New Northville Placid Trail Closure Sign

[Holdstrong]

Sorry if this is old news to many.

I just received an email from Richard Fenton (Supervising Forestor for NYSDEC) in response to my inquiry about the future NP re-route. He informed me that the plan is still in internal review and most likely wont be approved till next year.

They will be posting new signs about the closure which will more closely reflect the land owners wishes.

"FYI, the closure situation at the Macaluso property has changed somewhat. Mr. Macaluso no longer wants anyone contacting him for approval to hike through. We are removing the old signs and replacing them with slightly modified ones. See attached."

This is more in line with Mr. Macalusco expressed to me when I contacted him for my last thru-hike. Here is the text of the new sign.

**********

NOTICE


Part of the Northville-Lake Placid Trail is
Closed to Local Travel


The part of the Northville-Lake Placid Trail on private land formerly known as McCane’s Resort on Cedar River Road is closed to those seeking nearby destinations. It remains open only to long-distance hikers.


• The only use permitted is foot travel as part of a project to complete the Northville-Lake Placid Trail from end to end.

• No parking on the property is permitted under any circumstances.

• All those whose destination is Stephens Pond or Cascade Pond must use the trail from Lake Durant Campground on Route 28.

• Permission for public use is temporary, pending a permanent relocation of the Northville-Lake Placid Trail being planned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

For more information, contact:

Supervising Forester Richard Fenton
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
P.O. Box 1316
Northville, NY 12134
Telephone: 518/863-4545
E-mail: rtfenton@gw.dec.state.ny.us

[Kevin]

I can also confirm this, aparently he's getting a lot of calls.

[ADackR]

also between mcChaines and stephens pond there is a very large bever pond that has flooded the trail... there is a log to cross the flow BUT is very precarious(SP?).. this was as of last novermber and very well could be flooded over after the spring thaw....

i can't wait for the re-route of this part of the trail... the 10+ miles of road travel sucks As$

[Kevin]

also between mcChaines and stephens pond there is a very large bever pond that has flooded the trail... there is a log to cross the flow BUT is very precarious(SP?).. this was as of last novermber and very well could be flooded over after the spring thaw....

I believe fvrwld, when she did the NPT in September 2004, had to wade through this stretch. No bridge or log. (see Day 5)



I hope someone in 'the know' is watching and adds this to their list of things needing to be done.

[redhawk]

Thats why it's good to pack a pair of "crocks" or other water shoes.

[Kevin]

Thats why it's good to pack a pair of "crocks" or other water shoes.

I think I know of what you speak. Could be valuable kayaking as well. I may want a pair of those, but have some sandals I was thinking of using first...

I know of a few ADK boating stores that sell an assortment of good footwear, but I don't live up there .

[lumberzac]

Thats why it's good to pack a pair of "crocks" or other water shoes.

I normally just wade through with my boots still on. I'm so use to hiking with wet feet, that the only time I got a blister last year while hiking was when my feet were completely dry.

[Holdstrong]

Yep, the trail is indeed flooded shortly after crossing back onto state land. The log in place is not very sturdy... best bet is to take off your boots and wade through (or just leave them on). During my last thru-hike the water was about mid thigh on me: Carry to Stephens

I imagine that since this trail will be getting re-routed soon, and there is really no other reason to take this particular part of the trail (other than to make your way to McCanes), that fixing it up will be low priority. So as suggested I would just switch into your sandals or other camp footwear that you don't mind getting wet.

I should have included the "original" sign in my initial post, just for those who were wondering what changes this new sign is making. Here is a link to the original DEC closure sign.

http://www.avatar12.com/northvilleplacid/2004/images/day1/northvilleplacid_trailhead_closure.JPG

One other thing I would like to mention, and considered starting a new thread for it, is I have heard that Kim - of Kim and Dan's Back to Basics (the website hosting FVRWLD's trip journal above) - has been very ill. Please keep her in your thoughts. Kim and Dan have helped thru-hikers over the years and I hope for a full recovery.

[Kevin]

One other thing I would like to mention, and considered starting a new thread for it, is I have heard that Kim - of Kim and Dan's Back to Basics (the website hosting FVRWLD's trip journal above) - has been very ill. Please keep her in your thoughts. Kim and Dan have helped thru-hikers over the years and I hope for a full recovery.

Without going into too much detail here, a few of us from adk forum had the priveledge of meeting Kim this past weekend thanks to redhawk's suggestion and Kim's graciousness to stay Friday night at back to basics. Good time had by all. Kim could certainly use the support and prayers, she's a great person going through trying times.

[redhawk]

I think I know of what you speak. Could be valuable kayaking as well. I may want a pair of those, but have some sandals I was thinking of using first...

I know of a few ADK boating stores that sell an assortment of good footwear, but I don't live up there .

I went the sandal route for a year or two, but they added 2 pounds to my pack and are not utilized that often hiking.

You can get the crocks at The Mountaineer, where I know you shop and many places online. They are featherlite compared to other stuff and will also serve you well in the kayak, especially when you on rivers and streams that you might have to portage or go over beaver dams, etc. I think they are an essential item for the dacks in the spring especially.

[redhawk]

Without going into too much detail here, a few of us from adk forum had the priveledge of meeting Kim this past weekend thanks to redhawk's suggestion and Kim's graciousness to stay Friday night at back to basics. Good time had by all. Kim could certainly use the support and prayers, she's a great person going through trying times.

She needs people around her who share a common interest and who can also give her space!

And she is a sweetheart!!

[TheNatrix]

Proper Procedure

How are things going everyone?

I was just curious as to what the proper procedure is when one arrives at this part of the trail. Do we contact the property owner? Just a little confused thats all.

[wiltz101]

TheNatrix,

From what i understand if you are thru-hiking the NP than you can just hike through without contacting the property owner. Otherwise he doesn't want you on his property or you calling him asking him if you can go on his property. I might be hiking it in a few weeks and that is what i plan on doing. If anyone else knows anything more or if i am wrong about this please correct me.

[fvrwld]

It is OK to just hike through without contacting the property owner. They just don't want anyone parking there.

When I did it in September it was a little confusing. I probably would've missed it if the owner wasn't outside and directed me in the right direction. As I walked down Cedar River road I passed a sign that said "TrailheadClosed". This is where you leave the road and head in between the outbuildings on the property. Soon you're back in the forest and there are several 4wd roads branching off before you get back to state land.

[fvrwld]

Another problem spot is the bidge in the Mud lake area of the West Cananda Lakes. The last I heard the bridge was washed out. Does anyone know if the bridge has been repaired yet?