DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin

September 2, 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, 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.

@NYSDECAlerts: Planning an outdoor adventure this weekend? Follow @NYSDECAlerts on Twitter for real-time updates to help you prepare. @NYSDECAlerts provides updates for DEC-managed lands throughout New York State, including the Adirondacks.

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:

• Mid’s Park, Lake Placid: Friday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• High Peaks Rest Area, Northbound Route 87: Saturday & Sunday, 6 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Recreation Highlight: Adirondack Day Hikes for Labor Day Weekend

For many, this upcoming weekend will bring an extra day off and mark the unofficial end of summer – both excellent reasons to spend a day hiking in the Adirondacks. Not sure where to go? Check out these great day hikes, with an option for every region. Find trail details and more options on the Adirondack Day Hikes webpage.

Northern Adirondacks: Jenkins Mountain – 9 miles RT

Northeastern Adirondacks: Silver Lake Mountain – 1.8 miles RT

Northwestern Adirondacks: Tooley Pond Mountain Trail – 1.7-mile loop

High Peaks Region: Little Crow Mountain – 1.8 miles RT

Western Adirondacks: Goodman Mountain – 3.4 miles RT

West Central Adirondacks: Mud Pond Mountain – 5.7 miles RT

East Central Adirondacks: Mt. Severance – 2.4 miles RT

Eastern Adirondacks: Belfry Mountain – 0.6 miles RT

Southwestern Adirondacks: Stillwater Mountain – 2.4 miles RT

Southern Adirondacks: Spruce Mountain Trail – 2.8 miles RT

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:

Perkins Clearing Easement Tract: Jessup River Road will be closed at Big Brook from Wednesday, 9/15 to Sunday, 9/19 for a bridge repair. The Spruce Lake Trailhead will be inaccessible during this time. This will affect hikers planning to hike the Northville Placid Trail.

North Lake Conservation Easement: A temporary closure of parts of the North Lake Conservation Easement will begin Sept. 7 and continue until early winter to allow the property owners to conduct forest management activities. DEC will announce when the easement reopens fully to public access. Details on the closure are available on the Southwestern Adirondacks Backcountry Information page. Contact DEC's Herkimer office at 315-866-6330 with questions.

John 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.

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 - Low
• Champlain Region - Low
• Check the fire rating map for daily updates.

Water Conditions: Water levels throughout the Adirondack region range from average to significantly above average. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters. 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.

Wet and Muddy Trails: Following rain and storms, 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. 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.

Route 73 Hiker Shuttle: A pilot Route 73 Hiker Shuttle system is now operating, providing safe, sustainable visitation along the busy Route 73 corridor in the High Peaks region. The free shuttle system operates 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Monday, October 11. 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. Masks are required. Pets are not permitted. View a map of the route, the shuttle schedule, and browse a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.

NYSDEC & AMR Pilot Reservation System: A no-cost pilot reservation system is now in effect at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). No-cost reservations are required 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 www.hikeamr.org.

Trap Dike on Mount Colden: 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.

No Overnight Camping at Trailheads: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Bring the 10 Essentials

If you’re hiking this holiday weekend, make sure you bring the 10 hiking essentials:

• Navigation – A map and compass or GPS. Don’t rely on your phone.
• Insulation & Rain – Always be prepared for a change in weather or temperature, especially as you change elevation.
• Light – A headlamp, flashlight, and extra batteries are a necessity. Even if you plan to be done before dark, bring a light just in case.
• First Aid – Use a pre-made kit or build your own.
• Emergency Kit – A whistle, duct tape, multi-tool, and other gear is helpful in case of an emergency.
• Fire – Bring a fire starter, matches and a lighter in a waterproof container.
• Nutrition – These should be high protein and calorie-dense foods, and pack extra.
• Water – Pack at least 2 liters per person. For longer hikes, bring a means of water filtration or purification.
• Sun & Insect Protection – Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug repellant will protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable.
• Emergency Shelter – In the event of an unexpected overnight or severe weather, a tent, tarp, or space blanket can provide shelter.

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 this Labor Day Weekend
  In many ways Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer season. This opportunity for a final hurrah means many people will be headed to the Adirondacks this weekend. To help you Leave No Trace while you say so long to summer, check out these 7 tips for a sustainable Labor Day adventure.
• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Parking at popular trailheads fills up quickly on busy weekends. Plan to arrive at your desired destination early and have several back-up hikes planned. If you arrive at your preferred destination and find the parking lot full, move on to a back-up location.
• Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to designated trails and walk through mud instead of around it. This helps preserve the integrity of trailside vegetation and prevents trail widening. If you are camping, use designated sites whenever possible, and have back-up sites planned in case you arrive and find your desired site or lean-to full.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Carry out everything you carry in, keep trails and campsites clean, and review Leave No Trace’s guidelines for properly disposing of human waste.
• Leave What You Find: Leave nature in nature, and leave things as you found them. Don’t carve or graffiti trees, rocks, or outdoor infrastructure and leave cairn construction to the professionals – rock piles can be confused for directional markers and lead people astray.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Make sure campfires are legal where you will be staying and keep them small. Never leave campfires unattended, and make sure they are completely extinguished before going to bed or leaving your site.
• Respect Wildlife: Many animals are stocking up on food and already starting to prepare for winter. Give them plenty of space and never feed them. Human food can be harmful to animals and receiving food from people can create bad habits.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Share trails and summits and be kind and respectful to other visitors and outdoor professionals. The Adirondacks are for everyone to enjoy.