Former faculty member Don Mellor started the Northwood tradition of Mountain Day in 1978. Every year, Mountain Day is an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and connect with new people at Northwood. There are a variety of excursions taken every year, and the most epic is the Whiteface paddle hike. This hike includes paddling in a canoe or kayak across Lake Placid, hiking up the back of Whiteface, then repeating on the way down. The hike is environmentally friendly since it is carbon-free; the only transportation needed is a canoe and paddle.

Tyler Eaton started the Whiteface paddle hike in 2015 or 2016. Mr. Eaton is a Northwood alumnus who graduated in 2000 and was an environmental science teacher at Northwood. When asked why Mr. Eaton started the Whiteface paddle hike, he said, “Mountain Day was fun, but I was looking for different stuff to do.” He also added that it was an opportunity to rectify the bussing issue that had been around for a long time since it was a car-free hike. His favorite part of the day was its long and tough aspect. “It’s a great opportunity for students that want to be challenged on Mountain Day,” he said. He also enjoyed the variety of activities the hike offered. When Mr. Eaton led it, his group would climb up the Lake Placid slides to the summit of Whiteface. He was delighted to get to canoe and hike all in one day. Also, as an environmental science teacher, Mr. Eaton recognized the environmental rewards of the hike. No car meant no carbon emissions and less environmental impact.

This Mountain Day, I was assigned to the Whiteface paddle hike. I agree with Mr. Eaton; the experience was cool and unique. In the morning, we paddled through the fog on Lake Placid, which was surreal. I am a ski racer at Northwood who skis at Whiteface every day of the winter, but I’ve never been to the summit before, which made standing on top of Whiteface Mountain so cool for me. The view of the Adirondack Park and Lake Placid below is one I will never forget.