The Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 with a newly-developed website and a series of events throughout the summer and fall. To celebrate the 100-year anniversary, organizers are planning community events throughout the year along the trail route. They have also developed a new website, planned a series of hiking events, organized trail maintenance days, and planned a number of other community- and organization-based events. Community celebrations have been planned in Northville, Piseco and Lake Placid. The 100-year anniversary celebration kickoff takes place with a three-day event in Northville. The opening ceremony is taking place at Waterfront Park on May 31 at 6 p.m. On June 1, coinciding with National Trails Day, the village, along with local merchants and organizations, will be hosting a community-wide event featuring vendors, food, entertainment and information about the NPT. A trolley will be on-hand to transport visitors throughout the village to various participating locations. The second community event is scheduled to take place in Hamilton County on August 24. The celebration will be held at The Inn on Piseco Lake and will feature live music, vendors, exhibits and activities. Lake Placid is also planning to host an event on September 14 at the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society in Lake Placid. This location is the terminus of the NPT, where those completing the trail are able to sign the official register. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has created a new website, NPT100.com, to share trail information, upcoming events, trail maintenance projects, hiker stories and nearby community information about the hiking route with those planning to hike the trail. Celebration organizers are also supporting a series of additional events throughout the hiking season. The Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake is hosting a special two-year exhibit, featuring information about the history of the NPT, the team that built it, residents along the trail’s route and information about how the trail is used today. The museum will also be offering a series of expert lectures and guided outings along the trail throughout the summer. According to Adirondack Mountain Club Deputy Executive Director Julia Goren, the best way to celebrate the milestone is to focus on the trail itself. “The Adirondack Mountain Club was originally established to increase access to the newly-formed Adirondack Park through trail work and education; development of the NPT was one of the group’s first projects,” she said. “Continuing that work is how we celebrate its existence, ensuring that it remains for generations to come.” The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) will be hosting a series of volunteer projects, offering people an opportunity to take part in trail maintenance alongside experienced leaders. Trail maintenance opportunities include both one-day events and multi-day projects. Other organizations are also planning events and activities to celebrate the milestone anniversary. Adirondack Hamlets to Huts is planning several hikes along the Northville-Placid Trail for those interested in a more immersive experience; the hikes will take part along specific sections of the trail, along with a full-length adventure. Additional information about the Northville-Placid Trail, along with upcoming events and trail maintenance projects can be found at NPT100.com. The Northville-Placid Trail was formed in 1922 as one of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s first projects. Completed in 1924, this 138-mile route transverses the Adirondack Park, from the town of Northville to Lake Placid.

Number of Adirondack visitors will be considerable; significant traffic impacts expected The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has established a helpline in preparation for the upcoming solar eclipse to share information and answer questions that may arise in the days leading up to the event. The dedicated phone line (518-621-3682) is available through April 8, staffed by a team of ROOST employees who will be on hand to answer questions regarding events, viewing locations, safety considerations, parking and other questions that may arise. The number of visitors to the region is expected to be considerable, with area lodging properties and short-term rentals reporting high occupancy throughout the weekend, with most properties at capacity on Sunday and Monday night. Visitors are expected to begin arriving as early as Friday and staying though Tuesday. ROOST is advising local residents to prepare for heavy traffic on the weekend; with a significant to and from the region on Monday. Jane Hooper, communications manager at ROOST, explains how increased visitation will impact local communities. “The Adirondacks lie within the 115-mile wide ‘path of totality’ of the solar eclipse, so many people have decided to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event here,” she said. “We anticipate that those with hotel reservations will likely travel to the region on Saturday and Sunday, but we do not know how many people are planning day trips to the area. The Adirondack Park is within a day’s drive from more populated regions such as Boston, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, so the potential exists for an influx of visitors on April 8.” Traffic on Monday may be heavy and potentially backed up at times, as many may choose to leave the region immediately after the eclipse. “It’s quite possible that many people will make the decision to travel to and from the region on Monday, depending on the weather that day,” commented Hooper. “We are recommending that people stay for the community celebrations, have dinner or to stay overnight whenever possible, rather than leaving immediately after the eclipse to help alleviate potential congestion on the roads.” ROOST is encouraging area residents to be prepared by scheduling errands such as grocery shopping, gas, prescription refills, and other essentials in advance of the weekend to avoid crowds and traffic. “We are encouraging local residents to walk whenever possible and avoid unnecessary driving on April 8,” said Hooper. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Essex and Hamilton Counties, Lake Placid Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is encouraging local residents to be prepared ahead of the eclipse by running errands, ensuring that eclipse glasses are on hand, determining a designated viewing location, and attending local community celebrations taking place throughout the Adirondacks this weekend. To celebrate the eclipse on April 8, the region’s communities and attractions have planned many events and celebrations throughout the weekend. Businesses, area attractions, restaurants, breweries and communities are hosting events and activities on Saturday and Sunday, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the weekend leading up to the main event on Monday afternoon. According to ROOST Communications Manager Jane Hooper, the region’s communities have embraced celebrating the eclipse with events and activities. “This is an unusual spring weekend in the Adirondacks for a couple of reasons,” she said. “Not only will the eclipse be a once-in-a-lifetime experience but it’s also an event that residents and visitors will witness together. It's also poised to be an incredibly fun weekend during a time of year that, traditionally, is rather quiet in our area. It’s a great opportunity for residents to enjoy the activities in their local community - or to explore a community that they don’t often visit.” The region is expected to welcome thousands of visitors throughout the weekend leading up to Monday’s full solar eclipse. Hotels and other rental properties throughout the Adirondack Park report that they are at full capacity ahead of the eclipse, with additional day trippers expected on Monday. With roadways expected to be busy, ROOST is encouraging residents to plan ahead so that they can enjoy the eclipse celebration. “Due to anticipated traffic volumes, we are encouraging everyone to run their errands on or before Thursday,” Hooper said. “Planning in advance allows you to avoid the crowds and simply enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime weekend. Our overarching message is to plan ahead.” One of the most important safety precautions is to ensure that everyone in the family obtains a pair of eclipse glasses, well ahead of arrival at a designated viewing location. These are available at many town halls in the region and will be on hand at many events throughout the weekend. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their eclipse viewing location ahead of April 8th, along with travel plans to and from that location. Those attending community-based celebrations should prepare to arrive early to enjoy the activities and celebration. Those living in close proximity to community events and designated viewing locations may want to consider walking or riding a bike to the event. Many designated viewing locations have scheduled activities that extend beyond the time of the eclipse to help alleviate congestion on the roads; many routes leading to and from the area pass through small towns and hamlets that don't typically experience high volumes of traffic. Many community events will continue into the early evening; officials encourage people to remain at those events, avoiding traffic delays as people leave the area. The anticipated increase in visitors correlates to a significant increase in the number of cell phones, potentially contributing to stress on regional communications infrastructure. Community event planners are encouraging people to download or take screenshots of event schedules, maps, and other local information to their phones before their visit so that they are accessible without needing to connect to the cellular network. “Ensuring that your family has a plan to meet at a particular time and place is also recommended, in case texting or making a phone call proves challenging,” commented Hooper. ROOST has established a dedicated phone line (518-621-3682), available through April 8 and staffed by a team of ROOST employees who will be on hand to answer questions regarding events, viewing locations, safety considerations, parking and other questions that may arise.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has established a contest, rewarding one lucky winner the opportunity to return to the region post-eclipse. People are encouraged to visit the website that ROOST developed to share information about the eclipse (2024-eclipse.com) where they can learn about eclipse-related activities and events taking place throughout the region; while on the site, visitors can also register to win a trip to the region. The trip package includes a two-night stay at a conveniently located and pet-friendly hotel in Lake Placid, two passes to The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, entrance for two at Adirondack Experience - the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, two tickets to the Cliffside Coaster at Mt. Van Hovenberg, two passes to the Sky Flyer Zipline at the Olympic Jumping Complex, two tickets for the gondola at Whiteface Mountain and two passes to Ausable Chasm. According to ROOST Director of Marketing, Michelle Clement, the eclipse is likely to pique travelers’ interest in the area. “It’s likely that many new visitors to the area may be traveling to the region, simply due to the fact that the Adirondack Mountains are in the path of totality,” she said. “We are thrilled that this celestial event is providing an exciting introduction to the region; and we encourage people to consider another visit, to take advantage of exciting attractions and activities. This contest will provide that opportunity for one lucky winner.” One winner will be chosen from all entrants received. The contest is currently open to anyone who visits the 2024-eclipse.com website; it will close at midnight on April 15.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is anticipating increased interest in stargazing among visitors to the Adirondack region of upstate New York in 2024. Public interest in astronomy post-eclipse, additional celestial events taking place throughout the year, and the region’s reputation as a prime stargazing location support the growing trend of travel to areas offering natural, starry skies and dark nights. Staggering statistics indicate that light pollution is increasing at 10 percent each year globally; and it’s estimated that eighty percent of Americans cannot see the Milky Way, due to the glow of artificial light. One way to measure the darkness of the night sky for a particular location is the Bortle Scale, a nine-level scale that quantifies light pollution with Class 9 being the most extreme amount of light pollution typically found in a big city. Most of the Adirondacks are a Class 2 on the Bortle Scale, which is described as a "typical truly dark site." The region offers minimal light pollution, relatively low humidity, and elevation – all important factors for viewing the stars. The area’s mountain tops, open fields, lakes, campgrounds and even within the area’s small towns offer prime viewing areas. The Adirondacks’ clear, dark skies, weather conditions, solitude and wide open spaces provide the perfect conditions for celestial observation. According to Jane Hooper, communications manager at ROOST, the Adirondack Park is known for its scenery, day or night. “The Adirondacks is an exceptional location for viewing the nighttime sky,” she said. “While it is known for its mountains, lakes, lush green trails and spectacular fall foliage, the nighttime sky is equally beautiful - it’s an incredible place to stargaze. Clear, cool nights offer millions of bright twinkling stars set against ink-black skies. The Adirondack region offers incredible views, day or night.” Visitors to the Adirondacks will have myriad opportunities to take part in stargazing, as a casual observer with the naked eye, with binoculars, or personal telescope. People can also visit the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, the Adirondacks’ only public astronomy-based organization for close-up views of deep space through their many high-powered professional telescopes. Its president, Seth McGowan, is also preparing for increased interest this year, with public events and viewing opportunities scheduled throughout the year. McGowan is excited about the anticipated increase in Adirondack region astrotourism. “Undoubtedly, the recent solar eclipse will lead to an increase in curiosity regarding celestial events throughout the year as it did in communities along the path of totality in 2017,” he commented. “I believe that more people will seek out opportunities for stargazing - there will be an increased interest in the Milky Way and its stars, planets, comets, and other celestial activity this year. I am thrilled to be able to provide information and assist with making the universe more accessible to our visitors.” The Adirondacks offer some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation in a beautiful, natural setting; it is within a day’s drive for 25 percent of the entire North American population. Stargazing is certainly one of the region’s most beautiful experiences. Celestial activity in 2024 includes: Lyrids Meteor Shower - April 22 - 23Produced by dust particles from the C/1861 G1 Thatcher Comet, the Lyrid shower produces 20 meteors per hour. This annual event peaks on the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd with meteors that can produce bright trails lasting for several seconds. The full moon will likely block out all but the brightest meteors this year. Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower - May 6 - 7 The Eta Aquarid shower, produced by Halley’s Comet, is capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour in the Southern Hemisphere and 30 per hour in the north. The meteor shower will peak during the night of May 6 and the morning of May 7. The moon’s phase will offer dark skies, providing optimal viewing. Perseids Meteor Shower - August 12 - 13 The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, produced by dust from the Swift-Tuttle comet. It offers 60 bright meteors per hour, from July 17 to August 24; peaking during the night of August 11 and morning of August 12. The moon sets after midnight, creating dark conditions for viewing. Saturn - September 8The ringed planet will be at its closest to Earth on September 8; its face fully illuminated by the sun. The planet will be brighter than any other time of the year, and visible throughout the night. A medium-sized telescope will allow stargazers to see Saturn's rings and a few of its brightest moons. This will be the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons. Supermoon / partial lunar eclipse - September 18 A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through Earth's shadow, or penumbra, with a portion of it passing through the darkest shadow, or umbra. During this eclipse, part of the moon will darken as it moves through the shadow. In 2024, the September moon is considered to be a “supermoon” meaning it is closest to Earth, making it appear much larger than is typical. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of North America. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet - October 13Comet observers are hoping that this comet will be easily viewed, beginning in late September. Comets can be somewhat difficult to predict but many astronomers believe that it will become visible with the naked eye. Orionids meteor shower - October 21 - 22 The Orionids, produced by dust left behind by Halley’s Comet, produce up to 20 meteors per hour. It takes place each year throughout the month of October, peaking on the night of October 21 and the morning of October 22. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Leonids meteor shower - November 17 - 18This meteor shower takes place throughout most of November, with approximately 15 meteors per hour, resulting from the Tempel-Tuttle comet. This meteor shower is unique in that it has a cyclonic peak about every 33 years where hundreds of meteors per hour can be seen - the last peak was in 2001. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Geminids Meteor Shower - December 13 - 14The Geminids is considered to be the best meteor shower for viewing, with up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour. The meteors are produced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon. The event takes place each year from early to mid-December; in 2024 it will peak during the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th. The nearly full moon will block out all but the brightest meteors this year.