Hiking Trails in the Adirondacks:
Silvi Trail
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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 trail. Follow the blue trail markers.