Currently there are no North Country
Trail signs, no blue blazes, no trail markings on this future section
of the North Country National Scenic Trail in the Adirondacks.
That won't keep this 1.6 mile section from being part of our
"Best of the North Country Trail" series prior to officially
becoming the North Country Trail. We believe this future section
will likely become one of the favorite sections of many NCT hikers and
will surely be part of many future hiking guide books. This may
even become one of those must
hikes in the Adirondacks. And, yes you can hike this wonderful
section now!
This 3.2 mile round trip hike features
the old Delaware & Hudson Railroad that the North Country Trail will
use on part of it's journey through Adirondack Park. This
section also features a waterfall, a walk along the scenic Boreas River and
for a grand finale, the mighty Hudson River with the future trestle
span that will carry the North Country Trail over the Hudson River
(see panorama above). The DEC plans to add, in the future, hand rails along the
bridge for added safety for hikers.
Parking is very limited at this future,
sure to be popular, North Country Trail trailhead on Northwoods Club Road
where the old D&H railroad crosses the road. You'll find this
off NY 28N north of Minerva. The trailhead is located about 0.1
mile west from the one lane bridge over the Boreas River. The future
NCT will follow this dirt road over the Boreas River to a trailhead
close to the current snowmobile trail (see picture below) on the east
side of the river.
It's a 4 mile drive on Northwoods Club
Road from NY 28N to the trailhead where the old D&H railroad crosses
the road. The last couple of miles of the road is dirt that can
be driven with regular vehicles. Be careful as the road narrows
and there are sections with very limited sight distance. Take it
slow! You'll see the numerous "scrapes" along the trees and
utility poles. The bridge over the Boreas River is a one lane
bridge. There is no parking in the area near the bridge along
the road, however there are numerous camping sites near the river.
For
more information on this future section of the NCT, go to our
Hudson Gorge Primitive Area
page for the North Country Trail.
Look below for pictures, a video,
detailed description and a map of this great hike. This easy
hike is suitable for all family members (up to the bridge). Use
your own judgment on whether or not you decide to go onto or to cross
the old railroad bridge. You are high up, with no safety
railings and you can see straight down to the river. The bridge
may not be suitable for those who are afraid of heights.
