The Northville-Placid Trail runs about 138 miles through the Adirondack Park's Forest Preserve, from Northville to Lake Placid. All lean-tos and tent sites are free and first-come, first-served; this page gives sourced trip info.
“A 138-mile thru-hike across the Adirondack Park, from Northville to Lake Placid.”
Plan your Adirondack Park (NY) trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Northville-Placid Trail
Free, first-come lean-tos and tent sites on state Forest Preserve land; nothing to scan.
More about Adirondack Park (NY)Planning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Northville-Placid Trail permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 138.36mi
Northville-Placid Trail elevation profile
Northville (southern terminus) to Lake Placid train station (northern terminus)Northville (southern terminus)
Trail begins at the arch on South Main Street in Northville.
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈805 ft
Northville-Placid Trail landmarks
How to get a Northville-Placid Trail permit
No reservation. You get the permit when you arrive.
Arrive in person
Get your permit
Free, first-come lean-tos and tent sites on state Forest Preserve land; nothing to scan.
Head out
Adirondack Park (NY) trailheads
- Northville
- Lake Placid train station
The two Adirondack Park (NY) trailheads in full
Primary
Northville- Lake Placid train station
As of September 2026, Northville-Placid Trail in Adirondack Park (NY), New York requires a permit issued via walk-up. Northville-Placid Trail rates 4/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Northville-Placid Trail route covers 138.36 miles.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- Adirondack Park, New York, NY
How this permit is issued
Step 1: How this permit is issued
Free, first-come lean-tos and tent sites on state Forest Preserve land; nothing to scan.
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at the managing agency's website before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on Northville-Placid Trail: Live availability activityNorthville-Placid Trail permit itinerary
The Northville-Placid Trail hike
- Distance
- 138.36 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 8-10 days
A 138-mile thru-hike across the Adirondack Park, from Northville to Lake Placid.
About this permit
The Northville-Placid Trail crosses the Adirondack Park's Forest Preserve in nine sections. All lean-tos and tent sites along it are free and first-come, first-served.
The route
From the arch on South Main Street in Northville, the trail passes Benson at mile 12.32, Whitehouse, Piseco at mile 41.7, West Canada Lakes, Wakely Dam, Lake Durant at mile 85.5, Long Lake, Shattuck Clearing at mile 113.3, and Duck Hole at mile 125.1, before reaching the Lake Placid train station at mile 138.36.
The feeling
The trail runs through nine sections between Northville and Lake Placid, past West Canada Lakes deep in the wilderness, a ranger station at Wakely Dam, and the village of Long Lake along the way.
How hard the Northville-Placid Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Northville-Placid Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 93% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Tomorrow: 75% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
61°
57°
93%
Mon
61°
56°
75%
Tue
59°
56°
30%
Wed
72°
53°
Thu
79°
57°
Fri
67°
48°
Sat
60°
40°
Northville-Placid Trail photography guide
Classic Shots
- West Canada Lakes
- Lake Durant
- The Lake Placid train station
Northville-Placid Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Northville-Placid Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Northville-Placid Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Northville-Placid Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit for the Northville-Placid Trail?
Not for a normal thru-hike. You only need a DEC Forest Ranger permit if you plan to camp more than 3 nights in one spot or hike in a group of 10 or more.
Can I reserve a lean-to on the Northville-Placid Trail?
No. Every lean-to and tent site is first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved.
How long is the Northville-Placid Trail?
138.36 miles according to the trail's own maintaining organization, nptrail.org, running from Northville to Lake Placid.
How many lean-tos are on the Northville-Placid Trail?
16 lean-tos plus 28 primitive tent sites along the trail and its connectors.
How long does it take to thru-hike the Northville-Placid Trail?
Most thru-hikers take 8 to 10 days.
What towns can I resupply in along the Northville-Placid Trail?
Northville, Piseco, and Long Lake all sit on or very near the trail; Lake Placid is the finish.
Northville-Placid Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a Northville-Placid Trail permit
Where to stay near Northville-Placid Trail
- Northampton Beach CampgroundNew York
- Sacandaga CampgroundNew York
- Caroga Lake CampgroundNew York
- All New York campgrounds
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