DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin

August 1, 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.

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 what to do if you happen to encounter a bear. Learn more about avoiding nuisance bears.

Parking restrictions along Route 73: Parking is prohibited on the shoulders of State Route 73 between Chapel Pond and Rooster Comb Trailhead. Violators will be ticketed. Park in designated pull offs and trailhead parking areas only.

Leave No Trace Hot Spot Events - August 7th-14th: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and its Subaru Traveling Trainer team are partnering with ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club), DEC, and other regional organizations to host a series of events over the course of the week focusing on the heavily-visited Eastern High Peaks Wilderness. The Hot Spot will address the challenges associated with high concentrations of visitors to the region, including damage to alpine plants, trail erosion, human waste, and negative human/wildlife interactions. Find all the ways you can get involved. All events are free and open to the public.

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.

• Bear Activity: A nuisance bear has been active in the Eastern High Peaks. The bear is approaching hikers and campers in an attempt to obtain food. Bear canisters are currently required in the High Peaks Wilderness and strongly recommended throughout the rest of the park. Be sure all of your food and waste will fit securely within the bear canister. If you’re not sure about an item, pack it in your canister anyway.
  • Do not eat or store food where you sleep. Cook and store food 100 feet or more from lean-tos and tent sites.
  • Bear hangs are not effective. Lock all food, garbage, and toiletries in bear resistant containers. 
  • Bear spray is an option for close encounters. Keep it on you and easily accessible.
  • Do not leave packs unattended on trails.
  • Report nuisance bear incidents to DEC.
• Repackage food to minimize waste: This will help reduce pack weight, total trash carry out, portioned meals, faster meal prep, and will reduce the chances of dropping wrappers or burning cardboard. Using plastic or silicone reusable baggies, repackage your foods and snacks out of their wrappers and boxes prior to taking your trip. This allows you to ditch most of your waste at home where it can easily be thrown out or recycled. Repackaged foods can also fit more easily into bear resistant canisters.

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.

• Wildlife encounters:
  • Always view wildlife from a distance, giving the animal enough space to hardly know you are present.
  • Do not approach. Wildlife can become aggressive at any point if they feel threatened.
  • Do not feed wildlife. This can condition them to only survive on human food which creates negative human-wildlife encounters and is fatal to that animal.
  • If you have a close encounter with larger wildlife life bears or moose, remain calm and begin to back away slowly. Always keep your packs on your back and do not leave them unattended on any trail.
• Summer heat continues:
• 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.
• Plan to start your hike early in the morning when the temperatures are cool.
• Tips to stay hydrated
• Drink more than necessary the week leading up to your hiking trip.
• Drink 1-2 cups of water or a sport drink before beginning your hike.
• Limit the amount of caffeine drinks. Caffeine increases fluid loss and can dehydrate you faster.
• During the hike, drink at least 1qt. of water per hour.
• Alternate between water and electrolyte or sport beverage. Sports drinks or electrolyte tabs help retain fluids and maintain energy.
• Drink more than you think is necessary.
• Assess your hydration along your hike by looking for signs of: low volumes of dark urine, rapid heart rate, weakness, excessive fatigue, or dizziness. 
• Continuing to hike in a dehydrated state can lead to serious consequences, including heat stroke, muscle breakdown, and kidney failure.
• Rehydration is essential when you’ve completed your hike - rehydration is enhanced when fluids or foods contain sodium and potassium like bananas, citrus fruits, lemonade, and orange juice.

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.

• Alpine Vegetation: The summit of a high peak is an amazing place to be. While you're soaking in the accomplishment of your hard work and the beauty of the views, don’t forget to watch where you’re walking. The High Peaks of the Adirondacks are home to rare and endangered alpine vegetation that live and thrive on our rocky summits, and it’s up to you to help protect it.
  • Keep a clean trail and summit so alpine vegetation can grow healthy and freely.
  • Stay on the trail and on the rocks to avoid trampling and damaging alpine vegetation.

General Conditions/Notices

Learn the conditions you will encounter from Adirondack Backcountry Information.

All

• Travel: Check NY511 for road closures and conditions.
• Summer Weather: 
• Sunny with daytime highs in the 70s and 80s.
• Check the National Weather Service or NY Mesonow for updated hazardous weather notices and for current conditions and forecasts for the location where you plan to recreate.
• Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke:
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat.
  • Slow your pace.
  • Drink water and rest more often.
  • Seek shade and avoid long periods in direct sunlight.
  • Dogs are much more susceptible to overheating.
    • Be sure to bring plenty of water for them.
    • Make sure they rest often in the shade.
    • Consider leaving them home.
• 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, and 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.
• Biting Insects: It is bug season in the Adirondacks. Expect to encounter deer flies, mosquitoes, no-see-ums (biting gnats), and ticks. 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 repellent and follow label directions. 
  • View these additional tips for tick prevention.
• Fire Danger:
  • Moderate in the Adirondack Fire Danger Rating Area.
  • Low in the Eastern and High Peaks Fire Danger Rating Area 
  • Check the Fire Danger Rating Map. to determine the Fire Danger Rating Area and updates to the Fire Danger Rating.
• Seasonal Access Roads: All but two seasonal access roads are open to public motor vehicle traffic. Check the Specific Notices below for roads that remain closed.
  • 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.

Hikers & Campers

• General Information: 
  • Hiking 
  • Backcountry Camping
• Trail Conditions: 
• Trails continue to dry but expect to encounter wet and muddy conditions in low areas, along waterbodies, and after rain events.
  • Wear footwear suitable for hiking through wet and muddy areas.
  • Please protect trails and trailside vegetation – stay in the center of the trail and walk through mud and water, not around it.
• Be aware that water levels will increase during and immediately after significant rain events - low water crossings may be difficult to cross.
• Bear Resistant Canisters: 
  • The use of bear-resistant canisters ensures campers don’t lose food, prevents creating nuisance bears, and 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:
  • Temperatures will be cooler, and winds will be stronger. 
  • Be sure to pack extra layers of clothing when hiking to a summit above 2,500 ft.
  • Check the National Weather Service Mountain Point Forecasts for selected summits.

Bikers

• General Information: Biking
• Trail Conditions:
• Trails continue to dry and are in good condition.
• Trails or sections of trails may be muddy after rain.
• Please don’t ride on 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.
• E-bikes: Electric powered bikes are prohibited on all bike trails on the Forest Preserve.

Boaters, Paddlers, and Anglers

• General Information
  • Boaters
  • Paddlers
  • Fishing
• Condition
• Water levels in many rivers and streams are below average to low.
  • Shallow sections of rivers and streams may be “bony” or otherwise too shallow to float through.
  • Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters.
• Water temperatures are warm though high elevation brooks will be cool.
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended to be worn by all anglers, boaters, and paddlers.
• Heat Stressed Trout and Salmon: Trout and salmon can experience physical stress whenever water temperatures climb above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In streams, heat-stressed fish will seek deep pockets of cold water, small feeder streams, or water released from deep reservoirs.
  • These refuges allow trout to avoid or recover from potentially fatal levels of heat stress.
  • Anglers can help trout and salmon by taking the following precautions during warm-weather fishing trips;
    • Avoid catch-and-release fishing for heat-stressed trout on hot days.
    • Do not disturb trout where they have gathered in unusually high numbers.
    • Fish early in the day.
    • Always have an alternate fishing plan in case water temperatures are too high at the intended destination

Climbers 

• Rock Climbing Route Closures: All rock climbing routes are open. DEC appreciates the cooperation and understanding of the climbing community during the closure period. Rock climbers also volunteer to identify nesting pairs, nest sites, and observed nest sites until the young fledge.

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.

• Wilcox Lake Wild Forest: A 250-foot section of the Murphy-Middle-Bennett Trail has been rehabilitated. DEC staff, backcountry stewards, and volunteers from the Velo Bicycle Club and the community spent four days rehabilitating the section of trail using sustainable practices to create a durable and hardened trail surface for multi-use recreation. DEC used the existing corduroy surface as the foundation for the crushed stone turnpike built on top of it. View press release for more information.
• Blue Mountain Wild Forest/Township 19: The O’Neill Flow and Barker Pond Roads are open for public motor vehicle use.
• Saranac Lake Wild Forest: Beginning mid-August, the Department of Transportation will be replacing the Spider Creek Culvert on State Route 30 between Follensby Clear Pond and Fish Creek Ponds.
  • During the construction, watercraft will not be able to pass through the culvert.
  • A temporary canoe carry to bypass the culvert may be established, but people paddling in this should consider using existing canoe routes that avoid this culvert entirely.
  • If you use the temporary canoe carry, be cautious, pay attention to signage, and obey crosswalk signals.
  • Parking at the water access site near the construction site will be open, but may be congested.
  • The northern entrance to this parking area will be blocked.
  • The culvert will be closed through November.
• Moose River Plains: Rock Dam Road is open for public motor vehicle use.
  • The shoulders of the road remain soft.
  • Please use caution when using the road.
  • Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
• Wilcox Lake Wild Forest: Pumpkin Hollow Road is open for public motor vehicle use.
• Ausable Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract/High Peaks & Giant Mountain Wildernesses: 
  • Be safe, enjoy your hike, and avoid a parking ticket.
  • Do not park on the shoulders of State Route 73 in the four-mile section 73 between Chapel Pond and the Rooster Comb Trailhead.
  • Parking is allowed at trailheads and other designated pull-offs.
  • Hikers planning to use the AMR parking lots and hike any of the nearby trails should identify alternate hikes before arriving as the lots will fill quickly.
  • DEC encourages hikers to discover and visit the other numerous hiking opportunities in the area, or visit on weekdays when there is less demand. 
  • Hikes Outside the Adirondack High Peaks lists a dozen nearby alternate hikes.
• Boreas Ponds Tract: Work on Gulf Brook Road continues.
  • The road is closed to motor vehicles Monday through Thursday.
  • Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders may use the road but must use caution in active work areas and follow the instructions of staff.
  • The road is open to the Fly Pond Gate Friday through Sunday.
• High Peaks Wilderness: 
• There has been increased bear activity at Marcy Dam and Feldspar. Avoid problems with bears: 
  • Cook early.
  • Secure canister immediately after taking food out.
  • Consider bear spray for unexpected close encounters.

Highlighted Trip - Murphy-Middle-Bennett trail, Hope, NY

DEC recently rehabilitated a 250-foot stretch of the Murphy-Middle-Bennett trail. The 6.8-mile trail accesses Bennett Lake, Middle Lake and Murphy Lake, all which feature primitive camping opportunities along the trail. There is also a lean-to at Murphy Lake. On the northern end of the trail, users can connect with the Coulombe Creek Trail, the Willis-Wilcox Trail, and the East Stony Creek Trail. View map. The trail can be accessed from Creek Road Parking Area in Hope.

The trail is part of a network of 92 miles of trails in the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest. The trail is also a designated route along the more than 550-mile Adirondack Trail Ride, a solo, self-supported bike-packing adventure through the Adirondack Mountains.

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, located in the southeastern Adirondacks, is comprised of approximately 125,000 acres of Adirondack Forest Preserve lands in Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, and Warren counties. There are 92 miles of marked trails, 63 primitive campsites, and four lean-tos available for recreational opportunities in the wild forest. DEC encourages users to practice Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the Adirondacks to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and minimize impact on natural resources.

Creek Road Parking Area provides access to the campsites and lean-tos on Bennett Lake, Middle Lake and Murphy Lake. (43.30184°N, 74.19966°W)