Trail Information for the Central and Southern 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.

Specific Notices

Adirondack Canoe Route (central portion)

Water levels are high throughout the route.
DEC will set up a detour on the canoe carry trail between Eighth Lake and Browns Tract Inlet in July and August during the reconstruction of the Browns Tract Inlet walkway. The reroute will take people on the snowmobile trail spur that connects the existing carry trail with a point on the Browns Tract Inlet west of the existing entry point. The reroute will be posted with signs and markers.

Blue Mountain Wild Forest

The Blue Mountain Fire Tower cab is now open to the public.
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

The Cedar River Road is passable to the Cedar River Headquarters
The Wakely Mountain Fire Tower trail is full of blowdown. The beginning of the trail contains running water, as well. Crampons may be needed in the upper sections of the trail.
Blowdown may be found on 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.
A foot bridge over a stream between Stephens Pond and the Cedar River Road (1.25 miles southeast of Stephens Pond lean-to)on the Northville-Placid Trail has been flooded by beaver activity. The trail has been temporarily rerouted to a log crossing about 1/4 mile northeast of the present crossing. The reroute has been marked with red flagging.
The former McCane's Resort on Cedar River Road is closed to all public use (parking, camping, picnicking, waiting, etc.), except for long-distance hikers completing the Northville-Placid Trail. Stephens or Cascade Ponds can be accessed via the trail from Lake Durant Campground on Route 28 or the trailhead off Durant Road in the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake. Once the DEC relocates the Northville-Placid trail, all public use of this area will be prohibited. For more information contact DEC Supervising Forester Richard Fenton, P.O. Box 1316, Northville, NY 12134, phone: 518/863-4545, e-mail: rtfenton@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Ferris Lake Wild Forest

All trails and facilities are open and in satisfactory condition.

Jessup River Wild Forest

The Snowy Mountain Fire Tower cab is open to the public, and has been since 2001.
The Indian Lake Boat Launch is closed for reconstruction.
The road to the Pillsbury Mountain/Cedar Lakes trailhead has been improved by recent maintenance work.
Blowdown may be found on trails.

Moose River Plains Wild Forest

The Moose River Plains road system is closed for mud season, and will reopen once conditions improve.
The Cedar River Road is passable to the Cedar River Headquarters but the gate is closed, preventing motor vehicle travel beyond that point.
Side trails may contain blowdown.
DEC will set up a detour on the canoe carry trail between Eighth Lake and Browns Tract Inlet in July and August during the reconstruction of the Browns Tract Inlet walkway. The reroute will take people on the snowmobile trail spur that connects the existing carry trail with a point on the Browns Tract Inlet west of the existing entry point. The reroute will be posted with signs and markers.
The former McCane's Resort on Cedar River Road is closed to all public use (parking, camping, picnicking, waiting, etc.), except for long-distance hikers completing the Northville-Placid Trail. Stephens or Cascade Ponds can be accessed via the trail from Lake Durant Campground on Route 28 or the trailhead off Durant Road in the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake. Once the DEC relocates the Northville-Placid trail, all public use of this area will be prohibited. For more information contact DEC Supervising Forester Richard Fenton, P.O. Box 1316, Northville, NY 12134, phone: 518/863-4545, e-mail: rtfenton@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement

The gates are closed, and public access by motor vehicle is prohibited during mud season.
Camping is limited to designated campsites, 5 campsites have been designated at this time.
Work is continuing to improve the central road system.

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 it's condition.

Sargent Ponds Wild Forest

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 Town of Wells closes the West River Road for the winter and spring mud season to protect it from damage. Boulders have been set up as a barricade and will be removed when the Town Highway Superintendent determines the road is ready for use.
Blowdown on the Northville-Placid Trail between Mud Lake and Canary Pond has been cleared.

West Canada Lakes Wilderness

Blowdown may be found on trails, particularly infrequently used side trails. Blowdown may be heavy enough in some places to impede travel.
On the Northville-Placid Trail, the foot bridge over the stream between Beaver Pond and Cedar Lakes has been repaired.
There is considerable amounts of blowdown on the trail from the Pillsbury Mt. trailhead to Cedar Lakes (the Sucker Brook Bay Trail).
The Northville-Placid Trail in the Mud Lake area is flooded due to beaver activity.
The former McCane's Resort on Cedar River Road is closed to all public use (parking, camping, picnicking, waiting, etc.), except for long-distance hikers completing the Northville-Placid Trail. Stephens or Cascade Ponds can be accessed via the trail from Lake Durant Campground on Route 28 or the trailhead off Durant Road in the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake. Once the DEC relocates the Northville-Placid trail, all public use of this area will be prohibited. For more information contact DEC Supervising Forester Richard Fenton, P.O. Box 1316, Northville, NY 12134, phone: 518/863-4545, e-mail: rtfenton@gw.dec.state.ny.us