DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin

April 8, 2021

This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for more detailed information on access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions.

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.

Welcome to the Adirondacks. The Welcome to the Adirondacks webpage is the place to go if you are interested in learning more about the Adirondacks. It provides information about the Forest Preserve, conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation, and Leave No Trace.

Recreation Highlight: DECinfo Locator

As you plan your spring and summer outings, turn to DECinfo Locator for the recreation information you need. DECinfo Locator features more than 65 interactive data layers to help you discover all the recreation possibilities in the places you are most interested in visiting.

DECinfo Locator's outdoor activity data lets hikers, campers, hunters, and other adventurers plan forays into New York's natural wonders, whether that be locating a fire tower and planning a route, setting up a weekend of fishing, or just browsing the activities allowed on nearby state lands. Find trails, primitive campsites and lean-tos, DEC campgrounds, picnic areas, scenic vistas, hunting lands, boat launches and much more. Multiple information layers can be activated at the same time, putting all the information you need to effectively plan a trip in one place.

DECinfo Locator also lets users see and download permits, former industrial site cleanup plans, water quality reports, and more based on where they live, work, or play, allowing users to see the many ways DEC is working to protect and enhance the state's environment and recreational opportunities. Start exploring the interactive DECinfo Locator map today.

Recent Notices

The following are the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for comprehensive and up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.

New:

Ferris Lake Wild Forest: Powley Road is closed for mud season.

Last Week:

High Peaks Wilderness:

• Colden Caretaker Report 03/31/21: Approximately two feet of snow remain at the Colden Caretaker cabin and three to four feet of snow remain on summits. Snowshoes are still required. Lakes, including Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden, are no longer safe to cross.

Lake George Wild Forest:

• Shelving Rock Road has re-opened. Dacy Clearing Road will be closed for the remainder of the spring mud season.
• The gate for Jabe Pond Road in Hague is closed for mud season.
• The gate for Lily Pond Road in Horicon is closed for mud season.
• The gate for Palmer Pond is closed for mud season.

Ferris Lake Wild Forest: The Mud Pond trail gate off Billy Hamlin Road is closed.

John Brown Tract Conservation Easement: The snowmobile trail gate near the Gull Lake Trailhead is closed for mud season.

Adirondack Rock Climbing Closures

DEC closes certain rock climbing routes in the Adirondacks to protect nesting peregrine falcons. For a full list of closures, visit Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures.

Once peregrine nest sites are determined, climbing routes that will not disturb nesting will be reopened. Routes that remain closed will reopen after the young have fledged. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information please contact the Bureau of Wildlife at (518) 623-1240.

General Notices

Visit the main Adirondack Backcountry Information page for more trip-planning resources, including travel information, weather resources, and seasonally-specific information about Adirondack recreation.

Fire Danger: Adirondack Park - Moderate, Champlain Region - Moderate

• Check the fire rating map for daily updates.
• Brush burning is prohibited across New York State until May 14th.

Prepare for Variable Conditions: Warm, wet conditions at base elevations will give way to freezing temperatures, deep snow, and thick ice at higher elevations. Be prepared for all conditions with appropriate gear and extra clothing. Change out of wet clothes to prevent hypothermia. Temperatures will fluctuate throughout the day. Freezing temperatures at night will create more ice and form a hard crust on deep snow.

Early Season Muddy Trails Advisory: DEC has released an early season muddy trails advisory urging hikers to postpone hikes on trails above 2,500 feet until high elevation trails have dried and hardened. As snow and ice continue to melt at high elevations, steep trails can pose a danger due to thick ice and deep, rotten snow. Thin soils are susceptible to erosion, and sensitive alpine vegetation can be easily damaged. Until conditions improve, explore lower elevation trails close to home and enjoy other forms of recreation. Visit DEC's website for a list of hikes in the Adirondacks below 2,500 feet.

Water Levels: Streams and rivers are open and running high. Use caution at crossings and on trails along fast-flowing brooks and rivers. Where bridges are not available, do not attempt stream crossings during periods of high, fast moving water. The stream water is very cold and falling in can lead to immediate hypothermia.

Ice Safety: Ice is thin on most water bodies and should no longer be considered safe. As temperatures warm and ice continues to melt, use extreme caution, especially at outlets. Learn more about ice safety.

Seasonal Access Roads: Many seasonal access roads that have been closed for the winter season will remain closed until the end of spring mud season. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information pages for updates on specific road closures and openings.

NYSDEC & AMR Pilot Reservation System: DEC and the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) have launched a no-cost pilot reservation system to address public safety at a heavily traveled stretch on Route 73 in the town of Keene. AMR is a privately owned 7,000-acre land parcel that allows for limited public access through a conservation easement agreement with DEC. The pilot reservation system does not apply to other areas in the Adirondack Park. No-cost reservations will be required May 1 through Oct. 31, 2021 for parking, daily access, and overnight access to trails through the AMR gate and the Noonmark and Round Mountain trailheads accessed through the AMR property. Visitors can make reservations beginning April 15 at www.hikeamr.org. Walk-in users without a reservation will not be permitted. For a list of frequently asked questions and answers, visit www.hikeamr.org and create a login ID.

Prevent the Spread of COVID-19: COVID-19 continues to spread throughout New York State, including in the Adirondacks. Help prevent the spread and keep yourself safe by continuing to Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Local.

Safety & Education

Spring recreation is fun and exciting. It can also be challenging and dangerous. Whether you’re going for a hike, a bike, a paddle, or fishing, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind.

Variable Weather Conditions

It may be spring at the trailhead, but it's still winter on some of New York's highest summits. Snow and ice remain on summits much longer than at base elevations, which can make hiking in the spring challenging and hard to predict.

The best way to stay safe this time of year is to explore hikes at lower elevations and avoid high elevation trails altogether. Many high elevation trails are still covered in ice and deep snow. As warmer days wear on, that snow begins to rot and lose structure, becoming wet and especially prone to post-holing. Hiking in these conditions is not only dangerous for hikers, but it has the potential to cause lasting damage to the trails themselves.

Wherever you choose to hike, it is important to remember that a warm day at the base of the mountain could be a cold, windy, snowy day at the top. Dress in layers, bring winter gear, and be prepared for both spring and winter conditions. Weather can change suddenly this time of year. Don't hesitate to turn back if conditions take a turn for the worst – you can always return to complete your hike a different day.

Leave No Trace

Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks. Use proper trail etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for yourself and others, and tread lightly!

Leave No Trace Tech Tips

Leave No Trace education doesn’t need to be long-winded – sometimes all you need is a quick tech tip! Now through July we will be featuring a weekly Leave No Trace Tech Tip. These bite-sized bits of Leave No Trace knowledge provide handy reminders and easy-to-digest new information to help you leave even less trace this upcoming recreation season.

Tech Tip #2 – Get Muddy

A giant mud puddle in the middle of your trail? Get muddy and walk right through it. Sticking to the center of the trail, even if it is muddy, decreases trail widening by avoiding trampling the delicate edges of trails. It also helps prevent the loss of important plants and small trees living along our trails. Wear waterproof footwear, and embrace the mud this spring season.

DEC Summer Employment Opportunities

High Peaks Trail Crew

DEC is currently hiring trail crew members to work in the High Peaks Wilderness from May through October, 2021. Crews work in all weather conditions and camp for five days at a time.

This year’s crews will focus on continuing to build the new sustainable trails on Mt. Van Hoevenberg and Cascade Mountain. Projects may include working on primary trail building, campsite hardening, relocating privies, installing turnpiking, rock placement, bridge building, drainage work, clearing blowdown and more.

Both supervisor and laborer positions are available. Previous backcountry trail work experience is required. For more information or to submit an application, email info.R5@dec.ny.gov.

Public Outreach Internship

Looking for a dynamic communications internship in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks this summer? Based out of the Region 5 headquarters in Ray Brook, interns will play an active role in educating the public on safe and sustainable recreation.

This is an ideal opportunity for those who are social media savvy, have experience with multi-media projects, feel comfortable with face-to-face interactions or simply share a love for the outdoors and protecting our lands.

View the posting for more information and how to apply.

DEC Seasonal Employment

Would you like to work in New York State's beautiful Adirondack Park this summer?

Summer Recreation operates 44 public campgrounds and five day use areas throughout the Adirondacks. Jobs will typically start the last part of May and run through Labor Day or Columbus Day. Visit the seasonal employment page for more information on positions available and how to apply.