North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST)

NYS hosts nearly 700 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST). One of 11 National Scenic Trails, the NCNST explores the US for nearly 5,000 miles from ND to VT where it joins the Appalachian Trail. In NY, the trail is hosted, built, maintained, and protected by organizations such as the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and the Central NY Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. The trail gives access to forests, meadows, hills, and peaks from easy rambles to challenging climbs. Its premier foot trails cover a great diversity of natural and cultural environments meandering through wilderness, historic sites, and state parks. Entering NY through Allegany State Park, it follows the Finger Lakes Trail for 422 miles. In Central NY it passes through Highland Forest Onondaga County Park, Tioughnioga Wildlife Management area, Nelson Swamp Unique Area, and Stone Quarry Art park. History is palpable as the trail meets the Erie and Black River Canals towpaths and passes Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome. Continuing eastward, the trail enters Adirondack Park and Forest Preserve offering access to the pristine ecosystem found there. Stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain grace the NY terminus at the Crown Point Historic Site. A graceful pedestrian bridge brings the trail into VT. Backpackers, day hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers find solace on the paths of the North Country National Scenic Trail in NY.