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Trail Information for the Northern Adirondacks

Updated October 19, 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

Snow and Ice: Snow and ice may be found above 3000 feet. Hikers are advised to carry instep crampons or stabilicers and use them as appropriate.

Colder Weather: Colder temperatures have arrived in the mountains. Night-time and morning temperatures in the 20s or colder may be experienced, especially in higher elevations. Be prepared before entering the woods. Pack extra non-cotton clothes, including a hat, in addition to your usual equipment. Take off and put on layers of clothing to regulate body heat. Remember the sun sets earlier this time of year. So plan trips accordingly and carry a flashlight with fresh batteries.

Hunting Season: Autumn hunting seasons for small game, waterfowl and big game have begun or will begin shortly. Hikers should be aware that they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. Please recognize that these are fellow outdoor recreationists with the legal right to participate in these activities on the Forest Preserve. Hunting accidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare. Hikers may want to wear bright colors as an extra precaution.

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.

Specific Notices

Adirondack Canoe Route (Northern Portion)

  • The Raquette River Boat Launch (aka "The Crusher") along State Route 3 is closed until sometime next spring. DEC is rehabilitating the boat launch, work will take place this fall and then finish up next spring. See the press release for more information.

Santa Clara Tract Easement Lands (former Champion Lands)

  • Motor vehicle access to the Pinnacle Trailhead near Santa Clara will be closed for the season following the Columbus Day holiday (October 12, 2009). The road will be reopened to motor vehicle traffic as soon as conditions permit in Spring 2010.
  • Public hunting is prohibited on the easement lands from September 1 through December 31.
  • Public recreation of any kind is prohibited on the easement lands during the Northern Zone Big Game Regular Season, which begins at sunrise on October 24 and closes at sunset on December 6.

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.
  • 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

  • There has been extensive bridge replacement work completed on the Deer Pond trails this past summer and the trails are in good shape. There may still be some blowdown present.

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

  • 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.