The Garden Parking Lot at the Garden Trailhead will be closed to public motor vehicles and pedestrians beginning Monday, April 29th, and continuing until bridge construction is complete.

This closure is for 2019 only, and is due to the replacement of the Johns Brook Bridge. No vehicles or pedestrians will be able to pass the bridge once construction is started through completion of the project.

Hikers and backpackers may gain access to the Garden Trailhead by parking at Marcy Field Parking Lot and using the Town of Keene Shuttle. The bus will transport hikers between the parking lot and the trail head. This will be the only means for accessing the Garden Trailhead during the closure period.

The Town of Keene plans to operate the Shuttle from 7 am to 7 pm seven days a week. The cost will be $10 round-trip per person ($13 Canadian). However, due to the current lack of bus drivers this schedule may be reduced. Please check the town website for up-to-date shuttle schedules.

The Town is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and others, to help inform hikers and provide them with information about the closure, the shuttle, and alternative hikes in the area.

“The Town recognizes that this is a major disruption during the nicest hiking weather,” an announcement of the closure sent by the Town said, “but the bridge replacement is a critical public safety issue. The current bridge is in such poor shape that plow trucks, fire trucks, and ambulances cannot use it.”

Town officials and wild lands stewards are encouraging people to respect the closure, no parking signs, and private property. Don’t park or walk on private property to gain access. There will be posted No Parking areas along Adirondack St., Market St., and Johns Brook Rd. Illegally parked cars will be towed. Public use of the private detour is prohibited.

For shuttle information and other hikes in the Keene area, click here.

Map of Garden Parking Lot closure locations courtesy Adirondack Atlas.