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Trail Information for the Eastern Adirondacks

Updated May 1, 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 are bare with some wet or muddy area, though higher elevations and summits may still have snow and ice. Wear waterproof footwear and gaiters and remember to walk through - not around - mud and water on trails. Carry crampons and use when warranted.

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 lesser used side trails.

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

Ice on Water: Any ice that is still present is unsafe - stay off ice!

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.

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 gear, gaiters and water proof 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.

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Specific Notices

Hammond Pond Wild Forest

  • The Shingletree Pond Trail, just south of the DEC Sharps Bridge Campground, is closed until spring due to logging activity on private lands that the trail crosses.
  • The Lindsey Brook Trail is closed due to flooding by beaver activity.

Hoffman Notch Wilderness

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

Hudson Gorge Primitive Area

  • Blowdown may be found on trails.

Lake George Wild Forest (Western)

  • The River (Buttermilk) Road in in the Hudson River Special Management Area is flooded.
  • The gates at Lily Pond, Jabe Pond and Gay Pond are all closed for mud season.
  • The River Road gate, south of the county canoe access site, is closed.
  • The gate for access to the Bear Slides in the Hudson River Special Management Area is closed for the season.
  • The Palmer Pond Road gate is closed.
  • Campsite availability will be limited in the Hudson River Special Management Area this year.
  • The foot bridge at Clay Meadows has been repaired.
  • The Deer Leap trail is washed out and heavily cobbled with boulders from the trail head to the spur to Deer Leap.

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

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

Santanoni Historic Preserve

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

Siamese Ponds Wilderness

  • The gate on the Old Farm Road Ski Trail is open.
  • Blowdown may be found on trails, particularly side trails and lesser used portions of main trails.
  • There is a new bridge over Buck Meadow Creek on the Puffer Pond Trail on the Thirteenth Lake end.
  • There are two (2) new bridges on the Halfway Brook Trail by The Vly. The new bridges will improve skiing in this area.
  • The foot bridge over Cisco Creek has been repaired.
  • There are four newly created accessible campsites and accessible outhouses on the north end of Thirteenth Lake.
  • The boat launch area on the north end of Thirteenth Lake has been moved to the sandy beach area by the outlet of the lake.
  • Puffer Pond King's Flow Trail is flooded near the trailhead due to beaver activity in the area.
  • The northern Puffer Pond lean-to and privy have been replaced.
  • There is a new trail register kiosk .1 miles in from the Old Farm Road Trailhead for skiers and hikers to use upon entering this portion of the Siamese Ponds Wilderness.
  • The Halfway Brook Trail is now marked with blue markers for 3.1 miles, from the new kiosk to the Barton Mines Road.

Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest

  • A 1.5 mile cross country ski trail has been opened connecting the Adirondack Park Agency Visitor Interpretive Center in Newcomb with the Camp Santanoni Historic Area.
  • Currently there is logging activity on the snowmobile trail that crosses Finch land between Gay Pond and Old Stage Road, riders should exercise caution to avoid skidders, loaders, and other logging machinery operating in that area.
  • The gate on the closed snowmobile trail around Vanderwhacker Mountain - south of Chaisson Road - remains closed.
  • The Schaefer Trail on Gore Mountain, which starts at the North Creek Ski Bowl and goes to the top of the mountain, will be closed until the spring of 2009. The closure is to avoid ski center construction and to relocate it away from the new expansion on Burnt Ridge and Little Gore. When completed the new route will start by the tubing hill at the Ski Bowl, precede on the north side of Roaring Brook to a location above the Reservoir, and then follow the old narrow ski trails on the North Face up to the summit.
  • The Boreas River crossing on the Cheney Pond - Irishtown trail is not bridged. During low water conditions, crossing by rock hopping may be possible.

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest

  • Blowdown may be found on trails.
  • The Dayton Creek bridge is out on the trail from Brownell Camp (at the end of Hope Falls Road) to Wilcox Lake. During low water conditions crossing can be made by rock hopping.
  • The bridge over the Georgia Creek on the Pine Orchard Trail is under water due to beaver activity.
  • Also the Pine Orchard Trail is flooded due to beaver activity .5 mile south of Pine Orchard.
  • The Murphy Lake Trail is brushy and difficult to follow along the east shore of the lake from the lean-to to the outlet.
  • Also the Murphy Lake Trail is flooded at the north end of Murphy Lake.