The trail, pursuing a northerly course, connects the picturesque southern Adirondack foothills and scenic High Peaks region to the north. Lakes and ponds of all sizes and uncounted streams are met at every turn as the trail winds northward up valleys, along ridges and over mountains. The land is mainly forested, and though none of the timber is virgin, trees of considerable size reflect over 50 years of state ownership and conservation.

Excellent trout fishing in the spring; bass, pickerel,and pike fishing in the summer and fall; and big game hunting in the fall, are permitted according to state rules and regulations.

The trail and topography are shown in detail on USGS Topographical maps of the following quadrangles: Northville, Harrisburg, Jackson Summit, Lake Pleasant, Piseco Lake, West Canada Lakes, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain, Long Lake, Saranac Lake, Santanoni, and Lake Placid. In addition, large scale 7.5 x 15 minute, metric quadrangles are available for the northern end of the route: Kempshall Mountain, Santanoni Peak, Ampersand Lake, and Saranac Lake.

The trail crosses both state and private lands, with a large portion of trail mileage occurring in wilderness areas. Trails in these areas can be over rugged and difficult that do not receive much maintenance in the interior.