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Best of the
North Country Trail
in New York

Central Adirondacks

Hudson River
Bridge

 

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NOTE: A newly updated proposed route in June 2014 of the NCT in the Adirondacks has taken this stretch of the trail off the original proposed route. This will NOT be part of the North Country Trail. It is still a real nice hike to enjoy.

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.  The GPS coordinates for where the old railroad crosses Northwoods Club Road are N43 49.099 W74 03.759 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.

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.

Mile Elevation Hike Description (from Northwoods Club Road)
0.0 1263 feet

From Northwoods Club Road, head south along the old D&H Railroad.  Limited parking.

0.1 1265 feet

Waterfalls on your right.

0.4 1246 feet

First of many views of the Boreas River.

1.6 1150 feet

The Hudson River Bridge.  Turn around and retrace your steps to return.

Pictures from along the North Country Trail

http://cnyhiking.com/HPIM1570.JPG

Northwoods Club Road at trailhead looking back toward Boreas River

http://cnyhiking.com/Hudson1603.JPG

Future North Country Trail will follow this old railroad bed

http://cnyhiking.com/HPIM1583.JPG

Hudson River

 

Old railroad bridge over the Hudson River

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