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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, 833-NYS-RANGERS.
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.
Love Our NY Lands: All New Yorkers and visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. These lands belong to all of us, our families, and our neighbors. While enjoying these shared spaces, be respectful of other visitors. Share trails, treat people with kindness, and leave things as you found them for others to enjoy. All of us have a responsibility to protect State lands for future generations. Learn more about how you can Love Our NY Lands.
Hiker Information Stations
DEC’s Adirondack Hiker Information Stations provide education and information to hikers and other recreationists during the busy summer and fall seasons. Stop by a station ahead of your weekend trip for information about parking, alternative hiking locations, local land use rules and regulations, safety and preparedness, and Leave No Trace.
Find us at the following locations:
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Mid’s Park, Lake Placid: Friday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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High Peaks Rest Area, Northbound Route 87: Sunday, 6 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Please note: The High Peaks Rest Area station will be closed this Saturday.
New Pilot Route 73 Shuttle System to Launch Aug. 21
A pilot Route 73 Hiker Shuttle system will launch on Saturday, August 21. The pilot will help provide safe, sustainable visitation along the busy Route 73 corridor and in the Adirondack High Peaks region.
The free shuttle system will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Monday, October 11. Users can park at Marcy Field and ride to the Rooster Comb, Giant Mountain/Ridge Trail, and Roaring Brook Falls trailheads. Parking is still available at the trailheads themselves.
All riders will be required to wear a mask. Stewards will be stationed at all drop-off and pick-up locations to assist with navigating the shuttle system and educate hikers on responsible recreation, including preparedness, hiking safety, and Leave No Trace™ principles. Pets are not permitted.
View a map of the route, the shuttle schedule, and browse a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.
Recreation Highlight: Hike United.
An important principle of Leave No Trace is being considerate of others. Connecting with the community is one way to help build a more inclusive outdoors.
This month, consider joining us to #HikeUnited21. The Hike United community is bringing people together to celebrate the outdoors and each other. No specific trail, no specific distance. Just incentive to connect people through movement outdoors.
Interested in hosting a hike? Local organizers and community leaders are encouraged to sign up to host #HikeUnited21 events across the country and can do so using the Hike United Toolkit.
Take a hike this August to celebrate each other and the outdoors. Visit the Hike United webpage for more information.
Recent Notices
The following are the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information web pages for comprehensive and up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.
NEW:
Tropical Storm Fred: Trail systems within the Adirondacks have received varying amounts of rain due to Tropical Storm Fred and trail conditions may be impacted. Expect high water and muddy trails for the upcoming weekend. Weekend forecasts predict thunderstorms, which could produce heavy rain, compounding poor trail conditions.
Brown Tract Trail Closure: The southern end of the Brown Tract Trail providing access to Middle Settlement Lake and the western Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness will be closed for forest management beginning Aug. 30. The closure is expected to last one week.
Siamese Ponds Wilderness: 13th Lake Road is closed below the turn-off for Barton Mines. Recreation areas reached from 13th Lake Road can still be accessed from Harvey Road. The closure is expected to last until mid-September.
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.
Wet and Muddy Trails: Following recent rain, trails are likely to be muddy. Wear waterproof shoes and walk through mud, not around it, to help protect fragile trail edges. Gaiters help keep feet dry and trekking poles provide added stability. Use caution at stream crossings where water is high and fast-moving. If water levels are too high, do not attempt a crossing. Mountain bikers are encouraged to avoid riding in muddy and wet conditions as biking on wet trails can significantly contribute to erosion and trail widening. As with hiking, ride through the center of the trail to avoid impacting trailside soils and plants. Be aware that additional rains may cause waterways to swell rapidly.
Fire Danger:
- Adirondack Park - Low
- Champlain Region - Low
- Check the fire rating map for daily updates.
No Overnight Camping at Trailheads: DEC is receiving increased reports of people camping at trailheads in the Adirondacks. Please note that overnight camping is not permitted at trailheads or other roadside locations where a camping disc is not present. This includes individuals sleeping in cars, vans, and campers. Campers should seek out designated roadside campsites marked with a camp here disc or campgrounds. When camping, always carry out what you carry in and dispose of trash properly. Use designated bathroom facilities, pack out human and pet waste, or dig a cat hole.
Water Conditions: Water levels throughout the Adirondack region range from significantly above average to high throughout the region. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters. Water temperatures are still cold in many places. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended to be worn by all anglers, boaters, and paddlers. Where bridges are not available, do not attempt stream crossings during periods of high, fast-moving water.
Ticks: Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily. Wear enclosed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants. Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors. Consider using insect repellent. Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails and walk in the center of trails. Avoid dense woods and bushy areas. Additional tips for tick prevention.
Bear Canisters Required: NYSDEC requires the use of bear-resistant canisters by overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30. NYSDEC encourages campers to use bear-resistant canisters throughout the Adirondack backcountry. Bear canisters should be used to store all food, food garbage, toiletries, and other items with a scent. Canisters should be stored a minimum of 100ft from tents, lean-tos, and cooking sites and kept closed whenever they are not being accessed. Learn more about bear canisters and avoiding human-bear conflicts.
Trap Dike on Mount Colden: DEC has seen an increased number of rescues in the Trap Dike over the past decade or so. The Trap Dike route up Mount Colden in the High Peaks Region is not an official trail. It is classified as a rock-climbing route and should be avoided by those who do not have rock climbing experience and equipment like a climbing rope and helmet. Without the proper equipment, this route can be life-threatening. Portions of the Trap Dike are “no fall zones” meaning that an accidental fall could result in serious physical injury or death. Consider utilizing an experienced licensed guide to safely assist in enjoying the Trap Dike and only climb when the route is dry. There are numerous trails that lead to the summit of Mount Colden that provide enjoyable, yet still challenging, experiences for hikers.
Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway is open for the 2021 season. Please note the shuttle to the summit of Prospect Mountain is not available at this time. Until shuttles become available, admission fees will not be charged to access the highway. The accessible parking at the summit is currently under construction. Limited accessible parking spots will continue to be available during construction, but temporary closures of some areas may occur. Call (518) 668-5198 for current accessibility information.
Upper Works Trailhead: Visitor parking at the Upper Works trailhead transitioned to a new lot on Friday, June 18. The new lot is adjacent to MacNaughton cottage approximately one-tenth of a mile before the old lot on Upper Works Road. The lot is located on land owned by the Open Space Institute. Parking at the old lot is no longer permitted.
Essex County Road Work: The New York State Department of Transportation has advised that portions of State Route 73 in the Town of Keene, Essex County, will be reduced to a single lane with alternating flows of traffic controlled by flaggers on weekdays between the hours of 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. to facilitate a paving project. The lane reduction will start approximately two miles north of the intersection with U.S. Route 9 and continue to the northern intersection with Airport Road. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of August, weather permitting.
NYSDEC & AMR Pilot Reservation System: A no-cost pilot reservation system is now in effect at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). The pilot program addresses 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 are 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. Reservations are available for dates a maximum of two weeks out. Walk-in users without a reservation will not be permitted. For a complete FAQ list, and to make a reservation, please visit hikeamr.org.
Safety & Education
Summer 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.
Keeping Your Food and Our Bears Safe
Bear-resistant canisters are solid, slick containers that prevent bears’ claws and teeth from gripping. Bear canisters are the most effective means for preventing bears from obtaining food while you are camping.
Animals that are unable to acquire food from humans will continue to search for natural food sources that are safer for the animals and recreators alike.
Bear canisters are required in the Eastern High Peaks between April 1 and November 30 and are recommended throughout the Adirondack backcountry.
When packing a bear canister:
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Pack any scented items. This includes food, toiletries, and garbage.
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Choose your food wisely. Dense, high-calorie options will fit within the bear canister most easily.
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Plan each meal to bring the proper amount of food with minimal waste.
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Repackage bulky items. Put all food and toiletries into resealable bags.
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Check that everything fits. Before you embark on your trip, make sure that all of your food, trash, toiletries, and scented items will fit into the canister.
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Leave your first day out. To save space, keep your food for the first day with you in your pack. Never leave food unattended when removed from the bear canister.
The canister should be stored on level ground and at least 100 feet from your camping area. It should be placed on its own and out of sight from a passing animal.
For more information on reducing human-bear conflict and bear-resistant canisters, visit the DEC webpages.
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!
Don’t Be a Party Pooper
Pet waste can lead to the rise of invasive species, spread diseases, and harm water, plants, and wildlife. Pack it out.
Need to go but the bathrooms are closed? Walk at least 70 steps away from trails, water, and people. Dig a “cat hole” at least six inches deep to dispose of your waste and bring a plastic bag to pack out your toilet paper.
Deer Management Assistance Program for Valcour Island
Hunters will again have the opportunity to take antlerless deer on Valcour Island with antlerless deer tags issued through the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) this upcoming hunting season. Deer hunting is allowed on Valcour Island in the towns of Peru and Plattsburgh, Clinton County. DMAP tags are being issued to increase the opportunity to take antlerless deer during all open hunting seasons, which will help reduce deer numbers on the island and mitigate damage to its unique plant ecosystems.
Interested hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license to apply for tags. Tags are valid only for antlerless deer harvest on Valcour Island and will be awarded by a lottery drawing. Tag recipients will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the island, which requires a vessel suitable to navigate Lake Champlain waters. There is no preference for residents versus non-residents. The application deadline is Sept. 15, 2021.
The duration of the program and the number of tags issued each year may vary depending on the success of the program and environmental factors that affect deer populations. This program is not available for DEC employees or their immediate families.
To apply for tags or find more information about this and other DMAP opportunities on New York State lands, please visit DEC’s website.
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