Environment DEC
From the December 2007 issue
DEC Advances Plan for NY Section of North Country Trail
A roughly 140-mile trail, winding from Boonville on the western edge of the Adirondack Mountains to Crown Point on the shores of Lake Champlain, could become the newest section of the North Country National Scenic Trail, under a proposal advanced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The proposed trail would cross the Adirondacks, offering hikes through a variety of terrain
About the Trail Proposal
The trail proposal will be the subject of three upcoming public hearings in December (see meeting dates below). The plan would cover the eastern terminus of a hiking path that's been talked about for two decades. The North Country Trail is similar in concept to the Appalachian Trail, however, rather than follow a mountain range, it would take visitors through a diverse series of landscapes in seven states. Running from Crown Point, New York, to Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, the 4,600-mile route would connect national forests, scenic areas and other significant resources. In New York, the path would capitalize on existing major trail networks such as the Finger Lakes and Onondaga trails.
To venture through the Adirondacks, the trail would use about 70 miles of existing paths and about 50 miles of new trail construction, along with some temporary connectors. The ultimate goal is a route that is completely off-road and non-motorized, though the proposal includes some temporary roadside paths. The proposed route would go through nine different wilderness or Wild Forest areas-including the Moose River Plains and the Hudson River Gorge-as it meanders generally northeast from the hamlet of Forestport to Crown Point. See the North Country National Scenic Trail web page on DEC's website for more information.
Meeting Dates
Meeting Dates for the Draft Plan of the Adirondack Section of the North Country National Scenic Trail are:
- Wednesday, December 5, Warrensburg DEC office from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
- Thursday, December 6, Boonville Town/Village Hall from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
- Friday, December 7, DEC Central Office, Albany from 2 PM - 4 PM
