Adirondack Backcountry
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Stay Safe, Respect Others, and Protect the Environment
Backcountry hiking trails can be rugged and rough - they are not maintained as park walkways - and wilderness conditions can change suddenly. Hike Smart NY provides expert information on how to properly prepare and ensure a safe outdoor experience. Follow all state land use rules for hiking and primitive camping and Leave No Trace principles (leaves DEC website) to minimize your impacts on the natural resources and other users.
Volunteer to help preserve, maintain, and enhance New York's outdoor recreation. Individuals or groups can enter into a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement to maintain trails, lean-tos, boat launches, or other recreational infrastructure.
Adirondack Recreation Resources
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 backcountry. Backcountry 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 Dispatch, 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264).
Travel: Check 511NY (leaves DEC website) for road closures and conditions.
Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly:
- Check the National Weather Service or NY Mesonow (links leave DEC website) for current conditions and forecasts for the locations where you plan to recreate.
- Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks and Southern Adirondacks (links leave DEC website) Mountain Point Forecasts for selected summits.
- Check both daytime and nighttime temperatures and remember that temperatures will drop as you gain elevation.
- Check wind chill temperatures and prepare for colder, windier summits.
Practice Leave No Trace: Please abide by the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (leaves DEC website) when recreating in the Adirondacks.
Recent Notices: To find recent notices specific to your destination, click on the region you plan to visit on the map below or check the Backcountry Information for the Adirondack Park webpage.
Seasonal Notices
Know Before You Go (03/30):
Temperatures: These are forecast temperatures for base elevations throughout the region. Wintry mix expected Friday night, turning to rain on Saturday and then back to snow Saturday night with temperatures fluctuating in the low 30's. High of 50's with rain and wind on Saturday. Wind gusts of up to 30mph expected at times. Rain and wind expected to continue into Saturday night with temperatures dropping into the teens and turning to snow. Ongoing precipitation will make low elevations muddy, high elevations icy, and hiking conditions unstable.
Conditions: Conditions will be more severe (colder, windier) on summits and at higher elevations. Carry extra layers, cold weather gear, rain gear, and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions. Bring microspikes or crampons and snowshoes. If you find yourself unprepared for the conditions or weather worsens, turn back to the trailhead. Hike with a buddy or in a group and know the signs of hypothermia.
- High Peaks Region: Deep snow exists across higher elevations of the High Peaks Wilderness. Many trail markers and some trail signs are buried beneath the snow and therefore aren't visible or may be located close to ground level. Trails above treeline may be obscured by drifting snow. Hikers planning to access higher elevations within the High Peaks should carry a paper map, compass, and GPS, and possess excellent backcountry navigational ability. Know your route, including where you will encounter trail junctions and which turns you need to take. Groups should stick together.
Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise = 6:39 a.m.; Sunset = 7:21 p.m. Make a timeline and stick to it. Pack at least one headlamp (two headlamps recommended) even if you expect to finish your activity before sunset.
Travel: Plan on arriving at your destination early and have several back-up plans in place in case parking at your desired location is full. Some seasonal roads may be closed for the winter season and not all parking areas are plowed. Check recent notices for road closure announcements.
Water & Ice Conditions:
- Never attempt to cross high, fast-moving water, especially following rain or significant snowmelt. If there is precipitation forecast during the day, be mindful of how water crossings might swell between your first crossing and your return trip. While many bodies of water are frozen over, not all are safe to travel on. Use extreme caution in areas of moving water, such as inlets, outlets, and streams. Follow ice safety guidelines.
- Water levels range from average to above average for this time of year in the eastern and central portions of the Adirondack region and below average in the western part of the region. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York (leaves DEC website) for stream flow of selected waters. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended to be worn.
Be Safe in Avalanche Terrain: Backcountry downhill skiers, snowboarders, and all outdoor adventurers who may traverse slides or steep, open terrain should be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions. If you are planning a trip to avalanche-prone territory, research the route ahead of time and contact a local DEC Forest Ranger for specific safety and conditions information, or contact a local guide. Before going into the backcountry, be equipped with avalanche safety tools and knowledge, such as participation in an avalanche safety course. Learn more about avalanche danger, preparedness, and safety precautions.
Seasonal Roads: Many seasonal access roads are closed for the winter. Check the Recent Notices for specific closure announcements and be prepared to turn around and take an alternate route.
Snowmobiles: Visitors are advised to plan ahead and check local club, county, and State webpages and resources, including the NYSSA Snowmobile web map (leaves DEC's website), for up-to-date snowmobile trail information.
Review Regulations: Take a moment to review the rules and regulations for the area you will be visiting. Each state land management unit has rules in place to help protect users and the natural resources. Hikers headed to the High Peaks should review the rules and regulations for the High Peaks Wilderness.
Practice Leave No Trace: Please abide by the Leave No Trace Seven Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating 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 or taking it 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.
Statewide Burn Ban in Effect: The annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning began March 16 and runs through May 14. The annual brush burning ban helps prevent wildfires and protects communities during heightened conditions for wildfires. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. For more information about fire safety and prevention go to DEC's FIREWISE New York webpage.
Hiking Safety
Pack & Prepare: Research your hike thoroughly, check regulations and recent updates for the location you will be visiting, bring the 10 hiking essentials, and leave your plans - including a timeline - with a trusted friend or family member.
Check the Weather: Check the forecast for your destination and pack and plan accordingly. Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks (leaves DEC website) and Southern Adirondacks (leaves DEC website) Mountain Point Forecasts for selected summits. Check both daytime and nighttime temperatures. Remember that temperatures will decrease as you gain elevation. If conditions become unfavorable, turn around. You can always complete your hike another day.
Research Your Hike: Research a variety of hikes and pick one that is appropriate for the physical abilities and experience of every person in your group. Estimate how long the hike will take and make a realistic timeline. Using reliable sources, research the route. Share your plans with a reliable friend or family member who can report you missing if you do not return on time.
Plan and Practice Navigation: Plan and study your route using an up-to-date map published by a reliable source before you begin your hike. Take note of significant landmarks and trail intersections. Leave your planned route with a trusted friend or relative. While hiking, pay close attention to posted signage and check your map at trail intersections to confirm you are on the correct path.
Have a Back-up Plan: The Adirondacks is a popular destination with limited parking in most places. Well-known trails get crowded and parking spots fill up quickly and early. Have several backup plans. If you arrive at your desired location and cannot find parking, move on to back-up locations until you find a place with safe, legal parking.
Layer Up: Temperatures can change significantly depending on your location, the time of day and your elevation. Stay safe and warm by wearing non-cotton, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and waterproof, windproof outer layers. Gaiters can help keep your lower legs and feet dry. Bring additional layers. Wear sturdy waterproof boots that are already broken in.
Manage your time wisely: Be mindful of sunrise and sunset times and plan accordingly. Start long hikes early to maximize sunlight hours and always bring a headlamp. Set a turnaround time and stick to it.
Pack a Light: Bring a headlamp on every hike. Bring extra batteries and a back-up headlamp or alternate source of light. Even if you plan to be done before sunset, bring a headlamp in case of emergencies or unexpected delays. Don't rely on your phone's flashlight. Using your phone's flashlight will drain the battery quickly.
Stick to Designated Trails: Wear waterproof shoes and walk through mud, not around it, to protect trail edges.
Use of Drones in the Adirondacks
Both commercial and hobbyist use of drones on Forest Preserve lands is prohibited in areas classified as Wilderness, Primitive, Primitive Bicycle Corridors, or Canoe Areas.
Hobbyist use is allowed, and commercial use may be allowed with an approved temporary revocable permit (TRP), on lands classified as Wild Forest and on the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor.
For information on hobbyist and commercial drone use on conservation easement lands contact the DEC Lands and Forests office nearest the easement property. Lands and Forests staff will, in consultation with the easement landowner, determine if such use is prohibited by the terms of the easement or whether the use of drones conflicts with the existing use(s) of the land.
Learn how to Leave No Trace while using drones and other important information about using drones.
Other Notices
Please check the Backcountry Information for the Adirondack Park webpage for the most up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.
Check the map and then link to the area of Adirondacks you plan to visit. Use the Adirondack Forest Preserve Map and Guide to help you determine the area you plan to visit. This information is provided by DEC Forest Rangers and Foresters based on their knowledge and observations and is updated weekly.
The information provided may not reflect current specific conditions. Contact the local Forest Ranger for more current and specific information by calling 518-897-1300 or check the list of Region 5 Forest Rangers or Region 6 Forest Rangers for direct contact information.
More about Adirondack Backcountry:
- Backcountry Information for the Adirondack Park - Information regarding access, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and conditions on the lands and waters in the backcountry of New York's Adirondack Park.
