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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.
Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or 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.
Bear Advisory: While preparing for your camping or hiking trip, check area notices for active bear advisories. If there are active bears present where you are planning to go, either choose an alternative trip or thoroughly educate yourself on how to reduce your chance of a bear encounter with proper food storage, disposal of food waste, and then what to do if you happen to encounter a bear. Learn more about avoiding nuisance bears.
Plan Ahead
Check weather and trail conditions, regulations, and advisories before you travel. Have an alternative plan ready to ensure you can make the most of your time in the Adirondacks.
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Holiday Week: July 1st marks the annual Canada Day holiday with July 4th to follow on Thursday. Expect towns and villages, trails and parking areas to be very busy this weekend through the following weekend. Know the parking regulations before you travel, and plan alternative hikes in case parking areas are full. Plan to arrive early to trailheads.
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Parking restrictions along Route 73: Reminder- parking is prohibited on roadsides along State Route 73. Violators will be ticketed. Park in designated pull offs and parking areas only.
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Share the roads: Cyclists are utilizing the busy north country roads training for the Lake Placid Ironman at the end of July. Motorists should be alert on all roadways, and double check shoulders before turning into parking areas, driveways or onto other roads.
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Tupper Lake Tinman: the Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon is June 29th. Motorists should expect road delays and slower traffic throughout the day surrounding the Village of Tupper Lake.
Prepare
Properly prepare to better ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation experience. 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.
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Summer weather is upon us! Follow these summer preparedness tips before hitting the trail:
- Rest and hydrate often to help combat the humidity and heat exhaustion.
- Apply sunscreen and Chapstick with SPF liberally and often.
- Bring plenty of food to keep up with the calories you'll burn.
- Keep an eye and ear on the weather. Summer heat can bring unexpected thunderstorms in the mountains.
- Always bring a headlamp, first aid kit, and map of your planned route.
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Biting insects are out in force! The black flies are still out in force along with deer flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects. Wear clothing that fully covers your body, use bug spray where you are not protected, and bring/wear a bug net to protect yourself. Wear light-colored clothing. Flies are attracted to dark colors.
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High elevations are still very wet and muddy! Continuous rainy weather has kept trails from drying out. Trails, especially higher elevation summits, are still very wet and muddy creating slippery and unstable conditions on steeper sloping trails. Wear durable, waterproof hiking boots, and bring trekking poles for extra stability while hiking through the mud. Think about postponing your high peak hike until trails have dried. Choose one of these hikes under 2,500ft instead.
Practice Leave No Trace
 Follow proper trail etiquette to maintain minimal impact on the environment 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.
Summer is a great time for getting outdoors, but it also means an influx of people on the trails and summits. Be considerate of other visitors and enjoy your experience by following these tips for handling busy weekends on the trails:
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Have patience! It’s easy to forget that when faced with a crowd of people on the trail or on a summit that you are also part of the crowd. Remember that everyone is out to enjoy their own personal experience and journey in the wilderness. Show kindness and support for those you may pass along the way. Share the views at the summit and overlooks so everyone has a chance to soak in the beauty, and keep noise levels to a minimum.
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Get up earlier! The earlier you rise, the fewer people will be on the trail. Parking is easier to find and you will find yourself alone or among the few other early risers at your destination.
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Explore areas that are less popular! Research and keep a bank of less traveled and less popular trails and areas. Explore them when there are times of high use in the highly popular places. Some of the best destinations and views are found on the trails less known.
General Conditions/Notices
Learn the conditions you will encounter from Adirondack Backcountry Information
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Travel: Check NY511 for road closures and conditions.
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Holiday Week: Monday is Canada Day and next Thursday is the Fourth of July.
- Beginning this Friday through the following Sunday, expect to encounter high numbers of people at trailheads, on the trail, and on the water.
- Trailhead parking areas, lean-tos, and primitive campsites will fill early.
- Seek outdoor recreation opportunities in lesser used areas of the Adirondacks.
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Early Summer Weather: Temperatures are warming but it continues to rain often.
- Water levels are higher and water temperatures are colder than is typical for this time of year.
- Paddlers and tubers should be aware of these conditions.
- Air temperatures can be warm, while water temperatures remain cold.
- Mud and water are present on seasonal access roads and trails.
- Check spring recreation tips for a safe and enjoyable outing while minimizing impacts on natural resources and trails.
- Check the National Weather Service or NY Mesonow for current conditions and forecasts for the location where you plan to recreate.
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Seasonal Access Roads: Most seasonal access roads are open while a few remain closed for mud season.
- Seasonal access roads are dirt and gravel which 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.
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Biting Insects: It is “Bug Season” in the Adirondacks. Black flies and mosquitoes are present in large numbers. 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.
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Fire Danger: Low, throughout the Adirondacks. Check the Fire Danger Rating Map.
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Thunderstorm Safety: Thunderstorms can pop up even if they are not forecast.
- Avoid summits, water surfaces and other open areas during thunderstorms.
- As soon as you are first aware of an approaching thunderstorm, move to lower elevations, head to shore or otherwise seek shelter.
- If caught outside in a thunderstorm, find a low spot away from tall trees, seek an area of shorter trees and crouch down away from tree trunks.
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Report Moose Sightings:
- DEC is asking the public to report moose sightings and observations.
- DEC and its research partners use these public sightings as indices of moose distribution and abundance in New York.
- This is part of a multi-year research project to obtain information on the status of New York State's moose population, health of the moose, and the factors that influence moose survival and reproductive rate.
- Use the moose sighting form.
Hikers & Campers
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General Information:
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Trail Conditions:
- DEC has lifted the muddy trail advisory.
- Trails remain muddy above 2,500 feet and in other locations.
Hikers should walk through mud, not around it, to protect trails and trailside vegetation.
- Trails are slippery and unstable when wet and muddy, especially on steeper slopes.
- Hikers should use caution. Sturdy boots and trekking poles provide traction and added balance in these conditions.
- If you do not desire to have muddy shoes, hike any of the numerous trails under 2,500 feet.
- Water levels are high - low water crossings may be problematic or impossible to cross.
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Bear Resistant Canisters:
- 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.
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Mountain Summits: Please avoid high elevation mountain summits while the Muddy Trail Advisory is in effect.
Bikers
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General Information: Biking
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Trail Conditions:
- Most trails are dry and rideable, but some trails remain closed due to wet and muddy conditions.
- Don’t use muddy trails. They are easily rutted and damaged through use.
- If you are leaving tracks, turn back.
- The Barkeaters Trail Alliance provides information on the status of mountain bike trails in the Tri-lakes region of the Adirondacks.
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E-bikes: Electric powered bikes are prohibited on all bike trails on the Forest Preserve.
Boaters, Paddlers, and Anglers
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General Information
- Conditions
- Water levels are higher and water temperatures are colder than usual for this time of year.
- Paddlers, tubers, and waders should expect to encounter strong
 currents on rivers, creeks and streams.
- Paddlers on the Batten Kill in Washington County continue to underestimate the strength of the current, capsize, and require rescue.
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended to be worn by all anglers, boaters, and paddlers.
- Strong currents and turbulent waters can impair people's ability to reach shore or hold them underwater.
- People immersed in cool waters can lose the ability to think clearly and move quickly after only a short time in the water.
- Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters.
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DEC Boat Launches: Docks have been installed at all but a few boat launches where high water levels are preventing installation.
Climbers
Recent Notices
Notices below reflect recent changes in conditions and recreation infrastructure work completed by DEC and its partners. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information web pages for ongoing issues and more detailed information.
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Boreas Ponds Tract: Gulf Brook Road is closed at Blue Ridge Road on Thursday 6/27 but will reopen to the Fly Pond Area at the end of the day.
- Other work on the road has been delayed.
- During the next few weeks, Gulf Brook Road will be open seven days a week to the Fly Pond Parking Area.
- DEC will provide notice here when the work starts, and the road will be open on Saturdays and Sundays only.
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West Canada Lake Wilderness: Trails throughout the area contain significant amount of blowdown.
- Blowdown is particularly prevalent on the Northville-Placid Trail and Cedar Lakes Trail.
- Plan for hikes to take longer due to working through or around blowdown.
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John Brown Conservation Easement Tract: The Brown Tract Trail will be closed for three weeks beginning July 1 while logging operations take place.
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Moose River Plains Wild Forest:
- Rock Dam Road remains closed to public motor vehicle use.
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Blue Mountain Wild Forest/Township 19 & 20 Conservation Easement Tracts:
- The following roads are now open to public motor vehicle use:
- Minerva Club Road
- O'Neil Flow Road
- Barker Pond Road
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Kushaqua Conservation Easement Tract: Mountain Pond Road remains closed due to muddy conditions.
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Terry Mountain State Forest: The Terry Mountain State Forest remains closed for mud season.
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Lake George Wild Forest: Gay Pond Road remains closed due to the large amount of blowdown on the road.
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Wilcox Wild Forest: Pumpkin Hollow Road remains closed for mud season.
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High Peaks Wilderness: Hikers seeking to use the Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail, which opened last fall, will be re-routed around the construction underway to make significant improvements to Olympic Sports Complex facilities.
- Hikers can park at the Biathlon Facility parking area in the Complex and use a marked 2.9-mile detour bypassing the construction zone using roads, ski trails, and a temporary trail to reach the Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail approximately 1.0 mile below the summit.
- Expect to encounter trail workers along the trail to the summit of the mountain as they complete the final touches on the sustainably designed and recently opened trail.
- Hikers may also reach the summit using the traditional route – the 2.2-mile Mt. Van Hoevenberg West Trail which begins at the trailhead on Meadows Lane.
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Ausable Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract/High Peaks & Giant Mountain Wildernesses:
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Parking is prohibited on a four-mile section of State Route 73 between Chapel Pond and the Rooster Comb Trailhead.
- Officers have and will continue to issue tickets for vehicles parked in no parking zones.
- Tickets can result in fines up to $250 plus court costs.
- Parking will still be allowed at trailheads and other designated pull-offs.
- DEC encourages hikers to discover and visit the other numerous hiking opportunities in the area, or visit on weekdays when there is less demand.
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Hikes Outside the Adirondack High Peaks lists a dozen nearby alternate hikes.
Highlighted Hike: Elephant Head Trail, Malone, NY
Elephant Head Trail is located in the 7,566-acre Titusville Mountain State Forest. The .8-mile (one way) foot trail extends from the end of the recently repaired Elephant Head Road to the summit of Elephant's Head. The trail has an elevation gain of 320 feet. Infrastructure on the trail includes one wooden staircase on a steeper section near the summit.
Users are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the Adirondacks to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and minimize impact to its natural resources.
View map
The Elephant Head Trailhead Parking Area is located at the end of the road (44.70561076°N, 74.28351008°W).
Elephant Head Road was recently reopened upon completion of road improvements and rehabilitation that included significant brushing, grading, and other tread repairs to make the road passable for vehicle. Vehicles with low clearance may have difficulty utilizing the gravel road.
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