06 Sep Northville-Placid Trail 100th Anniversary “Trail’s End” Event In Lake Placid
The Northville-Placid Trail 100th anniversary celebration culminates with an event on Saturday, September 14 at the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society (the History Museum) from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. The afternoon will feature music, food, educational displays and children’s activities.
The trail’s end event, organized by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), will offer family-friendly activities led by a number of local organizations. Displays and background about the history of the Northville-Placid Trail will be presented by the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society. Representatives from Adirondack Mountain Club, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), Adirondack Experience – The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation will provide information about outdoor adventure in the Adirondacks. Guests will be able to enjoy children’s crafts with representatives from the Olympic Museum and face painting by Pipsqueak the Clown.
The DEC Mobile Education Center will also be on-hand to share information about the Leave No Trace Principles Set forth by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and championed by many partners within the Adirondack Park. These principles are embraced and practiced by many outdoors enthusiasts, ensuring that the wilderness will be preserved for generations.
According to ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, the event is expected to celebrate the trail’s history, while introducing the unique hiking opportunity to a new generation of hikers, “Celebrating the Northville-Placid Trail’s 100th anniversary is a unique opportunity to honor a century of adventure, community, and the enduring connection between people and the Adirondacks,” she said. “This trail has been a gateway to the wilderness for generations, and marking this milestone allows us to reflect on its rich history and inspire future explorers to continue the journey.”
A highlight of the afternoon will be an appearance by Smokey Bear, one of the world’s most recognizable characters, who reminds people about the importance of their role in preventing wildfires and by extension, caring for the wilderness. Smokey Bear is celebrating his 80th birthday in 2024. The Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in US history.
Rounding out the afternoon’s celebration is live music by Austin and the In-Laws, the “North Country’s Premier Post-Outlaw Country Band.” Waffle Cabin will be offering a number of delicious treats and beverages. A number of local and regional breweries will also be showcasing their products with free beer tastings.
Lawrence explained that collaborating with local organizations and businesses that support outdoor adventure in the region is the best way to celebrate the milestone. “The Northville-Placid Trail, one of the oldest in the United States, was originally established to increase access to the newly-formed Adirondack Park,” she said. “By partnering with the region’s outdoor adventure organizations, attractions, and numerous local businesses, we are committed to highlighting the trail, preserving its legacy, and ensuring it remains a cherished experience for generations to come.”
Earlier this year, ROOST 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.
The Northville-Placid Trail was developed in 1922 as one of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s first projects. Completed in 1924, this 138-mile route traverses the Adirondack Park, from the town of Northville to Lake Placid.
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