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Trail Information for the Central and Southern Adirondacks

Updated November 12, 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 (central portion)

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

Blue Mountain Wild Forest

  • The Blue Mountain Fire Tower is open the public including the cab. The fire tower, which was restored a few years ago, will have an intern present during August to greet the public and educate them about fire towers and the forest preserve.
  • Blowdown may be found on trails, particularly infrequently used side trails. Blowdown may be heavy enough in some places to impede travel.
  • The O'Neil Flow lean-to on Tirrell Pond has been removed and new lean-to has been constructed nearby. The site of the old lean-to is closed to camping.

Blue Ridge Wilderness

  • A reroute of the Northville-Lake Placid Trail that eliminates almost 6 miles of trail from the Cedar River Road has been completed. The new trail connects with the Cedar River Road about 0.9 miles from Wakely Dam and proceeds for 7.7 miles to a point on the old trail about 0.6 miles south of Stephens Pond. The old trail that had crossed through McCane's Resort is closed - public use of the former trail across private lands is prohibited. See the press release for more information.
  • 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.
  • Blowdown may be found on other trails.
  • The Cascade Pond lean-to has been removed. A new lean-to has been constructed on the east side of the pond, a few hundred feet eastward (toward the Northville-Placid Trail) along the trail past the old lean-to site.

Ferris Lake Wild Forest

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

Jessup River Wild Forest

  • DEC is investigating the presence of white-nose syndrome in bats in Eagle Cave near Chimney Rock. Until further notice Eagle Cave is closed to all public access.
  • The Snowy Mountain Fire Tower cab is open to the public. The fire tower was restored a few years ago, however there is no observers cabin.
  • 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 cabin, in the future with the help of a friends group. Once the work is complete the public will be able to acces the cab of the fire tower as well.
  • Blowdown may be found on trails.

Moose River Plains Wild Forest

  • A reroute of the Northville-Lake Placid Trail that eliminates almost 6 miles of trail from the Cedar River Road has been completed. The new trail connects with the Cedar River Road about 0.9 miles from Wakely Dam and proceeds for 7.7 miles to a point on the old trail about 0.6 miles south of Stephens Pond. The old trail that had crossed through McCane's Resort is closed - public use of the former trail across private lands is prohibited. See the press release for more information.
  • Side trails may contain blowdown.

Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement

  • All roads on which public motorized vehicles are allowed are open and passable at this time.
  • Camping is limited to designated campsites, 5 campsites have been designated at this time.

Pigeon Lake Wilderness

  • A Student Conservation Association crew has constructed a new foot bridge across Beaver Brook on the trail to Shallow Lake.
  • Blowdown may be found on trails, particularly infrequently used side trails. Blowdown may be heavy enough in some places to impede travel.
  • The trail from Higby Road near Big Moose Lake to West Mountain has been brushed out and marked, and most of the blowdown has been removed. DEC plans to work on this trail over the next few years and continue to improve its condition.

Sargent Ponds Wild Forest

  • The Owls Head Mountain Fire Tower was restored a few years ago and is open to the public. There is no observer cabin.
  • The Brown's Tract Inlet walkway has been rebuilt and is open for use.
  • An Americorps crew has installed several sections of bog bridging on the trail to Lower Sargent Pond.
  • Blowdown may be found on trails, particularly infrequently used side trail. Blowdown may be heavy enough in some places to impede travel.

Shaker Mountain Wild Forest

  • A new lean-to has been constructed near Holmes Lake.

Silver Lake Wilderness

  • The trail to Cathead Mountain has been closed by the private landowner.

West Canada Lakes Wilderness

  • A reroute of the Northville-Lake Placid Trail that eliminates almost 6 miles of trail from the Cedar River Road has been completed. The new trail connects with the Cedar River Road about 0.9 miles from Wakely Dam and proceeds for 7.7 miles to a point on the old trail about 0.6 miles south of Stephens Pond. The old trail that had crossed through McCane's Resort is closed - public use of the former trail across private lands is prohibited. See the press release for more information.
  • The gates on the Perkins Clearing Road and the public roads within the conservation easement lands are open to the Spruce Lake and Pillsbury Mountain trailheads. Travel with caution - there may be soft spots and washouts.
  • Blowdown may be found on trails, particularly infrequently used side trails.
  • On the Northville-Placid Trail, the foot bridge over the stream between Beaver Pond and Cedar Lakes has been repaired.