This map shows a new spur trail that connects hikers on the Northville-Placid Trail to the hamlet of Long Lake. (Provided photo — DEC)

LONG LAKE — The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced the opening of a new spur trail that will connect Northville-Placid Trail hikers to the hamlet of Long Lake.

The NPT bypasses the hamlet, but many hikers find their way into Long Lake to resupply on food or pick up packages at the post office.

Now, hikers will be able to hike from the NPT to right across the street from the post office. In a press release, the DEC said the new 2.2-mile spur trail utilizes a new section on state land in the Blue Mountain Wild Forest, as well as some trails on town land and a town road.

“The trail terminates at a gravel parking lot at the intersection of state Route 30/28N, South Hill Road, and Pavilion Lane,” the release said. “The Long Lake Post Office, where many backpackers send packages for resupply, is located on the opposite side of state Route 30/28N. Businesses with food and supplies are located less than 0.2 mile from the terminus.

“Overall, using the spur trail eliminates an estimated 1.4 miles of hiking, including 1.3 miles of hiking on the shoulder of the state highway. In the winter, cross-country skiers can ski from Long Lake to the Three Brook Ski Loop Trail along the NPT and back for a pleasant 5.5-mile round trip ski.”

The new section of trail was built by the Student Conservation Association’s Adirondack Program.