Trail Work
The story of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) begins with trails. After our founding in 1922, ADK’s first major effort as an organization was to construct the 138-mile Northville-Placid Trail. What followed has been a continuing commitment to building better trails and maintaining backcountry access in the Adirondack Park.
About Our Trails Program
ADK is New York’s leader in modern, sustainable trail design. With a century of experience under our belts, we have the tools to create a more sustainable future for outdoor recreators.
We achieve this through our professional and volunteer programs, which work across the Adirondack Park’s 2000 miles of trails so people can stay safe and reduce their impacts while enjoying the backcountry.
Founded in 1979, ADK’s professional trail crew is New York’s premiere wilderness trail work program.
Using only hand tools and human power, crew members work throughout the summer to build sustainably designed trails in remote Adirondack backcountry locations.
Whether it’s building turnpikes in backcountry passes or constructing cairns on the summits of high peaks, our professional trail crew is up to the task.
Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that the Adirondack Park’s trails remain accessible for all. The Trail Steward Program, Adopt a Lean-to Program, and Supervised Volunteer Trail Projects all welcome adult volunteers. Our teen trail program empowers the next generation with leadership and trail work skills.
Follow the link to view our upcoming volunteer trail crew projects.
Recent Trail Work
Lake Arnold Trail
Our trail crew laid crush on a washed out and eroded section of trail, then capped it with mineral soil, which is more resilient to erosion.
Lake Colden
The professional crew spent two weeks working on a section of trail near Lake Colden, digging drainages and building new rock steps.
Mount Jo Signage
Volunteers helped ADK install new wayfinding signage on the trail to Mount Jo.