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Trail Information for the Southeastern Adirondacks

Updated May 15, 2008

General Notices

WARNING: Wilderness conditions can change suddenly. All users should plan accordingly, including bringing flashlight, first aid equipment, extra food and clothing. Weather conditions may alter your plans; you should always be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods before entering the back country. Back country hiking trails can be rugged and rough - they are not maintained as park walkways - wear proper footwear!


Report back country emergencies, such as lost or injured hikers, and wildland fires to the DEC Forest Rangers at 518-891-0235.

Trails Supporter Patch: The new Trails Supporter Patch is now available for $5 at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold, on-line and via telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Patch proceeds will help maintain and enhance non-motorized trails throughout New York State. Use the link in the right column for more information.

North Country National Scenic Trail - Draft Adirondack Park Trail Plan/Draft GEIS: DEC has released a draft plan for the Adirondack Park portion of North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST). The draft plan proposes a 140 mile route through the central Adirondacks from Crown Point, Essex County in the east to a point near Forestport, Herkimer County in the west. Stretching across the northern tier of the United States, the North Country National Scenic Trail is projected to be approximately 4,600 miles in length. Use the link in the right column to obtain more information on the draft plan.

Seasonal Notices

Fire Danger: MODERATE

Spring Conditions: Trails may contain some wet or muddy areas. Wear waterproof footwear and gaiters and remember to walk through - not around - mud and water on trails.

Water Levels: Water levels are dropping but remain high. Water temperatures are cold.

Effects of Ice Storm: A late winter ice storm left some trails with down trees and limbs and low hanging branches. These may still be present on many trails, especially on lesser used side trails.

Bear-Resistant Canisters: The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30. All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear resistant canisters. (6 NYCRR Section 190.13) DEC encourages the use of bear-resistant canisters throughout the Adirondacks.

Summit Conditions: Weather conditions on the higher summit can be more extreme than in lower elevations. Use the link in the right column for the National Weather Service higher summit weather forecast.

Biting Insects:

"Bug Season" has begun in the Adirondacks. Now until the end of summer Blackflies, mosquitos, deer flies and/or midges (no-see-ums) can be expected to be present. Follow these steps to minimize the nuisance of biting insects:

  • Wear light colored clothing.
  • Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.
  • Tuck shirts into pants.
  • Button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist.
  • Tuck the bottom of pant legs into your socks.
  • Pack a head net to wear when insects are thick.
  • Use an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.

Be Prepared Before Going Out:

  • Check current weather conditions and short-term forecast immediately before entering the backcountry.
  • Dress properly with:
    • Appropriate outer wear and foot wear - include rain wear, gaiters and waterproof footwear
    • Layers of non-cotton clothes
    • Pack extra clothes and socks
  • Pack an ensolite pad to rest on and insulate your body from cold surfaces.
  • Pack a bivy sack or space blankets for extra warmth.
  • Always carry a flashlight and extra batteries.

Specific Notices

Eastern Lake George Wild Forest

  • Gates on the Dacy Clearing Road remain closed, due to damage caused by a motor vehicle that trespassed beyond the closed gate.
  • The trail up Black Mountain from Black Mountain Point has been rerouted around a heavily eroded area.
  • Camping is prohibited at "The Pines" and other locations within the Shelving Rock Day Use Area. Use the link at the bottom of the page for more information.
  • 12 designated campsites have been built adjacent to the Shelving Rock and Darcy Clearing Roads. Campers must utilized these campsites or camp more than 500 feet from the roads. Use the link in the right column for additional information and a map of the designated campsites.



More about Trail Information for the Southeastern Adirondacks: