NPT - Duck Hole to Averyville Rd

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Northville-Placid Trail

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High Peaks Wilderness

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Northville - Placid Trail

Duck Hole to Averyville Rd

This section is popular for a few reasons, a long out and back hike to Wanika Falls and it is the final or starting stretch of the Northville-Placid Trail for those thru-hiking. While Wanika Falls may be a popular destination, many may leave disappointed with the falls after such a long hike of 6.7 miles to the falls from Averyville Road.

The landscape at Duck Hole changed forever in 2011 as the old dam was destroyed during a Tropical Storm. After the flood waters receded, the water that once was at Duck Hole disappeared.

Soon after leaving Duck Hole the trail reaches the junction with Preston Ponds Trail that leads toward Upper Works, Henerson Lake, Tawhaus and if one wanted to, Mount Marcy. At 3.9 miles the trail reaches the Moose Pond Lean To and Moose Pond. This is the last (or first) lean to shelter on the Northville-Placid Trail.

You'll reach a side trail that leads to Wanika Falls at 5.5 miles. Some maps show a shelter at the falls. There is no shelter located here as it was removed back in the 1990's. There are a few small camping spots near the lower falls. Along this section, off to your right are two "46ers", Nye and Street Mountain. You are hiking in the remote High Peaks Wilderness.

The trail soon reaches the Chub River watershed and crosses the river as it winds the last 6.7 miles toward Averyville Road, which is reached after 12.2 miles of hiking from Duck Hole. Most consider this the "northern terminus" of the trail since it is the end of the off road trail, however the true end of the Northville-Placid Trail is at the Lake Placid Train station.

Be sure to check out Guide to Adirondack Trails: Northville Placid Trail 4th Edition for more information on the Northville-Placid Trail. Also check out the NY DEC website at Adirondack Trail Information for updated trail conditions. If you have any updates for us please contact us at northville-placidtrail@cnyhiking.com or if you'd like to share any pictures of this fantastic hiking trail.

Mile	Elevation	Description (Duck Hole to Averyville Road)
0.0	2162 ft	Duck Hole. Junction of Bradley Pond Trail. Dam is to the right. Two lean to shelters.
0.6	2166 ft	Junction of the Preston Ponds Trail on your right.
3.9	2281 ft	Moose Pond lean To and Moose Pond.
5.5	2238 ft	Side trail on right leads to Wanika Falls.
6.2	2001 ft	Trail turns right off original trail and crosses Chubb River on a log bridge.
12.2	1836 ft	Reach Averyville Road and the end of this section. Northern terminus of off road trail.

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