National Scenic Trail proposed

ALBANY -- A roughly 140-mile trail, winding from Boonville on the western edge of the Adirondack Mountains to Crown Point on the shores of Lake Champlain, could become the newest section of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

That's the proposal being advanced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The trail proposal will be the subject of three public hearings in December.

The plan would cover the eastern terminus of a hiking path that's been talked about for two decades.

The North Country Trail is similar in concept to the Appalachian Trail; however, rather than follow a mountain range, it would take visitors through a diverse series of landscapes in seven states. Running from Crown Point to Lake Sakakawea, N.D., the 4,600-mile route would connect national forests, scenic areas and other significant resources.

In New York, the path would capitalize on existing major trail networks, such as the Finger Lakes Trail and the Onondaga Trail.

To venture through the Adirondacks, the trail would use about 70 miles of existing paths and would require about 50 miles of new trail construction, along with some temporary connectors.

The ultimate goal is a route that is completely off-road and non-motorized, though the proposal includes some temporary roadside paths.

The proposed route would go through nine wilderness or Wild Forest areas, including the Moose River Plains and the Hudson River Gorge, as it meanders generally northwest from the hamlet of Forestport to Crown Point.

The Adirondack Mountain Club has endorsed the plan.

Meeting dates where people can hear more about the draft plan for the Adirondack section of the North Country National Scenic Trail are:

Wednesday, Dec. 5, Warrensburg DEC office, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 6, Boonville Town/Village Hall, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 7, DEC Central Office, Albany, 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, go to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/39658.html.