DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin - May 16, 2019

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin
May 16, 2019

Have a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreational experience on the lands and waters of the Adirondacks. Properly plan and prepare for your outdoor adventure. Minimize the impact on the mountains and forests, rivers and brooks, ponds and lakes, and the wildlife of the Adirondacks.

Check the Backcountry Information for the Adirondacks web pages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions for those planning to recreate in the Adirondacks. This bulletin provides only the most recent notices.

Muddy Trails Advisory: DEC urges hikers to avoid trails above 2,500 feet to protect trails, soils, and vegetation. Check out this list of Adirondack hikes under 2,500 feet for great alternatives this spring.

If you do encounter mud on the trails;

  • Walk through the mud, not around it- walking through the mud keeps the pressure in the center of the trail which is designed to take the use. By walking around mud or puddles, trailside vegetation becomes damaged or removed, and softer portions of the trail erode which can create unwanted wider trails. Widened trails mean less habitat for wildlife and insects and more damage to tree roots and vegetation.
  • Wear waterproof boots- Having the proper equipment means you don’t have to choose between walking down the center of the trail or walking around the mud to protect your feet. Choose to walk right down the center of the trail, through the mud.
  • Pack extra wool socks- Every boot has its limit on very wet trails. Bringing extra wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry will give you a more enjoyable hike and allow you to keep walking through the mud.

Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured, keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch, 518-891-0235.

Check mountain weather conditions before heading out this weekend.

Packing the proper gear for a hike is very important, and you should be prepared to encounter all conditions. See our recommended packing list and safety tips.


Plan Ahead and Prepare

Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly. Check the current National Weather Service Forecast, and be prepared for the forecasted conditions, or change your plans.

  • Park in designated parking areas at trailheads: Plan for busy trailheads and limited Parking in designated parking areasparking. Parking areas fill up quickly and early. Please avoid parking on the shoulder of busy highway roads for safety purposes. Be aware of visitors crossing roads. Do not block driveways, roadways, or roads from emergency vehicles or residents.
  • Ice, snow and mud present above 2,500 feet: Mixed trail conditions are present on trails in high elevations. DEC urges hikers to hike below 2,500 feet to protect trails, soils, and vegetation. Check out this list of Adirondack hikes under 2,500 feet for great alternatives this spring.

  • Black Flies: The transition to spring means black fly season. Wear clothing that fully covers your body, use bug spray where you are not protected, and bring/wear a bug net to protect yourself from black flies. Wear light-colored clothing. Flies are attracted to dark colors.

  • Bear canisters are required in the High Peaks Wilderness: Bears are coming out of hibernation and are very hungry. If you are planning a backcountry camping trip in the High Peaks Wilderness, bring a bear resistant canister to reduce your chance of encountering a bear. Learn about bear canister facts, how to pack a canister, and how to store your canister properly while camping by visiting the Bear Resistant Canister web page.

Practice Leave No Trace

Follow proper trail etiquette to maintain minimal impact on the Leave No Traceenvironment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks, as well as ensure an enjoyable outdoor experience for all visitors by following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.

  • Be a more environmentally-friendly camper by using these packing and preparation tips:
    • Bring reusable containers for storing leftovers to ensure no food goes to waste.
    • Prior to your trip, re-pack any food you are bringing along in reusable containers.
    • Reusable cooking utensils and reusable or recyclable dishes cut down on the amount of trash generated.
    • Reusable mugs, cups, or bottles that can easily be rinsed or washed cut down on plastic waste. If it's necessary to use plastic, remember to recycle those items.
    • Consider using biodegradable/earth-friendly dish soap, sponges, and water basins. Do your dishes at least 150 feet away from any body of water.
    • Bring non-toxic sunscreen and bug spray that won't harm waters, plants, and wildlife.

General Conditions/Notices

Learn the conditions you will encounter from Adirondack Backcountry Information.

All

  • Travel: Check NY511 for road closures and conditions.
  • Victoria Day Weekend: This is a Canadian holiday weekend. Trailhead parking areas will fill early. Expect to encounter many people on trails and waterways. Plan accordingly and seek outdoor recreational opportunities in other less used areas of the Adirondacks.
  • Fire Danger: Low throughout the remainder of the Adirondacks.
    • Fire danger rating can change daily in the spring. Check the fire danger map for daily updates.
  • Biting Insects: Black flies and mosquitoes have emerged heralding “bug season" in the Adirondacks. Follow these steps to minimize the nuisance of biting insects:
    • Wear light-colored, long sleeve shirts and long pants.          
    • Tuck shirts into pants, button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist, and tuck the bottom of pant legs into your socks.
    • Pack a head net to wear when insects are thick.
    • Use an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.
  • Spring in the Adirondacks:
    • Mud and water in the lower to middle elevations
    • Snow and ice in the upper middle to high elevations
    • Check spring recreation tips for a safe and enjoyable outing while minimizing impacts on natural resources and trails.
  • Weather: Check the National Weather Service or NY Mesonow for current conditions and forecasts for the location where you plan to recreate.
  • Water Levels: Rains (and melting snow in the High Peaks Region) are keeping water levels in rivers and streams high and flowing fast. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters.
  • Water Temperatures: Water temperatures are very cold.
    • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended to be worn by all anglers, boaters, and paddlers.
    • People immersed in cold waters can lose the ability to think clearly and move quickly after only a short time in the water.
    • Anglers fishing from shore or wading should wear a personal flotation device.
  • Seasonal Access Roads:
    • Many seasonal access roads are open while many others remain closed for mud season.
    • Closed roads will reopen after the frost has thawed, the roads are dry, and any necessary repairs and maintenance are completed.
    • Check the Specific Notices below and the Adirondack Backcountry Information  web pages to learn what access roads are open.
    • Seasonal access roads are dirt and gravels roads that can be rough.
      • Four-wheel drive SUVs, pick-up trucks, and other high clearance vehicles are recommended for driving on these roads.
      • Roads may be narrow – use caution, drive slowly, and watch for oncoming vehicles.

Hikers and Campers

  • General InformationLake Harris Campground
  • Muddy Trail Advisory: DEC has issued the annual Spring Muddy Trail Advisory
    • Please protect high elevation trails and vegetation and postpone hikes on trails above 2,500 feet until these high elevation trails have dried and hardened.
    • Snow and ice are currently melting on high elevation trails.
    • Steep trails with thin soils can be dangerous to hike and are susceptible to erosion; and sensitive alpine vegetation is easily damaged.
    • Choose any of the numerous trails under 2,500 feet to hike until the advisory is lifted.
  • Trail Conditions: 
    • Mud and water are present on most all trails – protect trails and trailside vegetation by walking through mud and water not around it.
    • Water levels are high - low water crossings may be problematic or impossible to cross.
  • Bear Resistant Canister:
    • The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30.
    • All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters.
    • DEC encourages the use of bear-resistant canisters and other practices to avoid negative encounters with bears throughout the Adirondacks.
  • Mountain Summits: Please avoid high elevation mountain summits while the Muddy Trail Advisory is in effect.

Bikers

Boaters and Paddlers

  • General Information
  • Conditions
    • Water levels are high and water temperatures are cold
      • Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended to be worn by all anglers, boaters, and paddlers. 
      • People immersed in cold waters can lose the ability to think clearly and move quickly after only a short time in the water.
  • DEC Boat Launches: Due to high waters, DEC has been unable to install docks at many DEC Boat Launches.

Anglers

  • General Information: Fishing
    • Water levels remain high due to frequent rain.
    • Wear proper footwear and use a hiking stick with a carbide tip to access the water.
    • Water temperatures are extremely cold.
      • Anglers should wear a PFD as a precaution.
      • A person falling into the water could quickly lose the ability to keep their head above water.
    • Anglers new to brook trout fishing should look to the Guide to Brook Trout Fishing in Adirondack Ponds for assistance.

Climbers


Recent Notices

Notices below reflect recent changes in conditions and recreation infrastructure work that DEC and its partners completed. Check the Backcountry Information for the Adirondacks for ongoing issues and more detailed information.

  • Moose River Plains Wild Forest/West Canada Lakes Wilderness: Cedar River Road is open to the Cedar River Flow for public motor vehicle use.
  • Independence River Wild Forest: All gates to seasonal access roads have been opened and the roads are available for public motor vehicle use.
  • Watson’s East Triangle Wild Forest: Bear Pond Road is open to public motor West Canada Lakesvehicles.
  • Croghan Tract Conservation Easement Tract: Main Haul Road, which also provides access to the western portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness, is open to public motor vehicles.
  • Oswegatchie Conservation Easement Tract: All gates to seasonal access roads have been opened and the roads are available for public motor vehicle use.
  • Black River Wild Forest: Loop Road (access to campsites along North Lake) is open for public motor vehicle use to the washout at Golden Stair Creek. 
  • William C Whitney Wilderness: Lake Lila Road is open for public motor vehicle use. Do not trespass on private property along the road.
  • Santa Clara Conservation Easement/Debar Mountain Wild Forest: Pinnacle Road is open for public motor vehicle use.
  • Wilcox Lake Wild Forest: Pumpkin Hollow Road is closed for mud season.
  • High Peaks Wilderness: 
    • Corey’s Road is open for public motor vehicle use.
    • The Clear Pond Gate on the Elk Lake Road is open. The road is open to the Elk Lake Trailheads.
    • Gulf Brook Roads remains closed for mud season.
    • Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR): DEC forest rangers and assistant forest rangers will continue this pilot initiative this weekend to reduce the number of incidents in the Adirondack High Peaks region and help to ensure the public has an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience.
    • Muddy Trail Advisory:
      • Please protect high elevation trails and vegetation, and postpone hikes on trails above 2,500 feet until these high elevation trails have dried and  hardened.
      • Snow and ice are currently melting on high elevation trails.
      • Steep trails with thin soils can be dangerous to hike and are susceptible to erosion; and sensitive alpine vegetation is easily damaged.
      • Choose any of the numerous trails under 2,500 feet to hike until the advisory is lifted.
    • Garden Trailhead Parking Lot is Closed:
      • Hikers can access the Garden Trailhead using the Town of Keene’s Shuttle from Marcy Field.
      • The shuttle schedule and additional information is provided by the Town of Keene.
      • When the shuttle is not operating, hikers are encouraged to hike other trails in the area.
    • South Meadow Lane is open to public motor vehicle use.
  • Silver Lake Wilderness: West River Road which provides access into the Whitehouse area is now open.
  • Ferris Lake Wild Forest: The Powley Road remains closed for mud season.

Highlighted Hike: Lampson Falls Trail - Clare, NY

Lampson Falls, part of the Grass River Wild Forest is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Adirondacks with a vertical drop of approximately 100 feet. The 0.5-mile long accessible trail provides an enjoyable stroll through the forest ending at an overlook on the falls. The majority of the trail is at a grade of 5 percent or less, however, users should be prepared for steeper grades of up to 10 percent to get them to a point mid-falls for a great view of the falls and the surrounding area. Level resting areas are provided at close intervals.

Lampson Falls Trailhead Parking Area is located off County Route 27 (44.4050°N, 75.0617°W)