The following are only the most recent notices pertaining to public lands in the Adirondacks. Please check the Adirondack Backcountry webpages for a full list of notices, including seasonal road statuses, rock climbing closures, specific trail conditions, and other pertinent information.

NEW THIS WEEK

Nothing new this week

Last Week

Independence River Wild Forest:

• Eatonville Trail will remain closed through mid-July.

Saranac Lake Wild Forest

• A section of the Bloomingdale Bog Trail, about 0.75 miles west of the State Route 86 parking area, is covered by large rocks. The rocks cover the trail for several hundred feet and will make travel a challenge. This will be repaired later this summer.
• Scarface Mountain Trail crosses the Adirondack Rail Trail. Construction is underway on this portion of the Adirondack Rail Trail. Those going to Scarface Mountain should look for construction vehicles and use caution while crossing.

Saint Regis Canoe Area

• The canoe carry between Hoel Pond and Turtle Pond crosses the Adirondack Rail Trail.  Construction is underway on this portion of the Adirondack Rail Trail. Those carrying across should watch for construction vehicles and use caution when crossing.

Know Before You Go:

Fire Danger (as of 6/16):

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

Temperatures & Conditions: These are forecast temperatures for base elevations throughout the region.

Temperatures in the region are estimated to sit in the 60’s with lows in the low-50’s. Thunderstorms and rain are expected throughout the weekend. Anticipate colder temperatures at higher elevations. Pack the appropriate layers and gear in case your trip goes longer than planned or an unexpected overnight occurs. Remember – hypothermia is a serious risk in cool, wet conditions. Be prepared with extra layers and keep an eye on the weather.

Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise = 5:10 a.m.; Sunset = 8:41 p.m. Make a timeline and stick to it. Pack at least one headlamp (two headlamps recommended) even if you expect to finish your activity before sunset.

Adirondack Mountain Reserve: Parking reservations will be required May 1 through Oct. 31 for single-day and overnight access to the parking lot, trailheads, and trails located on the privately owned, 7,000-acre AMR property in the town of Keene in the High Peaks region. For a list of frequently asked questions and to register, visit AMR’s website.

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.

Adirondack Rock Climbing Closures: DEC closes certain rock climbing routes in the Adirondacks to protect nesting peregrine falcons. For a full list of closures, visit Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures. Once peregrine nest sites are determined, climbing routes that will not disturb nesting will be reopened. Routes that remain closed will reopen after the young have fledged. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information please contact the Bureau of Wildlife at (518) 623-1240.

Check the Weather: Check the forecast for your destination and pack and plan accordingly. Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks and Southern Adirondacks Mountain Point Forecasts for select summit forecasts. Check both daytime and nighttime temperatures and remember that temperatures will drop as you gain elevation.

General Notices

Visit the main Adirondack Backcountry page for more trip-planning resources.

No Overnight Camping at Trailheads: 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. When camping, always carry out what you carry in and dispose of trash properly. Use designated bathroom facilities, pack out human and pet waste, or dig a cat hole.

Travel: Plan on arriving at your destination early and have several back-up plans in place in case parking at your desired location is full. Some seasonal roads may be closed for the winter season and not all parking areas are plowed. Check recent notices for road closure announcements

Seasonal Roads: Many seasonal access roads are closed for mud season. Check the Recent Notices for specific closure announcements and be prepared to turn around and take an alternate route.

Water Crossings: Water levels are slightly below average for this time of year in the Adirondack region. Check the USGS Current Water Data for New York for stream flow of selected waters. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs aka lifejackets) are strongly recommended.

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.

Safety & Education

Whether you’re going for a hike, a ski, or out fishing, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind.

Dogs on the Trail

A dog is the perfect on-trail companion – as long as you know how to take them out responsibly.

For many people, dogs are a welcome neighbor to share the trail with. For some, including other furry friends, a dog on the trail can be frightening and inhibit their enjoyment of the wilderness.

It’s also extremely important to think about your dog’s needs on the trail. Make sure they’re having as much fun as you are.

To be sure that everyone is able to enjoy the trail, follow these 4 simple steps every time your pooch joins you in the backcountry:

Pick it up, pack it out. – Pet waste can be a health and environmental hazard, not to mention the smell along the trail. Be courteous – bring bags to collect your dog’s waste and take it with you as you hike. (Tip: Don’t have doggy bags? Walk into the woods and dig a 6” deep cathole to bury it instead!)

Beat the heat. – Dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, especially when walking on hot rocks and exposed mountain ridges. Bring extra water for the dog and try to avoid very hot days altogether.

Use trail etiquette. – Respect other people (and pets) on the trail. Dogs must be on leash in most wilderness areas. This is for the safety of you, the dog, and everyone else sharing the trails.

Watch for wildlife. – To avoid negatively impacting local wildlife, always keep your dog on a leash and under control. The last thing we want is for our furry friends to spook another animal or to become lost while chasing deer.

Leave No Trace™

Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks. Use proper trail etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for yourself and others and tread lightly!

Take Only Pictures

Americans logged 1.6 billion visits to national and state park lands last year. If we all took a moment from nature during those visits, the landscape would change drastically. Fill the memory card on your camera rather than your pockets. Leave nature as you found it for others to enjoy as well.

In the Adirondacks, the wildflowers are in bloom. Make sure that everyone gets the chance to enjoy them. Take pictures, not souvenirs.