Trail Information for the Central and Southern Adirondacks
Updated: February 9, 2012
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!
Be Prepared (11/23)
- Check (before entering the backcountry)
- Local Forest Ranger for current information.
- Current weather conditions and short-term forecast
- Wear
- Appropriate outer wear and foot wear (parkas, boots and gaiters)
- Layers of non-cotton clothes
- Carry
- Map and compass - know how to use them and use them!
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Plenty of food and water
- Pack
- Extra clothes and socks
- Hats and gloves or mittens
- 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
Northville-Placid Trail Website: The Adirondack Mountain Club has created of a new web site devoted to the 133-mile Northville-Placid Trail. The new website provides information about planning a hike on the trail - whether a through-hike, section-hike or weekend-hike. It also provides information on the latest trail conditions. Use the link near the bottom of the right column. (12/9)
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 by 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.
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 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
Winter Conditions: Currently there are 4 to 8 inches of snow on the ground in the lower elevations, with more in the higher elevations. This weekend temperatures are predicted to be in the single digits or low teens during the day and below zero at night. Always check weather forecasts and conditions before entering the backcountry. See below for more information on conditions and how to prepare for them. See below for more information on conditions and how to prepare for them. (2/9)
Prepare for Cold Temperatures: Dress in layers of wool, fleece and other non-cotton clothing. Wear a hat and gloves or mittens. Drink plenty of water as dehydration can lead to hypothermia and eat plenty of food to maintain energy levels and warmth. Use the links near the bottom of the right column to view the National Weather Service's "Weather Forecasts". (2/9)
Snow & Ice: The snow cover is hard and thin with ice prevalent on backcountry trails. Cross-country skiing conditions are improving but still not great. Traction devices and crampons should be carried and used when warranted. The use of snowshoes may be warranted in higher elevations where snow depths exceed 8 inches - the use of snowshoes prevents post holing, reduces injuries and eases travel through the snow. Use the links near the bottom of the right column to view the National Weather Service's "Current Snow Depth Map" which is updated daily. (2/9)
Snowmobiles: Gates have been opened and snowmobiles may legally operate on designated snowmobile trails. Trail conditions are not ideal, check with a local snowmobile club for current trail conditions. Skiers and snowshoers using designated snowmobile trails should keep to the sides of the trail to allow safe passage. (2/9)
Summits: Conditions on summits are more extreme - lower temperatures, more snow & ice and stronger winds. 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. (2/9)
Ice on Water: Ice has formed on most lakes and ponds. As always, check the depth of ice before crossing and avoid areas around inlets, outlets and running water. Ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person. (2/9)
Hunting Seasons: Small game and waterfowl hunting seasons are open. 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. (2/9)
Forest Rangers: Due to a number of retirements, transfers and shifting of geographic areas of responsibility for Forest Rangers in the region, there may be some confusion in contacting the correct Forest Ranger to obtain a camping permit or get information on a specific area of the forest preserve. If you have trouble contacting a Forest Ranger please call 518-897-1303 during regular business hours or use the e-mail link at the bottom of the right column. Provide the area you are interested in and the name and phone number of the appropriate Forest Ranger will be provided to you. (8/25)
Specific Notices
Adirondack Canoe Route (central portion)
- Ice has formed on lakes, ponds, backwaters and along shorelines. (1/6)
- Northern Forest Canoe Trail volunteers rehabilitated the takeout at the north end of Eighth Lake. (2010)
Blue Mountain Wild Forest
- Blowdown has been cleared from the following trails: (12/1)
- Blue Mountain Trail
- Tirrell Pond Trail
- Northville-Placid Trail
- The Blue Mountain Fire Tower is open to the public including the cab. The fire tower was restored in 1994 and the observer's cabin was restored this year. (2010)
Blue Ridge Wilderness
- Blowdown has been cleared from the following trails: (12/1)
- Northville-Placid Trail
- Cascade Pond Trail
- Wilson Pond Trail
- The new cross over trail between Cascade and Grassy Ponds
- The Wakely Mountain Fire Tower is open to the public, but has not been restored at this time. DEC plans to restore the fire tower and the observer's cabin.
Ferris Lake Wild Forest
- All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition. (7/7)
Jessup River Wild Forest
- Designated snowmobile trails are holding snow and in fairly good shape for snowmobiling. Check with a local snowmobile club for current trail conditions. (2/2)
- DEC has closed the Eagle Cave between October 15 and April 30 to protect hibernating bats. (10/13)
- The Snowy Mountain Fire Tower was restored and the cab is open to the public. (2001)
- The Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower is open to the public up to the topmost landing, but the cab is closed. DEC plans to restore the tower, including the cab, and the observer's cabin, in the future with the help of a friends group. Once the work is complete the public will be able to access the cab of the fire tower as well.
- Blowdown may be found on trails.
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
- Currently there are 8 to 12 inches of snow on the ground. However, corners on designated snowmobile trails may be worn down to ice. Riders should be careful and slow down on the corners. Check with a local snowmobile club for current trail conditions (2/2)
Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Lands
- A new web page has been developed for the Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Lands which includes information about the unit and its recreational opportunities.
- Designated snowmobile trails are holding snow well and are in good shape in both areas. Snowmobile riders should obey all snowmobile trail signs along designated routes. Check with a local snowmobile club for current trail conditions (2/2)
- In Speculator Tree Farm the Alternate S41D Trail (Fly Creek Road and Long Level Road) is closed due to logging activities in the Fly Creek area. (1/26)
- Also riders should use caution along the C4 Trail (Old Route 8) between Fly Creek Road and Kunjamuk Cave Hill Road as the road is plowed and used by logging trucks and logging equipment. (1/26)
- The Mossy Vly Snowmobile Bridge has been replaced and will be available for use this snowmobile season. See the press release for more information. (12/30)
- Camping is limited to designated campsites, 8 campsites have been designated at this time. (2010)
Pigeon Lake Wilderness
- Blowdown may be found on trails, particularly infrequently used side trails. Blowdown may be heavy enough in some places to impede travel.
Sargent Ponds Wild Forest
- The South Castle Rock Trail is clear of blowdown. (12/1)
- The Upper Sargent Pond Trail beyond Castle Rock has some blowdown. (12/1)
- The Outlet Bay Lean-to on Raquette Lake is damaged and in poor condition from a tree fallen on its roof. (9/8)
- The Owls Head Mountain Fire Tower was restored a few years ago and is open to the public. There is no observer cabin. (2004)
Shaker Mountain Wild Forest
- The lean-to on the south shore of Chase Lake was removed, and a new lean-to was constructed on the lake's north shore. A new trail spur leading off the old trail and approaching the new lean-to from the west has been marked. The site of the old lean-to is now a designated tent site. See photos of the construction work and the completed lean-to. (2010)
Silver Lake Wilderness
- There is heavy blowdown on the Northville Placid Trail between Benson and Silver Lake. (9/12)
- The trail to Cathead Mountain remains closed by a private landowner. (2007)
West Canada Lakes Wilderness
- The bridge over Mud Creek on the Northville-Placid Trail has been replaced by the Adirondack Mountain Club Professional Trail Crew. (8/18)
- The bridge over West Canada Creek on the Northville-Placid Trail has been washed away. (5/26)
- Blowdown may be found on trails, particularly infrequently used side trails.
