GREETINGS TO VISITORS TO THE ADIRONDACK BACKCOUNTRY

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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GREETINGS TO VISITORS TO THE ADIRONDACK BACKCOUNTRY

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation welcomes all American and Canadian visitors who plan to recreate on the lands & waters of the Adirondack backcountry this as we celebrate our two great nations on this Fourth of July and Canada Day Holiday Weekend.

This information is provided to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience while you hike, camp, boat and paddle. Adirondack Backcountry Information provides more details.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND: Expect to encounter many people on trails and waters. Boat launches, trailhead parking lots and interior campsites may fill early. Plan accordingly and seek backcountry recreation opportunities in lesser used areas of the Adirondacks.

FIRE DANGER: Low in the High Peaks Region and MODERATE elsewhere. Never leave campfires unattended. Be sure campfires are completely out and wood, coals, embers and ash are cool.

CAMPGROUNDS & BOAT LAUNCHES: All DEC campgrounds and boat launches are open.

LAKE GEORGE BEACH: The beach is open from 9 am to 7 pm every day through Labor Day.

MADAWASKA ROAD: The road is once again open to public motor vehicles and bicycles. Paddlers can once again access Madawaska Pond and Quebec Brook.

STILLWATER MOUNTAIN FIRE TOWER: The fire tower has been restored and is open to the public.

TRAIL CONDITIONS: Trails may be muddy and wet along water bodies and in low lying areas. All hikers should wear waterproof footwear and gaiters. Remain on trails; walk through mud & water to prevent further eroding trails and damaging trailside vegetation.

WARM WEATHER PRECAUTIONS: Be prepared for warm and hot weather. Wear loose non-cotton clothing; carry and drink plenty of water; rest often; and protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses and sun block.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY: Avoid summits and other open areas and being on the water during thunderstorms. Immediately move to lower elevations, head to shore, or otherwise seek shelter at the first sound of thunder. Find a low spot away from tall trees. Seek an area of shorter trees and crouch down away from tree trunks.

WATER LEVELS: Waters levels are below average in most rivers and streams. Boaters and paddlers should watch for rocks, logs and sandbars that may be near the water surface. Low water crossings and drainages can be easily crossed. Water levels can rise quickly during and immediately after rain events in drainages, streams and rivers.

BITING INSECTS: Black flies, mosquitos, biting midges (no-see-ums) and deer flies are all present in the woods and on the waters at this time. Minimize the nuisance of biting insects by:
  • Wearing light colored long sleeve shirts and long pants;
  • Tucking shirts into pants, button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist, and tucking the bottom of pant legs into your socks;
  • Packing a head net to wear when insects are thick; and
  • Using an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.

BEAR-RESISTANT CANISTERS: The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness and recommended throughout the Adirondacks. All food, toiletries, and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters in the Eastern High Peaks and should be stored in bear-resistant canisters or a food hangs elsewhere.

ROCK CLIMBING ROUTE CLOSURES: All climbing routes on Moss Cliff, Labor Day Wall in the Wilmington Notch and all climbing routes on Crane Mountain are open. Due to nesting peregrine falcons the following climbing routes remain closed:

  • Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain – All routes on the Main Face, except for the climbing routes between and including “Opposition” and “A Womb with a View”.
  • Chapel Pond – All routes on Lower Washbowl Cliffs.
  • Shelving Rock Mountain (Lake George) – All routes on the Big Wall and Jackass Buttress.
  • Sleeping Beauty Mountain (Lake George) – All routes


Enjoy your visit to the Adirondacks!