Adirondack Mountain Club

Health insurance is required to participate in the program. 

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Northville-Placid Trail with us!

Thru-Hiking 101 is a guided four-day backpacking trip along a section of the Northville-Placid Trail (36.6 miles from Piseco to Northville). This experiential course will be an introduction to long-distance, lightweight backpacking. It is designed to assist you in your future thru-hiking or backpacking goals. It entails a cooperative group camping experience with the shared responsibility of camp chores, cooking, and decision making while practicing Leave No Trace skills and ethics. The trip will be led by an ADK Educator who is a licensed guide and familiar with the trail.

Please plan on meeting in Northville, NY at 9am. After introductions, a classroom discussion, and a thorough gear shakedown, we will divvy up our necessary group gear and head out on our journey. Throughout the weekend we’ll cover thru-hiking topics and backcountry skills while enjoying the rich natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks.

Our tentative itinerary is as follows: On Day 1 we’ll engage in a morning Beginner Backpacking course covering the thru-hiking basics at the pavilion at Waterfront Park, where we will then caravan to the NPT Trailhead on Collins-Gifford Valley Rd, and lock up our personal vehicles. From there we will be shuttled 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.

All group equipment (stoves, fuel bottles, cook sets, first aid kit, etc.), breakfasts, and dinners will be provided by ADK. Participants are expected to provide their own lunches and their own personal equipment. Personal snacks are allowed, but due to limited bear canister space they should be small in size and high in calories. Hygienic products and other items with a scent (bug spray, sun screen, etc.) should also be small in size and limited in quantity as they must also fit inside the bear canisters. Travel-sized items are great! Please let us know well in advance if you require any equipment.

No prior backpacking experience is necessary, but prior 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.