For Release: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
DEC Advances Plan for N.Y. Section of North Country Trail
National Trail Would Connect through Adirondacks, Ending at Lake Champlain
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 trail proposal will be the subject of three upcoming public hearings in December. (See schedule 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, NY, to Lake Sakakawea, N.D., 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 Trail and the Onondaga Trail.
To venture through the Adirondacks, the trail would utilize about 70 miles of existing paths and would require 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 northwest from the hamlet of Forestport to Crown Point. For more information, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/39658.html
Meeting Dates for the Draft Plan of the Adirondack Section of the North Country National Scenic Trail
- Wednesday, Dec. 5, Warrensburg DEC office. 6:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 6, Boonville Town/Village Hall. 6:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 7, DEC Central Office, Albany. 2 p.m. till 4 p.m.
