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Trail Information for the High Peaks

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 Level: MODERATE

Victoria Day Weekend: This weekend is a Canadian holiday - Victoria Day Weekend. Visitors to the High Peaks and surrounding areas should be aware that trailhead parking lots and interior campsites may be filled to capacity this weekend. Visitors should plan accordingly and are advised to seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve during these high use weekends.

Snow and Ice Conditions: Snow and ice are still present in significant amounts above 3700 feet in the High Peaks and surrounding areas. Summits and open areas may be icy. Carry skis or snowshoes and crampons and use when warranted. Use the link in the right column for current snow cover information from the National Weather Service.

Wet & Muddy Trails: Trails in lower elevations have wet and muddy areas. Wear waterproof footwear and gaiters. Remember, walk through - not around - mud and water on trails.

Water Levels: Rain and spring melt have raised water levels in streams and rivers. Be aware that water crossings may be unpassable and trails along waters may be flooded.

Effects of Ice Storm: A late winter ice storm resulted in down trees and limbs and low hanging branches. These may still be present on many trails especially lesser used side trails. Be prepared, plan for trips to take longer and turn back if conditions are very poor.

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 You Go Out:

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

High Peaks Wilderness

High Use Periods Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness should be aware that trailhead parking lots and interior campsites reach capacity on many weekends throughout the hiking season. Visitors should plan accordingly and are advised to seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve during these high use weekends. Day hikers should use the link above for a list of suggested hikes Away From the High Peaks. While visitors can certainly expect capacity conditions to exist on holiday weekends, and most good weather weekends in July or August, they should check with DEC Forest Rangers (518/897-1300) prior to any weekend trip to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness. The remaining holiday weekends this year are:

  • Victoria Day Weekend (Canada): May 16-19
  • Memorial Day Weekend: May 23-26
  • 4th of July/Canada Day Weekend: July 3-6
  • Labor Day Weekend: August 29 thru September 1
  • Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend: October 10-13

  • The gate on Corey's Road is open. Use caution as some soft spots remain along the road edges/ditch lines.
  • The Clear Pond Gate on the Elk Lake Road is open.
  • Snow & ice are still present in significant amounts above 3700 feet.
  • The cable bridge over the Opalescent River on the Hanging Spear Falls trail has been washed out. The crossing will be impassable during high water periods.
  • 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)
  • The cab of the Mt. Adams Fire Tower was heavily damaged by windstorms in mid-January. The fire tower is closed to public access until DEC can make repairs to the structure.
  • A footbridge on the trail between Upper Works and Duck Hole was torn off its footers. The bridge was located 1/3 mile west of the new lean-to on Henderson Lake. The stream can be crossed by rock hopping at a site up stream of the bridge's former location. A total of three bridges are no longer usable on this section of trail, making it all but impassable during high water conditions.
  • Reconstruction of the upper Indian Pass Brook foot bridge, just north of the Calamity Brook Crossover trail junction, has been completed and the bridge is reopened to foot traffic. The lower bridge has not yet been replaced.
  • A section of the Lake Arnold Trail, just north of the Feldspar Lean-to is flooded by beaver activity. It is impassable due to the depth of the water and the condition of the dry tread. Hikers should seek an alternate route.
  • Beaver activity has blocked a section of Northville-Placid Trail between Plumley Point and Shattuck Clearing. Hikers may take a well used, but unmarked, 1/4 mile reroute around the flooded portion of the trail.
  • The cable deck bridge crossing Johns Brook near the Interior Outpost is not passable at this time. There is no dry crossing of Johns Brook east of Bushnell Falls. Hikers intending to climb the lower Great Range will need to alter their itineraries.
  • The ladder up the final pitch of Big Slide is missing some steps. The ladder can still be used but please use caution.
  • Please note that the Arbutus (Wolf Lake) Road is NOT a public road, nor does it connect with the Coreys Road as portrayed on some maps.
  • The bridge over the Duck Hole dam has been removed due to its deteriorating condition. A low water crossing (ford) has been marked below the dam near the lean-to site. This crossing will not be possible during periods of high water.
  • The footbridge over Roaring Brook on the Preston Pond Trail (.5 mile north of Duck Hole at the intersection with the Northville-Placid Trail) is washed away. Crossing at this location during periods of high water may be difficult or impossible. Bridge replacement is not yet scheduled.

Dix Mountain Wilderness

  • The Clear Pond Gate on the Elk Lake Road is open.
  • Snow & ice are still present in significant amounts above 3700 feet.
  • Do NOT utilize Lilian Brook as a short cut to the main trail off of Hough or South Dix Mountains.

Giant Mountain Wilderness

  • Snow & ice are still present in significant amounts above 3700 feet.
  • All rock climbing routes on Upper Washbowl Cliffs in the Chapel Pond area are open as of May 16.
  • All rock climbing routes on Lower Washbowl Cliffs in the Chapel Pond area are closed due to peregrine falcon nesting activity. Use the link in the right column for more information on Rock Climbing Route Closures.

Hurricane Mountain Primitive Area

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

McKenzie Mountain Wilderness

  • Snow & ice are still present in significant amounts above 3700 feet.
  • All rock climbing routes on Moss Cliff in the Wilmington Notch are closed due to peregrine falcon nesting activity. Use the link in the right column for more information on Rock Climbing Route Closures.
  • 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.

Sentinel Range Wilderness

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

Wilmington Wild Forest

  • The outlet of Cooper Kill Pond is flooded by beaver activity.