Backcountry Information for the Eastern Adirondacks
Updated: May 27, 2022
General Notices
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. 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 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 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.
- Jabe Pond Road is open. (05/12)
- 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)
- Dacy Clearing Road is open for the season. (4/29)
- Palmer Pond access road is closed starting at the snowplow turnaround due to a failing culvert. Winter parking is allowed before the snowplow turnaround on the right side of the road facing downhill (east side). Please do not park in the snowplow turnaround or block driveways. (12/2021)
- 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 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.
- Nothing to report.
