Field Programs

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) and its members have been maintaining and building trails in the wild lands of New York for over eighty years. In fact, one of ADK’s first major projects was the construction of the approximately 133-mile long Northville-Lake Placid trail in 1923. Beginning with this major trail project, ADK volunteers and employees have spent countless hours creating the trails and lean-tos that we have become so fond of.

Trail crew patrolling on Mount Marcy

New rock steps on the trail to Algonquin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Trail Crew patrolling on Mount Marcy            New rock steps on the trail to Algonquin

 

Field Programs is composed of four main elements:

  • Supervised Volunteer Trails Program
  • Summit Steward Program
  • Backcountry Stewardship Programs
  • Professional Trails Program

    Mission Statement:

    The mission of the Field Programs for the Adirondack Mountain Club is to promote land stewardship through the development and maintenance of a quality, all-encompassing trail system, while encouraging responsible use and protection of New York State’s Forest Preserve, parks, and other wild lands and waterways with a worldwide application.

    Vision Statement:

    To develop, maintain, and complete a sustainable, first-class trail system in concert with public and private entities that includes not only hiking trails, but also alpine areas, canoe carries, mountain bike trails, ski trails, lean-tos, campsites and trailheads throughout New York State’s Forest Preserve, parks, and other wild lands and waterways. With a developed constituency of dedicated staff and volunteers, the natural resource will be protected through professional trail management and field based educational programs. As a result, there will be safe, accessible trail corridors and backcountry facilities available for the public.

    Read more about ADK’s trails program history.