The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding people to practice Leave No Trace Principles when visiting Bald Mountain’s Rondaxe Fire Tower in near Old Forge.

Leave No Trace Principles include: planning and being prepared for hiking; disposing of waste properly (pack it in, pack it out); leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them; and respecting wildlife, flora and fauna.

Bald Mountain’s location on the Fulton Chain and proximity to the communities of Old Forge, Eagle Bay and Inlet make this part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve very accessible. A typical summer weekend will see roughly 1,000 visitors, a DEC press release said.

If crowds are not your thing, consider visiting one of DEC’s other natural resources, for example, Vista Trail (AKA Scenic Mountain Trail).  More information can be found on DEC’s website. In an emergency or, to report vandalism of natural resources call DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch office at (518) 891-0235.

Map of Bald Mountain – Rondaxe Fire Tower Trail courtesy Adirondack Atlas.