The following are the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for comprehensive and up-to-date information on seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.

Perkins Clearing Easement Tract: Jessup River Road will be closed at Big Brook from Wednesday, 9/15 to Sunday, 9/19 for a bridge repair. The Spruce Lake Trailhead will be inaccessible during this time. This will affect hikers planning to hike the Northville Placid Trail.

North Lake Conservation Easement: A temporary closure of parts of the North Lake Conservation Easement will begin Sept. 7 and continue until early winter to allow the property owners to conduct forest management activities. DEC will announce when the easement reopens fully to public access. Details on the closure are available on the Southwestern Adirondacks Backcountry Information page. Contact DEC’s Herkimer office at 315-866-6330 with questions.

John Brown Tract Trail Closure: The southern end of the Brown Tract Trail providing access to Middle Settlement Lake and the western Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness will be closed for forest management beginning Aug. 30. The closure is expected to last one week.

General Notices

Visit the main Adirondack Backcountry Information page for more trip-planning resources, including travel information, weather resources, and seasonally-specific information about Adirondack recreation.

Fire Danger:

• Adirondack Park – Low
• Champlain Region – Low
• Check the fire rating map for daily updates.

Water Conditions: Water levels throughout the Adirondack region range from average to significantly above average. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended to be worn by all anglers, boaters, and paddlers. Where bridges are not available, do not attempt stream crossings during periods of high, fast moving water.

Wet and Muddy Trails: Following rain and storms, trails are likely to be muddy. Wear waterproof shoes and walk through mud, not around it, to help protect fragile trail edges. Gaiters help keep feet dry and trekking poles provide added stability. Mountain bikers are encouraged to avoid riding in muddy and wet conditions as biking on wet trails can significantly contribute to erosion and trail widening. As with hiking, ride through the center of the trail to avoid impacting trailside soils and plants.

Route 73 Hiker Shuttle: A pilot Route 73 Hiker Shuttle system is now operating, providing safe, sustainable visitation along the busy Route 73 corridor in the High Peaks region. The free shuttle system operates 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Monday, October 11. Park at Marcy Field and ride to the Rooster Comb, Giant Mountain/Ridge Trail, and Roaring Brook Falls trailheads. Parking is still available at the trailheads themselves. Masks are required. Pets are not permitted. View a map of the route, the shuttle schedule, and browse a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.

NYSDEC & AMR Pilot Reservation System: A no-cost pilot reservation system is now in effect at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). No-cost reservations are required through Oct. 31, 2021 for parking, daily access, and overnight access to trails through the AMR gate and the Noonmark and Round Mountain trailheads accessed through the AMR property. Reservations are available for dates a maximum of two weeks out. Walk-in users without a reservation will not be permitted. For a complete FAQ list, and to make a reservation, please visit www.hikeamr.org.

Trap Dike on Mount Colden: The Trap Dike route up Mount Colden in the High Peaks Region is not an official trail. It is classified as a rock-climbing route and should be avoided by those who do not have rock climbing experience and equipment like a climbing rope and helmet. Without the proper equipment, this route can be life threatening. Portions of the Trap Dike are “no fall zones” meaning that an accidental fall could result in serious physical injury or death. Consider utilizing an experienced licensed guide to safely assist in enjoying the Trap Dike and only climb when the route is dry.

No Overnight Camping at Trailheads: Please note that overnight camping is not permitted at trailheads or other roadside locations where a camping disc is not present. This includes individuals sleeping in cars, vans and campers. Campers should seek out designated roadside campsites marked with a camp here disc or campgrounds.

Bear Canisters Required: NYSDEC requires the use of bear-resistant canisters by overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30. NYSDEC encourages campers to use bear-resistant canisters throughout the Adirondack backcountry. Bear canisters should be used to store all food, food garbage, toiletries, and other items with a scent. Canisters should be stored a minimum of 100ft from tents, lean-tos and cooking sites and kept closed whenever they are not being accessed. Learn more about bear canisters and avoiding human-bear conflicts.

Ticks: Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily. Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants. Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors. Consider using insect repellent. Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails and walk in the center of trails. Avoid dense woods and bushy areas. Additional tips for tick prevention.