville. I am open to all types of transportation and shuttles.

  30. Hello,
    Looking for shuttle service from lake Durant back to Wakely Dam or visa versa
    Or someone to hike with and we can leave a car at each end
    T.

  31. Hello,

    I recently completed a thru hike of the AT and looking to get back out on trail NPT edition this time around. My only question is regarding parking at the southern terminus in Northville. Does the parking lot at the Waterfront Park allow long term parking? I’m planning on finishing the trail in 6 days, spending an afternoon with my parents in Lake Placid and then having them drive me back to my car in Northville on the 7th day.

    Thanks and happy trails!
    James

  32. Does anyone have any information on Jessup River Road? There’s a parking area at the end of the road listed on the NatGeo map. I am wondering how passable Jessup River Rd is, and then how that 0.4mi side trail is to the NPT. Hoping to do a weekend loop around Spruce Lake and the surrounding area.

    Thanks!

  33. Hi am coming up to lake placid/saranac wed 12th to hike for a long weekend. will be with my 2 dogs usually hike in a group. i have never seen a bear or a snake for that matter do i need to worry being alone? are there trails that would be more advisable?

  34. The Burroughs Nature Study Club of Johnstown (since 1912) would very much like to have a speaker from the Trail. We are looking for the 2nd Fri.in May or the 2nd Fri. in Sept. of 2019. There are 60 of us and we meet at a restaurant for dinner and then share a program of approx. 30 min. A speaker and a guest will be our guests for dinner. Sarah Slingerland mentioned Mr. Cotter or Mr. Wentworth but, I don’t know how to contact them. thank you for your consideration. Dan Ehle

  35. Hi,
    Can you tell me where the club gets the trail markers?
    I have a system of trails in PA that we need to mark.
    Thank you.

  36. NPT – Jessup River Rd – Trailhead

    Can anyone validate the accessibility of this trailhead the latter part of September, first week of October? Curious if it gets closed during hiking season, or for any other reason.

    I’m assuming it is accessible via pickup truck, or passenger car.

    Looking to schedule a food drop at some point then.

  37. Are data available regarding the number of hikers that use the NPT each year? I am writing a manuscript about vegetation along the trail and wish to compare usage with other trails that have been studied.

  38. Hi NPT,
    My wife and I are planning a thru-hike of the NPT this September and are looking for someone to shuttle us from Lake Placid to Northville. Do you know of anyone who could provide this service?
    Thanks so much for any help you could give us.
    Bob Barbieri

  39. Planning to hike the NPT in a couple weeks. The website suggests that there is a map of current trail conditions. The large interactive map has a lot of great info (thank you!) but doesnt seem to have anything about current conditions. Any info, or link, you can share would be appreciated.

  40. The ntptrail.org web site Food Hang page states “Bear canisters “currently” aren’t required on the NPT, even at its northern end in the High Peaks.” Is this still true, or is the page out of date?

  41. I have 2 inquiries in regards to the NPT:
    (1) In light of COVID-19,is the trail open all the way from Northville to Lake Placid, or are portions of the trail closed?
    (2) At the Northville end, is the crossing at West Stony Creek passable? Has some kind of foot bridge been built yet?

  42. I was planning to bring a small group (3) to hike the section between Wakley and Lake Durant, any report on the trail? By the end of the month we are planning to do the section between Lake Durant and Long Lake, any report on the trail?

  43. I loved the experience of hiking the NPT. I often find myself daydreaming about some of the beautiful places we saw on the way. I am SO grateful to you for offering this challenge. I truly loved it and learned so much by hiking it. Thank you.

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