Backcountry Information for the Northeastern 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 (leaves DEC website). 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
Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area
- The Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area
- The Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Chazy Highlands Wild Forest
- The Chazy Highlands Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Lake Champlain Islands Complex
- The Lake Champlain Islands Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Tract
- The Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- D&H Road and Piney Ridge Road gates have been open for the season for access by cars and trucks. Please note that public ATV & UTV'S are prohibited on the property with the exception of Wolf Pond Road, which is a Town road.
- Reminder: the D&H Road is CLOSED TO SNOWMOBILES - this is not a public snowmobile trail. (02/03)
- The wheelchair ramp at the Fishpole Pond Accessible Fishing Site was damaged by a wildfire and is unusable. (2020)
Taylor Pond Complex
- The Taylor Pond Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
Terry Mountain State Forest
- Motorized public access via the Mud Pond Road is closed for mud season. (04/21)
Wilmington Wild Forest
- The Wilmington Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- Nothing to report.
