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Northville-Placid Trail celebrates centennial

Sign in the Hamilton County town of Benson at a Northville-Placid Trail trailhead (Provided photo — Andy Flynn)

LAKE PLACID — The Northville-Placid Trail is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a newly developed website — NPT100.com — and a series of events throughout the summer and fall.

The trail was formed in 1922 as one of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s first projects. Completed in 1924, this 138-mile route transverses the Adirondack Park, from the town of Northville to Lake Placid.

To celebrate the 100-year anniversary, organizers are planning community events throughout the year along the trail route. They have also developed a new website, planned a series of hiking events, organized trail maintenance days, and planned a number of other community- and organization-based events. Community celebrations have been planned in Northville, Piseco and Lake Placid.

The 100-year anniversary celebration kickoff takes place with a three-day event in Northville. The opening ceremony is taking place at Waterfront Park at 6 p.m. May 31.

On June 1, coinciding with National Trails Day, the village, along with local merchants and organizations, will be hosting a community-wide event featuring vendors, food, entertainment and information about the NPT. A trolley will be on-hand to transport visitors throughout the village to various participating locations.

The second community event is scheduled to take place in Hamilton County on Aug. 24. The celebration will be held at The Inn on Piseco Lake and will feature live music, vendors, exhibits and activities.

Lake Placid is also planning to host an event on Sept. 14 at the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society in Lake Placid. This location is the terminus of the NPT, where those completing the trail are able to sign the official register.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism has created a new website, NPT100.com, to share trail information, upcoming events, trail maintenance projects, hiker stories and nearby community information about the hiking route with those planning to hike the trail.

Celebration organizers are also supporting a series of additional events throughout the hiking season.

The Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake is hosting a special two-year exhibit, featuring information about the history of the NPT, the team that built it, residents along the trail’s route and information about how the trail is used today. The museum will also be offering a series of expert lectures and guided outings along the trail throughout the summer.

According to Adirondack Mountain Club Deputy Executive Director Julia Goren, the best way to celebrate the milestone is to focus on the trail itself.

“The Adirondack Mountain Club was originally established to increase access to the newly formed Adirondack Park through trail work and education; development of the NPT was one of the group’s first projects,” she said. “Continuing that work is how we celebrate its existence, ensuring that it remains for generations to come.”

ADK will be hosting a series of volunteer projects, offering people an opportunity to take part in trail maintenance alongside experienced leaders. Trail maintenance opportunities include both one-day events and multi-day projects.

Other organizations are also planning events and activities to celebrate the milestone anniversary. Adirondack Hamlets to Huts is planning several hikes along the Northville-Placid Trail for those interested in a more immersive experience; the hikes will take part along specific sections of the trail, along with a full-length adventure.

Additional information about the Northville-Placid Trail, along with upcoming events and trail maintenance projects can be found at NPT100.com.

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