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Trail Information for the Northern Adirondacks

Updated June 17, 2009

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.

Road & Traffic Information: Use the link in the right column to visit NYS Department of Transportation 511 New York for information on transportation services, traffic, and road conditions throughout New York State.

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.

Seasonal Notices

Fire Danger: LOW

Rainy Weather: Recent and continuing rains have brought about muddy conditions on trails. Hikers should be prepared for these conditions by wearing waterproof footwear and gaiters, and remember to walk through - not around - mud and water on trails.

Be Prepared Before Going Out: Before your trip contact the local Forest Ranger for trail conditions and other important information. (Use the link in the right column or call 518-897-1300)

  • Check current weather conditions and short-term forecast immediately before entering the backcountry.
  • Dress properly with:
    • Appropriate outer wear and foot wear
    • 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.

Biting Insects: "Bug Season" has begun in the Adirondacks. Now until the end of summer Black Flies, Mosquitos, Deer Flies and/or Midges (No-see-ums) will 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 headnet to wear when insects are thick.
  • Use an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.

Specific Notices

Adirondack Canoe Route (Northern Portion)

  • Waterwater levels are high for this time of year due to considerable rainfall.
  • The Corey's Road is open.

Santa Clara Tract Easement Lands (former Champion Lands)

  • All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition.

DeBar Mountain Wild Forest

  • All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition.

Deer River Primitive Area

  • All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition.

Madawaska Flow/Quebec Brook Primitive Area

  • All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition.

Round Lake Wilderness

  • There are eleven (11) designated campsites on Round Lake.
  • Blowdown may be found on trails.
  • State boundary lines are not yet marked, use a map and be aware of your location at all times. Special fishing regulation apply, check your fishing guide for details.

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest

  • The gate to the Moose Pond waterway access site, in the Town of St. Armand, is open.
  • The Corey's Road is open.
  • There has been extensive bridge replacement work completed on the Deer Pond trails this past summer and the trails are in good shape. There is still some blowdown present.
  • The road to Connery Pond is closed to motor vehicles due to washouts from a past storm. Hikers may still park at the lot along Route 86 and walk in.

St. Regis Canoe Area

  • The canoe carry between Turtle and Clamshell Ponds is open.
  • The beaver dam causing flooding on the Fish Pond Truck Trail in the St. Regis Canoe Area has been removed. The road has been repaired and cleared of blowdown.
  • The carry between Long Pond and Nellie Pond has a lot of blowdown. Also beavers have flooded a section of trail about half way between the ponds. A significant amount of bushwhacking will be needed to get through the carry, so be prepared for a real wilderness experience.

William C. Whitney Wilderness/Lake Lila

  • The gate on the Lake Lila Road is open and the road available for motor vehicle traffic. When parking at the Lake Lila parking lot, do not block the gate to the private road.
  • Beaver activity has caused a washout on the Burn Road Trail at the Otter Pond Brook crossing. It is still passable but use caution.