Introduction to Backpacking, 3-Day Backpack on the Northville-Placid Trail

This trip is intended for individuals who are either new to backpacking or have very limited backpacking experience, and who would like to gain backpacking experience and skills before venturing out on their own. This 3-day/2-nite trip will be on the section of the Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) that runs from Upper Benson (located approx. 5 miles west of Northville, NY) to Whitehouse (located approx. 7 miles southeast of Piseco, NY) through the rolling hills of the Silver Lake Wilderness Area in the southern Adirondacks. Anticipated distances backpacked each day will be approximately 7.0, 11.5 and 3.2 miles, for a total trip length of 21.7 miles. The maximum climbing elevation on any given day will be no more than approximately 800’. The plan is to camp at a wilderness campsite the first nite and camp at a lean-to the second nite, but that could change depending on actual field conditions. The trip will be limited to a maximum of 6 participants. All participants will be required to attend a pre-trip planning meeting (date/time tbd) to review gear and expectations. Participants are expected to have their own gear (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing/boots/rain gear, food, etc.; however stoves can be shared). Participants need to be able to carry their own fully loaded backpack over the course of the 3 days. We will be carpooling from Rochester via. several vehicles, and will spot a vehicle(s) at Whitehouse; travel expenses will be shared equally among the group. We will leave Rochester early Friday morning, and should return to Rochester on Sunday by late afternoon. Dogs are not allowed on this trip. All participants will be required to sign ADK’s Release of Liability Form, which will be available to sign at the trailhead. As stated above this trip is intended for individuals either new to backpacking or with very limited backpacking experience; if you are an experienced backpacker and are interested in participating you can sign-up to be put on a waiting list and may be able to participate depending on interest. The deadline to sign-up is July 13th. If interested in participating and to learn more, contact Reinhard Gsellmeier at [GSELLKR52@gmail.com](mailto:GSELLKR52@gmail.com).