Along the Silvi Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC (19 August 2013)

Hiking Trails in the Adirondacks:
Silvi Trail

This page is no longer being updated.  For an updated and expanded version of this material, see: Adirondack Nature Trails: Silvi Trail

Adirondack Wetlands: Boardwalk over swampland on the east end of the Silvi Trail (19 August 2013) Adirondack Habitats: Mixed forest on the Silvi Trail (25 July 2012) Airondack Habitats: Mixed forest near the gazebo on the Silvi Trail (25 July 2012) Gazebo near the radial plantation on the Silvi Trail (25 July 2012) Adirondack Habitats: Pine forest on the Silvi Trail (19 August 2013) Adirondack Habitats: Conifers on the Silvi Trail (19 August 2013) Along the Silvi Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC.  Photo courtesy of Nancie Battaglia.  Used by permission.
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The Silvi Trail is an interesting one-mile hiking trail intersecting with the Woods and Waters Trail.  The Silvi Trail leads through a forest plantation which was developed on the site of the St. Regis Golf Club -- a golf course which was built in the late 19th century for guests of the nearby Paul Smith's Hotel. The golf course was closed in 1949. The name of the trail – silvi – comes from silviculture: a branch of forestry dealing with the development and care of forests.  This area was once used by silviculture classes at Paul Smith's College to practice forest management techniques.

The eastern end of the trail begins at a well-marked intersection with the Woods and Waters Trail.  The Silvi Trail leads over a short boardwalk, through a swampy area, then through mixed (primarily hardwood forest).  The trail then curves down to a clearing, leading to a small gazebo by the radial plantation.  Go through the gazebo and follow the path uphill through a pine forest.  The trail then goes through a mixed forest before intersecting again with the Woods and Waters Trail.  Along the Silvi Trail, there are a number of old and now largely illegible interpretive signs.   The walking is easy, with a few hills. 

In the winter, this trail becomes a classic cross-country ski trailFollow the blue trail markers. 

 

Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.