The North Country Trail community is gathering for 2023 Celebration from September 27 through October 1 in Chestertown, New York to learn new skills, become inspired, and of course, hike!
The North Country Trail Association works with one or a few local Chapters to host Celebration in a different location each year. This is a multi-day event that offers opportunities to explore the North Country National Scenic Trail in unique locations. Celebration allows you to network with trail enthusiasts from North Dakota to Vermont and beyond, attend skills workshops and volunteer training, and participate in engaging evening presentations. Together, let’s celebrate everything that makes our Trail Community special.
2023 Celebration will be in Chestertown, New York: a wonderful access point to both the Adirondack and Green Mountains. The NCNST offers a multitude of hiking experiences across its 700-mile segment in New York and 40-mile segment in Vermont. The NCTA Central New York Chapter and multiple Affiliate organizations build, maintain, protect, and promote this National Scenic Trail in these two states. Affiliates and partners include the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Adirondack Mountain Club, Green Mountain Club, and Middlebury Area Land Trust.
FAQ
The most common answers can be found in this FAQ document. If you have additional questions, please contact Abby Whittington, NCTA Events Coordinator, at awhittington@northcountrytrail.org.
This year, we welcome Jennifer Pharr Davis as our keynote speaker. She is a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, hiker, speaker, and author. She has set multiple Fastest Known Time records in a variety of settings, and is well versed in America’s National Trails System.
Celebration 2023 will be held at the Forest Lake Camp in Chestertown, New York. Some ticket options include lodging at the camp, in either shared bunkhouses or at tent sites (for which you will need to bring your own camping equipment). Detailed information about these options is included in the registration process. Alternatively, there is a variety of off-site accommodations in the area, including the following recommendations:
Most of these attractions are within a one-hour drive of Forest Lake Camp. Additionally, there are countless establishments for food and drink throughout Lake George, Warrensburg, Schroon Lake, North Creek, and beyond.
Fort Ticonderoga is “the premier place to learn more about North America’s military heritage.” It is a major cultural destination, museum, historic site, and center for learning, and is open for daily visitation May through October. (Map)
Crown Point State Historic Site is “dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the ruins of two fortifications from the colonial wars between the British and French. Long before the American Revolution these colonial powers both laid claim to the Champlain Valley and this strategically important peninsula known as Crown Point.” Grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, year-round, free of charge. (Map)
Fort William Henry allows you to step back in time and experience life at a British fort in 1755. Watch live musket and cannon firings, play 18th Century games, and join the King’s Army! Talk with British Regulars, Provincial Troops, and Rangers to learn more about this exciting time in Colonial America.” The fort is open Friday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Haunted history tours are Saturdays at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. (Map)
Gore Mountainis a great destination for skiers and snowboarders, but it also offers many non-winter attractions like scenic skyrides, hiking, downhill mountain biking, and disc golf. These attractions are open Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. through October 9. (Map)
Whiteface Mountain is similar to Gore Mountain in that it offers plenty of non-winter activities too, such as the Cloudsplitter gondola ride, a veteran’s memorial highway, disc golf, and hiking. (Map)
The Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lakeis “open for its 60th season, offering the most immersive and diverse visitor experience in its six decades. Perched on 121 sprawling acres overlooking stunning Blue Mountain Lake, the Adirondack Experience tells the compelling story of the region’s past, present and future. Explore our 24 galleries and historic buildings, meet boat builders and basket makers, hike and discover birds, bugs and breathtaking forest life – there’s so much to do.” (Map)
The Wild Center Museum is “science-based, and its experiences, exhibits and programs are designed to open new ways to look into our relationship with nature.” It includes a comprehensive natural history of the Adirondacks. (Map)
The Lake Placid Olympic Center offers “hallways adorned with plaques and banners toting the achievements of past Olympians. You’ll find the 1932 Jack Shea Arena, 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, USA Practice Rink, James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, Conference Center, and The Lake Placid Olympic Museum. In the Olympic Center and on its grounds are skating rinks, open to the public, where gold medals have been won – including the famous Herb Brooks Arena where the ‘Miracle On Ice’ game was played and the speed skating Oval where many Olympic and other international speed skating competitions have been held.” (Map)
“A slow, scenic drive through old Adirondack towns is the most encompassing way to see the Lake George Area.”
North Creek Railbiking Rides are “a fun new way to experience nature and see the sights by riding the railroad tracks under your own power. It’s a fun and safe outdoor activity for people of all ages and designed to give you a quiet ride so you can enjoy the surroundings.” (Map)
The Hudson River Gorge is “rated as one of the top ten whitewater rafting trips in the U.S. [It] is the pinnacle of New York whitewater rafting. Seventeen miles of whitewater combined with spectacular scenery will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. This is a full day trip that has it all – big rapids, swimming, splash fights, excellent food and reliable dam-released water. This is an action-packed whitewater rafting trip that’s a day trip from NYC.” Rafting trips in North Creek run Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday through Indigenous People’s Day. (Map)
The Shelburne Museum is “an unparalleled and unique experience of American history, art, and design. Designed to allow visitors the pleasure of discovery and exploration, the Museum includes thirty-nine distinct structures on forty-five acres, each filled with beautiful, fascinating, and whimsical objects. Come play in our gardens and open our many doors. You are welcome here.” (Map)
