Backcountry Information for the Western Adirondacks
Updated: July 29, 2021
Welcome to the Adirondacks
The Welcome to the Adirondacks webpage is the place to go if you are interested in learning more about the Adirondacks. It provides information about the Forest Preserve and conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation opportunities, and Leave No Trace (leaves DEC website). Be sure to check out the links to additional information and tips for recreating safely and minimizing your impacts on natural resources, recreational infrastructure, and other backcountry users in the Adirondacks.
Keep Our Environment Clean
Help preserve the beauty of the Adirondacks and protect our local wildlife by putting garbage in designated trash cans when available or taking your garbage home with you. Please do not leave trash, gear, or food scraps behind. Use designated toilets when available and visit the Leave No Trace website to learn how you can Leave No Trace when going to the bathroom in the woods. Do not graffiti or carve rocks, trees, or backcountry structures like lean-tos or fire towers.
Drone Use
Drones are prohibited on lands classified as Wilderness, Primitive, and Canoe Area. Before you launch your device, learn more about drone use on DEC lands.
General Notices
WARNING: Backcountry 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!
Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch, 833-NYS-RANGERS.
High Water Warning: Frequent and heavy rains have swollen waterways throughout the region. Several trails, campgrounds, and popular water recreation areas are experiencing flooding. Be cautious in and around areas of high water. Do not attempt to cross high, fast-moving rivers or streams without a bridge. Exercise extreme caution when paddling or swimming in moving water. Wear a properly fitted PFD (life jacket) when paddling and boating and be careful entering and exiting the vessel. If you are camping near water, be prepared to move if waters begin to rise. Do not drive through flood waters.
Wet and Muddy Trails: Following recent rain, trails are likely to be muddy. Wear waterproof shoes and walk through mud, not around it, to help protect fragile trail edges. Gaiters help keep feet dry and trekking poles provide added stability. Use caution at stream crossings where water is high and fast-moving. If water levels are too high, do not attempt a crossing. Mountain bikers are encouraged to avoid riding in muddy and wet conditions as biking on wet trails can significantly contribute to erosion and trail widening. As with hiking, ride through the center of the trail to avoid impacting trailside soils and plants.
Rock Climbing Closures: DEC closes certain rock climbing routes in the Adirondacks to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Once peregrine nest sites are determined, climbing routes that will not disturb nesting will be reopened. Routes that remain closed will reopen after the young have fledged. Check the full list of route closures.
Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly.
- Check the forecast for your destination and pack and plan accordingly.
- Check the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast (leaves DEC website) for updated notices and current conditions and forecasts. Be prepared for the forecasted conditions or to change your plans.
- NY Mesonow (leaves DEC website) has two dozen stations in and just outside of Adirondacks that provide real time weather data and forecasts.
- Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks (leaves DEC website) and Southern Adirondacks (leaves DEC website) Mountain Point Forecasts for selected summits.
Practice Leave No Trace: Please abide by the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (leaves DEC website) when recreating in the Adirondacks.
Travel: Check 511NY (leaves DEC website) for road closures and conditions.
Adirondack Backcountry Information: Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information main webpage for Adirondack recreation resources, hiking resources, and other information which applies across the Adirondacks.
Specific Notices
Aldrich Pond Wild Forest
- The Aldrich Pond Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Powell Road leading to South Creek Lake often experiences flooded conditions due to beaver activity. Users should exercise caution and be aware of changing road conditions throughout the seasons. (2020)
Bog River Complex (Lows Lake, Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest, and Big Tupper & Piercefield Conservation Easement Tracts)
- The Bog River Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Lower than usual water levels may be observed at the lower Bog River (Lower Lows) dam on the downstream side of Hitchens Pond. DEC is lowering the water to assess a leak in the dam. The gate on the lower dam road is currently closed for mud season. DEC anticipates that after the water is lowered, recreational users will be able to paddle canoes and kayaks from the dam up through Hitchens Pond, although the channel will be narrower and more obstructions will be visible. (04/16)
Cranberry Lake Wild Forest (Massawepie and Conifer Emporium Conservation Easement Tracts)
- The Cranberry Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Five Ponds Wilderness
- The Five Ponds Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Pepperbox Wilderness
- The Pepperbox Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Watson's East Triangle Wild Forest (Croghan & Oswegatchie Conservation Easement Tracts)
- The Watson's East Triangle Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- On the Oswegatchie Conservation Easement - the Silver Dawn Lake Trail and Rainbow Trail have been cleared and signed. Several campsites proposed in the Recreation Management Plan have also been designated.
William C. Whitney Wilderness & Round Lake Wilderness
- The William C. Whitney Wilderness & Round Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit, and its recreational opportunities and a map of the unit.
- The road to Lake Lila is now open. (05/21)
