This bulletin provides only the most recent notices. Check the Adirondack Backcountry 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 provides information about the Forest Preserve, conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation, and Leave No Trace™.
Love Our New York Lands: All New Yorkers and visitors should be able to access, enjoy, and feel welcome on state lands. 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 New York Lands.
In this issue:
The following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.
Follow @NYSDECAlerts on X for updates about DEC-managed lands across New York State! The @NYSDECAlerts X feed provides real-time info on the most crowded places, especially when those places and parking areas are at capacity.
NEW THIS WEEK
If you notice any damage or hazardous areas not listed below, please report to info.r5@dec.ny.gov.
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Rock Climbing Route Closures: Every spring into mid-summer, DEC closes certain rock climbing routes that have peregrine falcon nesting sites, in order to prevent disturbances of this endangered species and to protect climbers. As of April 1, updated rock climbing route closures for the season have been posted. They are listed on the Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures webpage.
High Peaks
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Weekly Snow Report: As of Wednesday, 4/2, snow depths were recorded to be 64cm (25in) at the stake at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 feet elevation). Areas of unsafe ice exist on Avalanche Lake/Lake Colden- and on backcountry lakes and ponds in general right now.
LAST WEEK
- As of Monday, March 24, DEC has closed snowmobile trails and mud gates to seasonal access roads on Forest Preserve, State Forest, and Conservation Easement lands due to spring thaw and muddy conditions. Motor vehicle use during the spring mud season damages roads, resulting in road opening delays. DEC will reopen the roads once they are dry enough to safely handle motor vehicle traffic and necessary maintenance is completed. Affected counties include: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Herkimer, Jefferson, Oneida, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Some specific closures are listed on Backcountry Information For The Adirondack Park webpage.
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Weekly Snow Report: As of Wednesday, 3/26, snow depths were recorded to be 75cm (30in) at the stake at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin (~2,750 feet elevation).
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Grass River Wild Forest: While public motorized access is closed until the end of mud season, public non-motorized access to Pleasant Lake via the Pleasant Lake Access Road on the Grass River Conservation Easement is open for the season. Similarly, while public motorized access is closed until the end of mud season, public non-motorized access to the Forest Preserve River Corridor via the Windfall Road or Buckhorn Road on the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement is open for the season.
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Five Ponds Wilderness: The Wanakena Truck Trail is flooded approximately one mile south of the trailhead due to beaver activity. Users should expect wet conditions and be advised that there is no visible way around this section. Repair work is scheduled for this spring/summer.
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Fire Danger: Check the fire rating map for daily updates.
Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise = 6:28 a.m.; Sunset = 7:27 p.m. Pack at least one headlamp (two headlamps recommended) even if you expect to finish your activity before sunset. Phone batteries drain quickly and are discouraged.
Water Crossings: Water levels are slightly above average for this time of year throughout the Adirondack region. Expect water levels to rise with new rainfall. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters. (Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are required from November through May.)
Temperatures: These are forecast temperatures for base elevations throughout the region.
Weekend temperatures in the region at base elevations are expected to produce highs in the low-50s and lows in the low-30s, remaining above freezing throughout the days and nights this weekend. Saturday and Sunday may be rainy.
Check the National Weather Service’s Mountain Point Forecast for more accurate forecasts at elevation on or near your intended route.
Reminder: These forecasts are for low elevations. Anticipate losing 5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
Even with sunny skies, inclement weather is always a possibility and can change very quickly. Remember – hypothermia is always a risk in wet conditions, even when it feels warm outside. Be prepared with extra dry layers and keep an eye on the weather.
Conditions: There are areas of unsafe ice on backcountry lakes and ponds- remember that moving water is prone to thin ice and should be treated with caution. Keep in mind that water levels are high and will increase with the forecasted rain this weekend so consider avoiding trails with stream crossings. Be prepared for mud and spring conditions at lower elevations, but remember that it is still winter at high elevations! Be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for varying conditions of snow, ice, and cold, as well as slush, mud, and mixed temperatures. Bring proper traction devices, wool socks and gaiters. Traction devices are crucial to navigate monorails and soft, melting snow which is prone to post-holing.
Check the Weather: Check the forecast for your destination and pack and plan accordingly. Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks and Southern Adirondacks Mountain Point Forecasts for select summit forecasts. Check both daytime and nighttime temperatures and remember that temperatures will drop as you gain elevation.
Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) Forecast: If the AQI is forecast to exceed 100, DEC and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) will issue an Air Quality Health Advisory with precautionary recommendations for affected areas. View DEC’s current AQI forecasts and real-time air pollution data from DEC’s monitoring network.
Visit the main Adirondack Backcountry page for more trip-planning resources.
Annual Brush Burn in Effect: The annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning is in effect from March 16 through May 14. Visit Read the press release for more information.
Ice Safety: Moving water is prone to thin ice and should be treated with caution.
Seasonal Road Closures: Read DEC’s Adirondack Backcountry Information page for specific road conditions and information.
Bear Canisters, Required Dates: 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.
Adirondack Rail Trail: The Adirondack Rail Trail is a multi-use trail allowing for various types of recreational activities. To ensure safety for all while sharing the trail, all users should travel on the right side of the trail unless passing others. Groups should move in single file on the right when other users are passing. Cyclists should pass on the left and inform others prior to and while passing. Snowmobilers should pass slowly on the left and travel in single file, paying extra attention to those nearby at turns, intersections, and popular/congested areas. Lastly, pet owners must ensure that all waste is picked up and dogs are kept on leashes. For information on what sections of the trail are currently open or under construction, or what public motorized use is allowed, visit the Adirondack Rail Trail webpage.
Mount Colden Trapdike: The trapdike is considered a technical climb and not a hike. Climbers should be prepared with helmets, ropes, and climbing gear to ascend this route. Hikers looking to summit Mount Colden should do so via the hiking routes. Attempting to climb the trapdike unprepared can result in a rescue operation, serious injury, or death.
No Overnight Camping at Trailheads: 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 open 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.
Travel: Plan on arriving at your destination early and have several back-up plans in place in case parking at your desired location is full. Check recent notices for road closure announcements.
Shoulder season is unpredictable. And so are accidents in the backcountry. As prepared as you may be, you can’t fully prevent accidental injuries from happening. But you can prevent an accident happening without a first aid kit on hand!
Consider these items as a foundation to pack in every first aid kit:
- Band aids of all sizes
- Triple antibiotic cream
- Antihistamine cream
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Pocket knife
- Nail clippers
- Sterile gauze
- Tissues
- Nitrile gloves
- Medical tape
- Blister care
- Pain reliever
- Alcohol wipes or disinfectant
- Iodine tablets
- First aid field reference
- Guide
It’s important to remember though that you should customize your first aid kit with each trip. The type and length of your hike defines what you will want to have in your kit. Generally, the further you are from "help," the bigger your first aid kit will be.
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.
With spring here, some of the trails are in rough shape and hiking at high elevations above 2,500 feet may not be the best idea for you or for the trails. Luckily, there’s plenty of other ways to get outside!
Just in time for spring migration, DEC recently launched the 2025 I BIRD NY Challenge. The Challenge is open to all ages and ends on Nov. 1, 2025. To complete the Challenge, participants must identify 10 bird species of their choosing and submit a challenge sheet to DEC. All participants will be awarded a commemorative patch featuring the Common Loon, given a completion certificate, and entered into a drawing for great birding prizes. Participants will also receive an extra prize entry for providing a photo documenting their challenge experience. You can find the official rules on DEC's Birding webpage.
Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No TraceTM to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks.
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