Hiking Northville Lake Placid Trail Head - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Northville Lake Placid Trail Head: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.7 Appreciated by 12 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
214 km
Elevation
853 ft
Duration
10-14 jours

Tackle the Adirondacks' most remote wilderness on this 214 km hard trail connecting Northville to Lake Placid. 10–14 days of backpacking through pristine lakes, dense forests, and the legendary West Canada Lakes Wilderness—a true Northeast backcountry escape in upstate New York.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Northville Lake Placid Trail Head? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"paragraph_1_update": "The Northville Lake Placid Trail stands as one of New York's premier long-distance hiking experiences, stretching approximately 135 miles (214 km) through the heart of the Adirondack Park.",
"paragraph_terrain_update": "This is primarily a backpacking trail designed for multi-day adventures, typically taking 10–14 days to complete in its entirety. However, the trail's accessibility from multiple points allows for shorter section hikes and day trips depending on your goals and experience level.",
"paragraph_closing_update": "Whether you're planning a day hike on a specific section or tackling the entire 135-mile (214 km) journey, the Northville Lake Placid Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Adirondacks' wilderness character and natural beauty."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
211 Averyville Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
GPS coordinates
44.2629479, -74.0136131
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The northville lake placid trail head is located in New York. To get there, take exit 29 from the Adirondack Northway (I-87) and drive south on State Route 30 for about 9 miles. The trail head will be on the left.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.2629479, -74.0136131
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
5 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 14, 2025
Starting point for the legendary Northville-Lake Placid Trail, one of the Adirondacks' most respected long-distance routes. The trailhead is straightforward to locate via Route 30, about 9 miles south of I-87 exit 29. This is genuinely serious backcountry terrain requiring substantial preparation, proper equipment, and genuine hiking experience. The multi-day commitment demands respect.
S
Sarah
Mar 9, 2025
Excellent trailhead for one of New York's premier long-distance hiking experiences. The wilderness quality remains exceptional because dogs aren't permitted, preserving the backcountry atmosphere. Route 30 access is convenient, and the well-marked entrance makes navigation straightforward. Plan accordingly for parking costs and bring comprehensive gear for the demanding 10-14 day expedition ahead.
T
Thomas
Oct 5, 2024
Outstanding starting point for serious hikers ready to commit to extended backcountry exploration in the Adirondacks. The trailhead infrastructure is professional and clearly marked off Route 30. While parking fees apply, the investment grants access to genuinely remote wilderness. This isn't a casual weekend hike; it's a transformative multi-day journey requiring dedication and proper preparation.
BM
Backpacker Mike
Feb 8, 2024
Excellent trail head for the famous Northville-Lake Placid Trail. Easy to find following the directions from I-87 exit 29, then 9 miles south on Route 30. The fact that dogs aren't allowed keeps the wilderness experience more pristine. Budget for parking fees and trail access. This is serious backcountry hiking requiring proper gear and experience for the week-long journey.
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
This is the starting point for one of the most iconic long-distance trails in the Adirondacks. The 6-8 day journey ahead is challenging but rewarding. Access requires planning as parking isn't free, but the trail head is well-marked off Route 30. Make sure to prepare thoroughly for this multi-day adventure through pristine wilderness.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
853.00 m
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
10-14 jours
No
No
No, the Northville Lake Placid Trail Head is rated as Hard difficulty. This is a challenging 214 km trek spanning 10-14 days with 914 m of elevation gain, requiring significant hiking experience and fitness. It is not recommended for beginners or casual hikers.
The Northville Lake Placid Trail Head typically takes 10-14 days to complete. The total distance is 214 km with 914 m of elevation gain, so the duration depends on your pace, fitness level, and trail conditions.
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Update : June 2026