Backcountry Information for the Adirondack Park

High Peaks

Adirondack Canoe Route/Northern Forest Canoe Trail

• The Adirondack Canoe Route is part of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) (leaves DEC website) which links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine.

Adirondack Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract (AMR/Ausable Club)

• The Adirondack Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Rules specific to this property include no camping, no dogs, no drones, and no off-trail travel.
• The easement agreement provides for public hiking only on designated trails and roads. Do not trespass on AMR lands and waters or participate in any unauthorized activities. (2020)

Boreas Ponds Tract

• The Boreas Ponds Tract webpage provides information about the area and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the area.
• The Boreas Ponds Lean-to offers the only designated camping location on Boreas Ponds currently. Prior to DEC's construction of the 2 designated campsites on Boreas Ponds, primitive camping must be done at least 150' from the shoreline. Signage is installed at impacted sites within 150' of the shoreline to remind campers not to use these areas and to camp at an appropriate distance. Thank you for helping to protect the natural resource and the Wilderness Experience of all future users by following the 150' rule when selecting a site.
• Gulf Brook Road is now open to the Four Corners Parking Area. (6/1)
  
• A temporary bridge was installed over the LaBier Flow Dam on Gulf Brook Road in the Boreas Ponds Tract, restoring access to the Four Corners Parking Area at the terminus of Gulf Brook Road for pedestrians and motorists. (10/20)
• Management of the Boreas Ponds Tract is defined by the 2018 High Peaks Wilderness UMP Amendment and the 2018 Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest UMP Amendment. The amendments describe the management, access, and public recreational opportunities available for the lands and waters on this tract of land. (2018)

High Peaks Wilderness

• The High Peaks Wilderness webpage provides information about the area, its recreational opportunities, and the special regulations that serve to protect the natural resource of the wilderness and the experience of those who visit.
• The Moose Pond Horse Trail has extensive blowdown and has grown in considerably north of Shaw Pond. Saddle horse use north of Shaw Pond to the Cold River Horse Trail Junction may be very difficult to navigate. The Moose Pond Horse Trail, which leaves the Newcomb Lake Road north of the Camp Santanoni Farm Complex provides access into the High Peaks Wilderness, the areas west of the Santanoni Mountain Range and connects with the Cold River Horse Trail Network. (5/25)
• Multiple Lean-tos in the Flowed Lands area and Marcy Brook are being repaired during the 2023 construction season. During the spring fly-in window, with the help of NY State Police Aviation, the DEC moved materials into the backcountry to support these projects. As volunteers and DEC Staff prepare for this work, the materials are moved and stored along the trail system or near lean-tos. Please respect the materials and avoid disturbing or moving any lumber materials you find during your adventure. The work of volunteers including Lean2Rescue and the Adirondack 46er Trail Crew are instrumental in helping DEC mange the HPWC, protect the natural resource and preserve the Wilderness Experience of all users. (5/25)
• Mud Season: Hikers are advised to avoid trails above 2,500ft for the duration of the muddy trail advisory for several reasons:
  • sliding boots destroy trail tread, can damage surrounding vegetation, and erode thin soils causing washouts;
  • rotten snow and monorails are a safety hazard even with proper equipment; and
  • high elevation and alpine vegetation are extremely fragile in spring months as they start their regrowth after winter.
    
  • Until conditions improve, hikers are encouraged to responsibly explore low elevation trails or enjoy other forms of recreation.
    
• The gate on Corey's Road (by the Raquette Falls trailhead) is open for the season. In addition to providing access to the Blueberry Trailhead and Assembly Area, there are 10 designated roadside campsites along the Corey's Road. Please drive appropriately on this narrow gravel road and do not travel past the Blueberry Trailhead or block the roadway. (5/25)
• Per the conservation easement agreement with Elk Lake Lodge, the Gate at Clear Pond is now open to Public Motor Vehicles and will remain open till the start of Big Game season (in October). Parking at the Elk Lake Parking Lot Trailhead is limited and NO PARKING is allowed along the roadway. When the trailhead parking fills up, hikers will need to park at the Upper Elk Lake Road Parking Lot on the west side of the Elk Lake Road approximately 2.3 miles south of the Elk Lake Parking Lot Trailhead. While driving on the Elk Lake road, please respect posted lower speed limits. Please help ensure the Conservation Easement is respected and all users have a safe and enjoyable experience. (5/25)
• The Bridge over South Meadow Brook on the Klondike Trail was removed due to a broken stringer and unsafe conditions. Hikers can follow the South Meadow Trail to the Mt Van Ski Trail to gain access to the Klondike Trail. (2021)
• The trail from Lake Arnold to Feldspar Brook is experiencing extensive flooding. Crossing flooded areas on floating logs and old pieces of bridging is dangerous and should be avoided when possible. Seek alternate routes. If you must cross, be prepared to wade through deep water. (2021)
• The high-water crossing footbridge over Phelps Brook on the VanHo Trail to Mt. Marcy just above Marcy Dam came to the end of its service life and was removed by DEC. When Phelps Brook is running high and the low water crossing is unsafe, hikers can use the newly developed Phelps Brook Lean-to Trail between the South Meadow (aka Marcy Dam Truck) Trail (0.5 mile north of Marcy Dam) and the Van Ho Trail (above the crossing). The trail is marked with red Foot Trail markers. (10/2021)
• DEC and other agencies will be enforcing the No Parking Zones along State Route 73. (2023)
• The Town of Keene prohibits parking along Johns Brook, Market, and Adirondack Streets in Keene Valley. Violators will be towed.(2023)
• The Opalescent Bridge on the East River Trail to Allen Mountain and Hanging Spear Falls is washed out. (2020)
• Cold Brook Trail is not maintained. The trail has not been maintained since Tropical Storm Irene. (2020)
• The trail to Little Porter Mountain from the Garden Trailhead is closed. The portion of the trail crossing private land has been closed to public use by the landowner. Trespassing on those lands is now prohibited. The summit of Little Porter Mountain can still be accessed from the Marcy Field Trailhead or the Cascade Mountain Trailhead. (2020)
• Many of the herd paths found on Mount Marshall and some of the other trail-less peaks meander around the slopes of the mountain without reaching the peak. Those climbing these peaks should navigate with a map and compass rather than follow the paths created by others. (2020)
• Blueberry Horse Trail is passable to horses and riders, however, riders should take care near drainages and several stream crossings that will be muddy. DEC plans to improve the trail tread of this route in the future. (2020)
• The bridge over Ouluska Brook on the Northville-Placid Trail has collapsed into the brook. During low water conditions, crossing the brook is still possible. (2020)
• The Calkins Creek Horse Trail has two bridges out, making it impassable for horse drawn wagons and difficult for horses. (2020)
• Once again the private landowners have agreed to allow hiking on Owls Head Trail during the week. Parking at the trailhead and hiking the trail are prohibited on weekends. (2020)

Dix Mountain Tract

• The Dix Mountain Tract webpage provides information about the area and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the area. This will be incorporated into the High Peaks Wilderness webpage in the near future.
• The lands of the Dix Mountain Tract are now part of the High Peaks Wilderness. (2020)
  • DEC will be changing signs, webpages, and regulations to transition to the High Peaks Wilderness.
  • All regulations applicable to the High Peaks Wilderness are now in effect including, but not limited to:
    • Group size: Groups should consist of no more than 15 hikers and no more than 8 campers.
    • Glass Containers: Glass containers are prohibited.
  • Information about the former Dix Mountain Area may be found in the High Peaks Wilderness section above.

Jay Mountain Wilderness

• The Jay Mountain Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Jay Mountain Road is managed by the Town of Lewis and is a seasonal road. The road is not maintained from October - April, effectively closing it to public automobile use during that time.

Northville-Placid Trail

• The bridge over Ouluska Brook has collapsed into the brook. The brook is passable during low water conditions. (2020)

Sentinel Range Wilderness

• The Sentinel Range Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Several sections of the Pitchoff Mountain Trail, including the segment to "Balanced Rocks", are severely eroded. These areas are challenging to navigate. Please use caution and turn back if it is too difficult for your party to safely cross. (2020)
• Beaver activity has flooded some parts of the Jack Rabbit Trail. (2020)

Other areas in the High Peaks:

• Giant Mountain Wilderness
• Hurricane Mountain Wilderness
• McKenzie Mountain Wilderness

Northwestern

Grass River Wild Forest (includes Grass River, Long Pond, Sevey's and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Grass River Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Access to Allen Pond via the Allen Pond Road on the Tooley Pond Conservation Easement is open for the season.
• Access to the Long Pond Conservation Easement vis the Main Haul/Granshue Road is open for the season. (05/11)
• Access to the Forest Preserve River Corridor along the South Branch of the Grass River via the Windfall or Buckhorn Roads is open for the season. (05/11)
• The St. Lawrence County Multi-use Trail, which crosses the Grass River, Long Pond, and Tooley Pond Conservation Easements, closed for the season on September 15. (09/15)

Raquette Boreal Complex

• The Raquette Boreal Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• As of Friday, March 31, snowmobile trails will be closed for the season. Gates will be shut and locked to ensure public safety and protect roads and trails during mud season.
• Access to the Five Mile Conservation Easement closed for the season on September 30.(10/14)

Northern

Adirondack Rail Trail

• Phase 1 construction has begun between Station Street in Lake Placid and Broadway in Saranac Lake. This section of trail is currently closed to all users during construction. Details are available on the rail trail webpage. Please respect posted signage and barricades in work areas and email Info.R5@dec.ny.gov with questions. (Updated 4/20/2023)

Debar Mountain Wild Forest

• The Debar Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Debar Meadows Road is now open. (5/25)
• Trespassing in Debar Lodge or any other building is prohibited.

Kushaqua Conservation Easement Tract

• The Kushaqua Tract Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Loon Lake Mountains Saddle Trail is closed due to current logging operations. (02/09)
• Logging is in progress in the vicinity of the Mountain Pond Road. The road is being used as a haul road and is closed to ALL motorized use for the duration of the operation. Non-motorized users of the road should use extreme caution and expect to encounter log trucks. (1/12)

Santa Clara Conservation Easement Tract

• The Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Madawaska, Pinnacle, Four Mile, and Vanderwalker roads are now open to public vehicles. (5/17)
• The southern spur off the CP3 route loop is currently closed to motorized users. Due to a logging operation on the property users accessing the easement should reduce speed and exercise caution both on the Brown Track Road and on the easement roads in that area. Anglers are advised not to use the northern of the 2 fishing sites on the CP3 route as trucks will be crossing that bridge regularly. (07/28)

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest

• The Saranac Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and maps of the unit.
• The road to Saint Germain and Meadow ponds is now open. (5/17)
  
• Little Clear Pond Road is now open.
  
• Connery Pond Road is now open (5/25).

Saint Regis Canoe Area

• The Saint Regis Canoe Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and maps of the unit.
• A section of the canoe carry between Floodwood Road, near Floodwood Pond, and Long Pond is flooded. Visitors may need to paddle across the flooded section. (5/25)

Other areas in Northern Adirondacks:

• Paul Smith College Conservation Easement Tract

Northeastern

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.
• The Barnes Pond Road gate has been closed for the season. (1/5)
• Reminder: public ATV & UTV'S are prohibited on the property with the exception of Wolf Pond Road, which is a Town road.
• The wheelchair ramp at the Fishpole Pond Accessible Fishing Site was damaged by a wildfire and is unusable. (2020)

Terry Mountain State Forest

• The Redd Road Gate and Mud Pond Gate are now open. (6/1)

Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area

• The gate on the access road into Ausable Marsh WMA is closed for spring flooding.

Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area

• Catfish bay and Point Au fer gates are closed.

Wilmington Wild Forest

• The gate from Forestdale Rd to Cooper Kiln is closed

Other areas in Northern Adirondacks:

• Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area
• Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area
• Chazy Highlands Wild Forest
• Lake Champlain Islands Complex
• Taylor Pond Complex
• Wilmington Wild Forest

Western

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.
• The Low's Lower Dam maintenance project has begun, and public access will be closed at Low's Lower Dam starting December 6, 2022. No public launching of boats at Low's Lower Dam will be allowed during construction, which is expected to last through late fall 2023. Access to Hitchens Pond and Low's Lake during construction will require extensive portages, and users are advised to seek other areas to visit while the construction project is in progress. More information can be found in the full press release.
• The Student Conservation Association (SCA) recently completed several improvements to primitive campsites located on Tupper Lake, part of Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest. Improvements to 11 campsites included new campsite numbers on the shoreline, replacement of privies, rebuilt fire rings, and staining of two lean-to's. (09/29)

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.
• As of Friday, March 31, snowmobile trails will be closed for the season. Gates will be shut and locked to ensure public safety and protect roads and trails during mud season.
• A trail project was recently completed which created a new 600 foot re-route of the Campground Trail: a portion of the Cranberry Lake 50 trail system. The NYSDEC Cranberry Lake Operations staff began the project by delivering materials for a new foot bridge to the work site via snowmobile in February 2022. The final week of June, a contract trail crew from Tahawus Trails installed the new 4 ' x 12' foot bridge and re-routed the trail to better drained ground. The lumber from the old foot bridge will be removed by DEC Operations later this year. (07/07)
• A trail project was recently completed which created a new 285 foot re-route of the Bear Mountain Trail, located near the DEC Cranberry Lake Campground. During the week of 6/20, a contract trail crew from Tahawus Trails installed the trail re-route and closed the former trail section which was steeply sloped and in poor condition. Significant rock work, including stone steps, were installed as part of the newly re-routed trail. (07/07)

Five Ponds Wilderness

• The Five Ponds Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Remsen Lake Placid Travel Corridor (Railroad) is considered an active railroad. The railroad is undergoing maintenance adjacent to the Five Ponds Wilderness Area and William C. Whitney Wilderness Area. There is an increase in traffic from trains and equipment working on rehabilitation of the railroad through this section. Users are reminded that the railroad tracks between Harrington Brook and the carry to Clear Pond and Bog Lake (Five Ponds Wilderness) are not a DEC trail and should not be used as a canoe carry when the railroad is active. (09/01)
• The footbridge over Glasby Creek located on the High Falls Loop/Cranberry Lake 50 Trail was recently replaced. (2021)
• The Darning Needle Pond, Fishpole Pond, and Olmstead Pond Trails recently received trail work including new drainage structures, hardening of wet sections of trail, and new trail markers. (2021)
• The Olmstead Pond Trail (part of the Cranberry Lake 50 Trail) has several sections of flooding near the pond due to beaver activity. Users should expect wet conditions and may require short bushwacks around flooded sections of trail until water levels recede. (2021)

Watson's East Triangle Wild Forest (Croghan Tract and Oswegatchie Conservation Easements)

• The Watson's East Triangle Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit, and its recreational opportunities and a map of the unit.
• All mud gates will be opened the week of May 8. (05/11)

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 Boreas Ponds Lean-to offers the only designated camping location on Boreas Ponds at this time. Prior to DEC's construction of the 2 additional designated campsites on Boreas Ponds, primitive camping must be done at least 150' from the shoreline. Signage is installed, at impacted sites within 150' of the shoreline, to remind campers not to use these areas and camp an appropriate distance. The 2018 High Peaks Wilderness Complex UMP Amendment allows for 2 designated waterway access sites to be built and the work planning for those projects is underway
• The Remsen Lake Placid Travel Corridor (Railroad) is considered an active railroad. The railroad is undergoing maintenance adjacent to the Five Ponds Wilderness Area and William C. Whitney Wilderness Area. There is an increase in traffic from trains and equipment working on rehabilitation of the railroad through this section. Users are reminded that the railroad tracks between Harrington Brook and the carry to Clear Pond and Bog Lake (Five Ponds Wilderness) are not a DEC trail and should not be used as a canoe carry when the railroad is active. (09/01)

Other areas in Western Adirondacks:

• Pepperbox Wilderness

West Central

Blue Mountain Wild Forest

• The Blue Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• O'Neil Flow Easement: Township 19 Rd. is now open for the season. (5/18)
• The access road to the radio towers on Blue Mountain is a private road. The use of the road by people other than authorized personnel with administrative duties is prohibited and is considered trespassing. (2020)

Blue Ridge Wilderness & Wakely Mountain Primitive Area

• The Blue Ridge Wilderness and Wakely Mountain Primitive Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Cedar River Road is open allowing access to Wakely Fire Tower parking and trailhead. (5/18)
• Waterway access to South Inlet and Raquette Lake from the Rt. 28 pull off may be limited due to bridge construction. (5/18)
• The bridge that crosses the Cascade Pond outlet is damaged and unstable. Hikers should be prepared to ford the outlet or cross elsewhere. (10/20)

Moose River Plains Complex

• The Moose River Plains Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Cedar River Road that accesses the Cedar River Flow is closed for mud season (4/6)
• Wilson Ridge Trail - The Little Moose Lake Outlet crossing is difficult to cross due to beaver activity.
• Otter Brook Trail - Fording the Otter Brook may be difficult during periods of high water. The trail east of Otter Brook is overgrown and blown down trees may impede travel.
• A 200' section of the West Mtn Trail is flooded due to beaver activity at the Beaver Brook crossing in Moose River Plains Wild Forest. Until the flooding is addressed it is recommended to access the West Mtn summit from the Constable Pond trailhead off Higby Road (Pigeon Lake Wilderness).
• Indian Lake Road is closed to motor vehicles at the Falls Pond Outlet. A temporary foot bridge is in place.

Northville-Placid Trail

• The Sucker Brook Trail which connects the Northville-Placid Trail and the DEC Lewey Lake Campground is unmaintained beyond the height of ground between Lewey Mountain and Cellar Mountain, about 4.4 miles west of the campground.
  • Beyond the height of ground blowdown, wet stretches of trail, and beaver activity make the trail difficult to follow.
  • Access to Colvin Brook Lean-to and the Northville Placid Trail may be gained from the Moose River Plains trailhead off Limekiln Lake - Cedar River Road.

West Canada Lakes Wilderness

• The West Canada Lakes Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Perkins Clearing Road and Jessup River Road are closed for mud season.
• The foot bridge over Sampson Bog on the Northville-Placid Trail is washed out, please use caution in this area. The crossing may be difficult after periods of significant rain.
• The Sucker Brook Trail which connects the Northville-Placid Trail and the DEC Lewey Lake Campground is unmaintained beyond the height of ground between Lewey Mountain and Cellar Mountain, about 4.4 miles west of the campground. (2021)
  • Beyond the height of ground blowdown, wet stretches of trail, and beaver activity make the trail difficult to follow.
  • Access to Colvin Brook Lean-to and the Northville Placid Trail may be gained from the Moose River Plains trailhead off Limekiln Lake - Cedar River Road.

Sargent Ponds Wild Forest

• The Sargent Ponds Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.

Other areas in West Central Adirondacks:

• Cedarlands Conservation Easement Tract

East Central

Camp Santanoni Historic Area

• The Camp Santanoni Historic Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.

Essex Chain Lakes Complex (Pine Lake Primitive Area)

• The Essex Chain Lakes Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Chain Lakes Road North and Cornell to Deer Pond roads are now open. (5/17)
• The Chain of Lakes Road South, T/Indian Lake is open to the former Outer Gooley Club Site. (05/11)
• Seasonal gates on Chain Lakes Rd. have been closed for the season. (12/08)
• Pine Lake Primitive Area: Currently all gates are closed and the town has the Chain Of Lakes Road South closed at the raft put-in on the Indian River.
• Blowdown remains on some trails. The Chain Lakes Road North to Sixth Lake horse trail has significant blowdown. (05/12)
• There is an active logging operation on Cornell Road. This road, and the land adjacent to it, is privately-owned working forest conservation easement land. It also provides public access to the Essex Chain Lakes Complex Forest Preserve - specifically the Deer Pond Parking Lot. Please be alert for log trucks using the Cornell Road, and safely pull off the side of the road to allow them to pass. (2021)

Hoffman Notch Wilderness

• The Hoffman Notch Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Bridge over the North Branch of Trout Brook on the Big Pond Trail near its intersection the Notch Trail is washed off its abutments and will require crossing the stream itself. (2021)
• Most blowdown has been removed. Some trails have minor blowdown, but all are passable. DEC is working on clearing the rest of the blowdown. (2021)

Jessup River Wild Forest

• The Jessup River Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Perkins Clearing Road, Military Road, and Jessup River Road are open for the season; this includes access to the Pillsbury Mountain trailhead. (5/18)
• The bridge at the beginning of Crotched Pond Rd (located on Forest Preserve) which leads to the Crotched Pond Conservation Easement was damaged by the 2019 Halloween Storm and has been closed to vehicular traffic. Access to the Conservation Easement is via foot traffic only.

Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Tracts

• The Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Tracts webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• All roads are open except Mud Lake Road. (5/18)
• Old Military Road has been repaired and the Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower parking area will be opened after mud season. (4/6)

Siamese Ponds Wilderness

• The Siamese Pond Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The 35ft bridge over the Botheration Pond outlet on the Botheration Pond Loop Trail has been replaced with a brand new bridge. (08/11)
• The Chimney Mountain Eagle Cave gate will be open from May 16th to Sept 14th. At all other times of the year the gate will be closed to protect the bat population. (2021)

Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest

• The Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit, and its recreational opportunities and a map of the unit.
• The spur trail ESSE50 (Newcomb to Long Lake) remains closed due to ground conditions - a stretch of wet area has not frozen yet and is not rideable. (12/22)
• The Campsite Road gate (Santanoni Lake Harris Connector Trail) is open. Please note: there will be intermittent vehicle traffic and hazard tree removal in the campground. Riders should expect areas of active work. Stay on the north side of the road. (12/22)
• Gulf Brook Road remains closed through May 26 while construction crews work on Labier Dam. Motor vehicles can access gulf Brook Road into the Four Corners Parking area starting 5/27. Boreas Road between Four Corners Parking Area and Boreas Ponds Parking Area will remain closed for repairs.
• A temporary bridge was installed over the LaBier Flow Dam on Gulf Brook Road in the Boreas Ponds Tract, restoring access to the Four Corners Parking Area at the terminus of Gulf Brook Road for pedestrians and motorists. (10/20)
• The Campsite Rd gate providing access to the Santanoni to Lake Harris snowmobile trail is now closed for mud season. (3/24)
• Moose Pond Club Road is temporarily closed for repairs. No parking is allowed by the gate, as administrative access for repairs will need to remain open. Visitors can park across the Boreas River Bridge on old Rte 28N and access the road on foot from there. (04/2021)
• Due to minor washouts on Cheney Pond Road, only four-wheel drive and other high clearance vehicles are recommended to be used. (2022)
• The Boreas River crossing on the Cheney Pond-Irishtown Trail is not bridged. During low water conditions, crossing by rock hopping may be possible. (2016)

Other areas in East Central Adirondacks:

• Hudson Gorge Wilderness

Eastern

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.
• Dacy Clearing gate in Shelving Rock is now open. (05/11)
• Jabe Pond Road and Lily Pond Road mud gates are now open. (05/11)
• The first bridge on the Shelving Rock Brook Trail (closest to the road) is unsafe for equestrian use. Equestrian users should ford the stream at this location. (11/17)
• The Longway Trail in Shelving Rock is impassable due to extensive blowdown. (11/17)
• Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway: The parkway will close for the 2022 season at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. Please note the shuttle to the summit of Prospect Mountain is not available at this time. Admission fees to access the highway are temporarily waived. (11/10)
• 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 is out. Crossing may not be possible during high water - users should be prepared to turn back if conditions are unsafe. The bridge is at a curve in the trail, with steep approaches from both directions. Winter users should be prepared to stop completely at this location to assess conditions before crossing. (11/17)

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.

Southwestern

Black River Wild Forest (Flatrock Mountain, John Brown & North Lake Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Black River Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Loop Road is now open. (05/11)
• Blowdown can be expected on hiking trails within the forest due to the spring storm of April 19, 2022. Trails will be cleared as manpower allows. (05/05)
• The Little Salmon Outlet Bridge on the South Lake-Herkimer Landing Road has been replaced (11/2021)
• The bridge across the inlet to Bear Lake on the Bear Lake Trail is currently out, all users should be prepared to ford the stream or cross elsewhere. (2019)
• The bridge across the inlet to Little Woodhull Lake on Little Woodhull Lake Trail is out. The stream may not be passable in times of high water. (2016)
• Nick's Lake Outlet Trail to Remsen Falls may be rough and grown in. (2016)
• Watch for trains when crossing the rails to the Nelson Lake Access Hand Launch off State Route 28 on the banks of the Middle Branch Moose River. There is an active railroad present in the summer. Camping is prohibited in and around the hand launch site during June, July and August. (2016)
• Gull Lake Road (the jeep road) is impassable to motor vehicles at this time because it is very rutty and rocky. ATVs use is prohibited. (2016)
• Six of the ten water access sites on the east shore of North Lake are rarely used. Vegetation has begun to grow in on the six sites making them harder to find. (2016)
• Haskell/West Creek Road is a rough road, and 4-wheel drive trucks, SUVs and other high clearance vehicles are recommended. (2016)
  • Travel beyond Seabury Brook is challenging as road conditions are poor.
  • The road is closed beyond the Honnendaga Outlet Bridge because the bridge is in disrepair. Landowners of the private lands beyond may choose to use the bridge to access their lands.
• Herkimer Landing Road is not open to public motor vehicles, however there are private rights to use motor vehicles on the road. (2016)
• Flansburg/Black Creek Road is open to public motor vehicle use. However, travel beyond Mill Creek Lake will be limited by poor road conditions and snowmobile bridges not designed to support vehicles. (2016)

Fulton Chain Wild Forest

• The Fulton Chain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Third Lake Creek Trail, also known as the Lake Crossover Road, will have log truck activity on it through the winter of 2021/2022. This trail is the legal right of way access for a private inholder who is having timber management performed on their property. (12/2021)
• Obey "No Parking" signs on Rondaxe Road in the vicinity of the Rondaxe (aka Bald) Mountain Trailhead.

Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness

• The Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The bog bridging across the outlet of Middle Settlement Lake (on the Middle Settlement Lake Trail, west of the Lean-to) is in disrepair. All users should either exercise caution when passing through or cross at an alternate location. (07/21)
• Lost Lake Trail has been flooded by beaver activity a half mile east of Lost Lake. (7/2021)
• Moose River Mountain Trail has heavy blow down and is difficult to follow at times. (2016)

Independence River Wild Forest (Stillwater Reservoir, Big Moose & Three Lakes Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Independence River Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Water will be turned on at the Otter Creek Assembly Area in mid-May.
• Big Otter Lake Road has been rehabilitated up to Tommy Roaring Brook. The road will be temporarily blocked beyond Tommy Roaring Brook until further rehabilitation occurs (2018).
• The Erie Canal Trail Bridge over Otter Creek has been damaged and is closed indefinitely. Horses may ford Otter Creek at the old bridge site. Snowmobiles can cross Otter Creek at the Eatonville Falls Bridge (2018).

Pigeon Lake Wilderness

• The Pigeon Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• West Mountain and Shallow Lake trails are impassable at Beaver Brook due to beaver activity. Maintenance is scheduled for this summer. (06/02)
• The bridge across Constable Creek on the Constable Pond-West Mountain Trail has been removed due to its poor, deteriorating condition. All users should be prepared to ford the creek until a replacement bridge can be installed (06/2021).
• The bridge crossing over the Oswego Pond Outlet on the Twitchell Lake Trail has washed out. An old beaver den can be used to cross the outlet (2016).
• Cascade Lake Trail is wet and very muddy on the north-west section of the trail around Cascade Lake. Be alert of trail reroutes (2016).

Southern

Corinth Edinburg Conservation Easement

• Spruce Mountain Fire Tower trail is the only recreation currently available on this tract. Public truck and ATV use is not permitted anywhere on this easement land. Expect enforcement. (4/6)
• The Spruce Mountain Fire Tower hiking trail will have logging operations on the last 0.2 miles of the trail. Signage noting the location is in place. Be alert while hiking. (5/4)

Ferris Lake Wild Forest

• The Ferris Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Powley Road is closed to motor vehicle traffic for mud season.
• The Mud Pond trail gate off Billy Hamlin Road is closed.
• Billy Hamlin Trail is eroded rough and rocky and very wet in places. (2020)

Lake Desolation Conservation Easement:

• The road to Archer Vly is open to motor vehicles for the season. (4/6)

Northville-Placid Trail

• Hikers using the portion of the trail through the Shaker Mountain Wild Forest may have trouble crossing West Stony Creek during high waters following rains. (2021)

Shaker Mountain Wild Forest

• The Shaker Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The South Trail up Kane Mountain off Schoolhouse Road is closed. The trail crosses private lands and the landowner revoked permission for the public to cross. Hikers must use the formal Kane Mountain Trailhead off Green Lake Road. (2021)
• Hikers using the Northville-Placid Trail may have trouble crossing West Stony Creek during high waters following rains. (2021)

Silver Lake Wilderness

• The Silver Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• West River Road, which provides access to the Whitehouse trailhead of the Northville Placid Trail, is open. (5/4)
• Working with our partners at the Adirondack Mtn Club, a volunteer trail crew recently helped close and relocate two primitive tent sites from the south shore of Woods Lake to the north shore. The objective of the project was to spread out use and improve camping opportunities for NPT thru-hikers. This project was part of a larger trail work effort that ADK Mtn Club organized on June 4, National Trails Day. (06/23)

Rockwood State Forest

• The road north of Cemetery Road leading to the parking and camping area on the State Forest is very rough due to significant washouts. Several cars have become stuck. Only high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles should use the road. (6/2021)

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest

• The Wilcox Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities.
• The North Bend Bridge on Oregon Trail is sagging but intact. In wet times of year, hikers will have to go through some water to enter and exit the bridge. (2020)
• The bridge over Georgia Creek on Cotter Brook Trail is out. When water is high, this spot is difficult to cross (2020)
• Dayton Creek on the East Stony Creek Trail is crossable except during high water conditions. (2020)

More about Backcountry Information for the Adirondack Park:

• High Peaks Wilderness - Management Zones - Map depicting High Peaks Wilderness Management Zones A, B and C

• Important Links
• • New York's Forest Preserve
  • Help Maintain a Trail - Volunteer Today!
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  • Reducing Human Bear Conflicts in the Backcountry
  • Bear Resistant Canisters
  • Rock Climbing Route Closures
  • High Peaks Wilderness Management Zones
  • Adirondack Day Hikes
  • Forest Rangers in Region 5
  • Forest Rangers in Region 6
• Links Leaving DEC's Website
• • NWS Weather Forecast
  • NWS Mountain Forecast
  • USGS Current Streamflow for NY Waters
  • Leave No Trace
  • Visit Adirondacks (Adirondack Regional Tourism)
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  1115 State Route 86
  Ray Brook, NY 12977
  518-897-1200
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