The Northville to Lake Placid Trail was first cut in 1922. Since that time parts have been rerouted, end points have changed and no more that 2000 people have hiked the trail from end to end. The trail passes through areas designated as "Wilderness Areas." Trail maintenance, new and old, is evident in some areas of the trail. Other areas are overgrown to the point that the route is not evident unless you look no more than one step ahead of your boots. Bare arms and legs will get scratched in these areas. Along the entire length trees have been uprooted, broken in half, rotted and fallen, knocked down by larger tress that have fallen against them. Every mile has one or more of these so called "Blow downs." In some places vigilant volunteers have sawn, chopped, dragged them off of the trail. Many must be detoured around; some can be easily dealt with by stepping over or ducking under.

The official Adirondack Mountain Club guide for this trail has among its appendices a glossary. It is a rather modest glossary and Jerry and I have a few suggestions to add as relates to the above-mentioned "Blow downs."

Noggin Knocker - A fallen tree across the trail above eye level that is likely to strike the hiker in the head while he or she is being careful to "watch his or her step."

Pack Puller - A fallen tree lower than a noggin knocker but high enough to duck under. When ducking under if the hiker attempts to resume a fully erect posture too soon the pack puller reminds the hiker that he or she is wearing a pack by yanking backwards.

Groin Grabber - A fallen tree too low to duck under but just high enough to cause distress to the junction of ones legs as you try to straddle it. (Note this term was originally a Scrotum Scraper but in deference to the NOW it was changed to a unisex valued term.)

Knee Nailer - A fallen tree at about knee height. If the hiker is "watching his or her step" the knee nailer will prove to be harmless. It only nails knees of Hikers looking for obscure blue, red, green, yellow, or other colored trail markers nailed above eye level on trees.