Health insurance is required to participate in this program.

The National Trails Day: Benson Road to West Stony Creek Patrol is a day-long cooperative trail work opportunity for anyone 14 years or older. No prior experience is necessary! During the program, the group will hike 4 miles (8 round trip) from the Benson Rd Trailhead south toward West Stony Creek, clearing blowdown and drainages along the way with hand tools. This program is great for anyone who loves trails in the Adirondacks and wants to give back to them. ADK's crew leaders will instruct all participants on the safe and efficient use of the tools and the process to build sustainable trail infrastructure in backcountry settings. Come prepared to work hard, get your hands dirty, and have fun!

While highly rewarding, trail work is also physically and mentally demanding. Participants should be prepared to carry heavy packs, and work in the rain, bugs, and mud! We will work in virtually all weather conditions, as long as it is safe to do so. Non-motorized hand tools will be used to complete the trail projects. Volunteers should expect to use tools such as rock bars, pick mattocks, shovels, hand saws, hammers/sledges, axes, and pruning shears. The project will be led by ADK’s professional crew leaders. Instructions on how to use these tools properly and safely will be discussed before beginning work by ADK crew leaders. While no prior experience is necessary, good physical condition, proper clothing, and proper equipment are a must!

2024 marks the 100th year since ADK completed the construction of the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT). At 138 miles long, it is the only complete and marked long-distance trail in the Adirondack Park. Unlike other long-distance trails in the northeast, the NPT sticks to lowlands often following lakes and rivers through some of the most remote wilderness areas in the region. ADK will kick off its trails season and a summer of centennial celebrations with National Trails Day on June 1, 2024, in Northville, NY. Following a day of projects, festivities will be held in the evening in honor of the NPT’s centennial anniversary.

ADK reserves the right to deny participation if group safety will be compromised through an individual’s participation.

*ADK cannot guarantee a time the volunteer project will be completed. *