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 (26.3 miles from Wakely Dam to Long Lake). 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.

Our tentative itinerary is as follows: On Day 1, we’ll engage in a Beginner Backpacking course covering the thru-hiking basics before being shuttled to Wakely Dam to our front country campsite. We will set up camp, make dinner, and prepare for our adventure. On Day 2, we’ll hike 8.1 miles to a campsite at Stephens Pond. On Day 3, we’ll hike another 8.1 miles to a campsite along the shores of Tirrell Pond. We will conclude our journey on Day 4 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.

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.