Environment DEC
From the June 2005 issue
Hikers Alerted to Muddy Trail Conditions in Adirondack High Peaks
Hikers are advised to use extra caution this spring as they set about the trails of the Adirondacks
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan urged hikers of the Adirondack High Peaks to be cautious during trips into the area and to postpone hiking on trails above 3,000 feet until otherwise advised.
"During warm and wet spring weather, many trails in higher and steeper portions of the Adirondacks can be become hazardous to hikers," Commissioner Sheehan said. "In the current muddy conditions, trails and the plants that surround them are also particularly sensitive to human disturbance. Anyone setting out to enjoy the trails of the Adirondacks this spring should use extra caution to protect themselves, the trails and our natural resources. This will help to avoid injury and eliminate the need to perform costly repairs to the trails this summer."
Trails to Avoid
To avoid damaging natural resources and promote safety, hikers are advised to use trails only at lower elevations during the spring mud season. Lower trails usually are dry soon after snowmelt and are on less erosive soils than the higher peaks. DEC is asking hikers to avoid the following trails until muddy conditions have subsided:
- High Peaks Wilderness Area - all trails above 3,000 feet-wet, muddy snow conditions prevail, specifically at: Algonquin; Colden; Feldspar; Gothics; Indian Pass; Lake Arnold Cross-Over; Marcy; Marcy Dam; Lake Colden; Phelps Trail above John Brook Lodge; Range Trail; Skylight; Wright, and all "trail-less" peaks
- Dix Mountain Wilderness Area - all trails above Elk Lake and Round Pond
- Giant Mountain Wilderness Area - all trails above Giant's Washbowl,"the Cobbles," and Owls Head
Trails to Try
DEC suggests the following alternative trails for hiking, weather permitting:
- Debar Mt. Wild Forest - Azure Mountain
- Giant Mountain Wilderness - Giant's Washbowl and Roaring Brook Falls
- High Peaks Wilderness - Ampersand Mountain; Cascade; Big Slide; Brothers, and Porter from Cascade; avoid all other approaches
- Hurricane Primitive Area - The Crows and Hurricane Mt. from Route 9N
- McKenzie Mt. Wilderness - Haystack Mountain and McKenzie Mountain
- Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area - Pharaoh Mountain
- Saranac Lake Wild Forest - Baker Mountain, Panther Mountain and Scarface Mountain
More information on trail conditions in the Adirondacks can be found on DEC's Web Site, or by contacting DEC Forest Rangers at 518-897-1300.
