Backcountry Information for the Eastern Adirondacks
Updated: September 22, 2022
General Notices
The Welcome to the Adirondacks webpage provides information about the Forest Preserve and conservation easement lands, outdoor recreation opportunities, and Leave No Trace. Check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpage for Adirondack recreation resources, hiking resources, and other information which applies across the Adirondacks.
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).
Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly.
- Check the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast (leaves DEC website) for updated notices and current conditions and forecasts. Be prepared for conditions to change
- 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.
@NYSDECAlerts: Follow @NYSDECAlerts on Twitter for real-time updates to help you prepare.
Specific Notices
Hammond Pond Wild Forest
- The Hammond Pond Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Lake George Wild Forest
- The Lake George Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Shelving Rock Brook trail bridges (all 3) are not safe for equestrian use. Please use Shelving Rock Mountain Trail to access trail system. Shortway Trail bridges (3) are now open to equestrian use. (05/12)
- Due to washouts in Lily Pond Road, only four-wheel drive and other high clearance vehicles should be used. (5/2021)
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness
- The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- A bridge on the Pharaoh Lake Trail from the Pharaoh Lake Road trailhead is out. Hikers should be prepared for an open water crossing. (08/04)
- A bridge on the Pharaoh Lake Trail from the Pharaoh Lake Road trailhead was damaged by a fallen tree. The railing was damaged, but the bridge remains in usable condition. Please use caution. (06/2021)
Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest
- The Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- On August 30, the towns of Westport and Essex experienced a microburst that caused a tremendous amount of storm damage, including significant blowdown in the Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest. Many trails are completely impassable at this time. DEC staff and Forest Rangers are working to clear blowdown from trails. (09/02)
