American Hiking Society's National Trails Day ® (NTD) is on June 1, and Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) is teaming up with the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) to help celebrate our region’s exemplary network of trails. Held on the first Saturday of June each year, NTD features nationwide events that range from hiking trips to trail maintenance.
As a 46er and frequenter of the many trails the Adirondacks have to offer, Stec looks forward to working with the Adirondack Mountain Club and the scores of expected volunteers in working to help enhance and promote these treasures of the North Country. “National Trails Day is a great occasion to take the time and support all the trails and parks that make our region so unique,” said Stec. “I love the Adirondacks, and my family and I regularly use the many trails and take advantage of the many recreational activities they have to offer. I can’t wait to pitch in with my fellow residents and the Adirondack Mountain Club on June 1 and show our appreciation for these community treasures.”
“All of the trail maintenance that is accomplished at the NTD event is a great way to kick off the field season,” said Wes Lampman, ADK’s North Country Operations Director. “ADK’s professional and volunteer trail crews have an ambitious construction season this summer where they will spend an estimated 14,000 hours completing trail projects in both the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.”
This will be the 21st NTD event that the ADK has hosted, and this year it will be based out of the Adirondak Loj and Wilderness Campground located just south of Lake Placid. A host of trails will be improved in the Wilmington and Saranac Lake Wild Forests/High Peaks and Sentinel Wilderness Areas. This region boasts a diverse network of trails for different kinds of outdoor recreation. The types of trails that will be maintained will include hiking, ski/snowshoe, mountain bike, canoe and kayak, as well as portions of an alpine summit. ADK-sponsored NTD events typically see over 100 volunteers participate.
After the workday, a celebration including dinner and live music will be held at the Adirondak Loj. Free camping is available to trail volunteers both Friday and Saturday nights. Pre-registration is required. For more information regarding the details of this event, visit the Adirondack Mountain Club Web site or call 518-523-3441.