Trail Information for the Northern Adirondacks
Updated: May 23, 2013
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!
Mountain Forecast: Weather is an important factor in preparing for hiking or camping in the Adirondack backcountry. Often there is considerable difference in weather conditions at the trailhead and those experienced in the higher elevations. The National Weather Service in Burlington has a product that provides a weather forecast for elevations above 3000 feet and spot forecasts for the summits of a handful of the highest peaks in Clinton, Essex and Franklin County. Use the link near the bottom of the right column to access the forecast.
Be Prepared
- Know
- Your own physical capabilities, knowledge of backcountry recreation and skill level
- The distance you plan to travel and the terrain and conditions you will encounter
- Check (before entering the backcountry)
- With the Local Forest Ranger for current information
- Current weather conditions, snow depths and short-term forecast
- Wear
- Appropriate outer wear and winter foot wear (boots, gaiters and waterproof outerwear)
- Hat and gloves or mittens
- Layers of non-cotton clothes
- Carry
- Map and compass - know how to use them and use them!
- Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
- Plenty of food and water
- Pack
- Extra clothes and socks
- Ensolite pad to rest on and insulate your body from cold surfaces
- Bivy sack or space blankets for extra warmth
- Fire starter supplies - waterproof matches, butane lighter, candles, starter material, etc.
- Always inform someone of your itinerary and when you expect to return
Motorized Equipment in Wilderness, Primitive and Canoe Areas: DEC has adopted a regulation prohibiting the use of motorized equipment in lands classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe. Public use of small personal electronic or mechanical devices such as cameras, radios or GPS receivers are not affected this new regulation. See Section 196.8 in the DEC Regulations.
Camping Group Sizes in Wilderness, Primitive and Canoe Areas: DEC regulation requires that groups of ten or more persons camping on state land obtain a permit from a forest ranger. DEC policy prohibits issuing group camping permits to groups wanting to camp on forest preserve lands in the Adirondacks that are classified as wilderness, primitive or canoe area. This policy was developed to protect natural resources, the primeval character of the area and exceptional wilderness experiences for all recreationists, and follows Leave No Trace practices. Except for the eastern High Peaks Wilderness, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness and the William C. Whitney Wilderness, where the group size is 8, camping groups in wilderness, primitive and canoe area lands are limited to 9 people or less.
Camping Permits: Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more in Wild Forest lands requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. The following information must be provided to the forest ranger to obtain a camping permit: Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code, Vehicle License Plate Number, Telephone Number, Date of Birth, Number in Group, Camping Dates, and Location of Campsite.
Backcountry Campsites: Camping at designated campsites in the backcountry is done on a first come, first served basis. There is no reservation system for these primitive campsites. Campsites in popular areas fill up quickly on weekends so plan accordingly.
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 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.
Seasonal Notices
FLASH FLOOD WATCH: The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for all of the Adirondack region from noon Thursday (5/23) through Friday (5/24) morning. Low water crossings may not be passable this afternoon and trails along waters may be flooded.
Fire Danger: Low. Check the current fire danger rating. Be careful with campfires. (5/23)
Memorial Day Weekend: Trailhead parking lots, boat launches and interior campsites may reach capacity across the region. Plan accordingly and seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve to avoid crowds. (5/23)
Bear Activity: Black bears are becoming active in the backcountry. The use of bear-resistant canisters is encouraged throughout the Adirondacks. Prevent creating nuisance bears by properly using bear-resistant canisters, by storing all food, toiletries and garbage in the canister and by following other practices to prevent attracting bears. (5/23)
Biting Insect: Until the end of summer black flies, mosquitoes, deer flies and/or midges (no-see-ums) will be present. Take steps to minimize the nuisance of biting insects: (5/23)
- Wear light colored clothing;
- Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, and 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.
Road Construction and Parking Area Closures: Road construction on the Old Military Road, which connects Route 73 and Route 86 near Lake Placid, is scheduled to be completed on Friday. Motor vehicles may still be required to detour through the village of Lake Placid during the day Friday. Old Military Road should be open to traffic throughout the holiday weekend. 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 the Adirondacks. (5/23)
Trail Conditions: Recent rains and the forecast for showers throughout the weekend means trails will be wet and muddy. Water levels are high; low water crossings may be unpassable and trails along waters may be flooded. Wear appropriate footwear for hiking through wet and muddy areas. Stay on the trail and hike through muddy areas to avoid widening the trails or creating "herd paths". Always check current weather conditions and forecasts before entering the backcountry. Use the link near bottom of the right column to view the current National Weather Service "Weather Forecast". (5/23)
Paddling Conditions: Water levels are high on most waters after recent rains and waters temperatures remain cold. Don't paddle alone, wear clothing that will keep you warm and dry and always wear a personal floatation device (PFD). Use the link near the bottom of right column to view the USGS Streamflows for selected waters in this area. (5/23)
Summits: Conditions on and near summits are more extreme - stronger winds and cooler temperatures. Use the link near the bottom of the right column to view the National Weather Service's "Mountain Forecasts" for selected summits in this area. (5/23)
Blowdown: Blowdown may be present on trails, especially lesser used trails. Plan accordingly. (5/23)
Access Road to Madawaska Pond: Public access to the Santa Clara Tract Easement Lands and Madawaska Flow from Route 458 is unavailable at this time. DEC continues to work to reopen public access to this area. (5/23)
Specific Notices
Adirondack Canoe Route (Northern Portion)
- Water levels are high and water temperatures remain cold. (5/23)
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs, aka life jackets) must be in watercraft and should be worn. Cold water temperatures can cause hyperventilation, hypothermia and weakening of limbs; all which can quickly lead to drowning if a person is not wearing a PFD. (5/2)
DeBar Mountain Wild Forest
- The Hatch Brook Gate is open. Motor vehicles can access the Debar Meadow (Old Game Farm) Road. (5/16)
Deer River Primitive Area
- The Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands web page has been updated to include information about the Deer River Primitive Area and its recreational opportunities.
- All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition. (2013)
Madawaska Flow/Quebec Brook Primitive Area
- The Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands web page has been updated to include information about the Madawaska Flow/Quebec Brook Primitive Area and its recreational opportunities.
- Public access to these lands and waters from Route 458 is unavailable at this time. DEC continues to work to reopen public access to this area. (5/23)
Paul Smith College Conservation Easement Lands
- A new web page has been developed for the Paul Smith College Conservation Easement Lands which includes information about the unit and its recreational opportunities.
- All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition. (2013)
Round Lake Wilderness
- All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition. (2013)
- State boundary lines are not yet marked, use a map and be aware of your location at all times.
- Special fishing regulations apply, check your fishing guide for details.
Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands (former Champion Lands)
- The Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands web page has been updated with information about the unit and its recreational opportunities.
- Public access to the Santa Clara Tract Easement Lands and Madawaska Flow from Route 458 is unavailable at this time. DEC continues to work to reopen public access to this area. (5/23)
- The public can now access and enjoy a broad range of recreational activities all year long on the easement Lands. The public can recreate on all the lands except those immediately surrounding the leased hunting camps. Previously these lands were closed to hunting from September 1 to December 31 and closed to all public recreation during the big game hunting season. Under the conservation easement agreement the private leased hunting and recreational camps can post and enforce against trespass on one acre areas around the camp buildings. Also, in addition to roads open to public motor vehicle access, members of the leased camps have the right to use motor vehicles to access their camps and other areas not open to public motor vehicle access. Respect the rights of the private camps and the camp members. (2012)
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Leasing of hunting and recreational camps on these conservation easement lands will continue under a new agreement between DEC and the landowner. See press release for more information. (2012)
Saranac Lakes Wild Forest
- The Moose Pond Road and the gate for the Moose Pond Waterway Access Site in the town of St. Armand, Essex County, are open to motor vehicles. (5/23)
- The Connery Pond Gate for access to Connery Pond and the Whiteface Landing Trail is open and motor vehicle access is allowed. However, hikers accessing Whiteface Landing should park at the newly developed and paved parking area along Route 86 immediately west of the bridge over the West Branch of the Ausable. A trail connects the parking area and Connery Pond Road. (5/10)
- The St. Germain Gate for the Lake Clear Girl Scout Camp Road is open. (5/2)
- The gate to Little Clear Pond and Little Green Pond is open. (5/2)
- All rock climbing routes on Moss Cliff in the Wilmington Notch are closed due to confirmed peregrine falcon nesting activity. The rock climbing routes are closed to allow peregrine falcons to raise their young. DEC will reopen the climbing routes once the young falcons have fledge which is typically by Augus 1. (5/16)
St. Regis Canoe Area
- A new web page has been developed for the St. Regis Canoe Area which includes information about the area and its recreational opportunities.
- Maps depicting the current location of campsites can be viewed by using the links in the left column. Maps in PDF can be downloaded also be view and downloaded Map 1 - Long Pond region (PDF 166 kb) and Map 2 - St Regis Pond region (PDF 181 kb) (2011)
- A section of the canoe carry about half way between Long Pond and Nellie Pond has been flooded by beavers. This will required a short paddle across the beaver pond. (2011)
William C. Whitney Wilderness
- The William C. Whitney Wilderness web page has been updated with information about the wilderness and its recreational opportunities.
- The gate for Lake Lila Road is open and the road is open to motor vehicle traffic. Do not block the gate at the Lake Lila Trailhead parking areas. (5/9)
- Beaver activity has caused the flooding of the Stony Pond Road approximately one mile from the trailhead. Please use caution if you choose to cross this area. (2010)
- Beaver activity has caused a washout on the Burn Road Trail at the Otter Pond Brook crossing. It is still passable but use caution. (2007)
More about Trail Information for the Northern Adirondacks:
- St Regis Canoe Area Campsite Map 1 - Map depicting the current location of campsites in the Long Pond region of the St. Regis Canoe Area
- St Regis Canoe Area Campsite Map 2 - Map depicting the current location of campsites in the St. Regis Pond region of the St. Regis Canoe Area
