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

Debar Mountain Wild Forest

• The Skiff Pond Trail is impassable due to washout. The washout is 0.25 miles south of the parking area at Debar Meadows. Skiff Pond can be accessed by taking the Debar Meadows to Meacham Lake Trail for about 1.8 miles to the intersection with the Skiff Pond Trail and turning east towards Skiff Pond.

Know Before You Go:

Fire Danger (as of 6/29):

• 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 will reach highs of around 80 degrees with lows in the low-60’s at night. Rain showers are expected throughout the weekend. Anticipate cooler 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 always a risk in wet conditions, even when it’s warm outside. Be prepared with extra dry layers and keep an eye on the weather.

Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise = 5:15 a.m.; Sunset = 8:42 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.

Mount Colden Trapdike: The trapdike is considered a technical climb and not a hike. Climbers should be prepared with helmets, ropes, and climbing gear to ascend this route. Hikers looking to summit Mount Colden should do so via the hiking routes. Attempting to climb the trapdike unprepared can result in a rescue operation, serious injury, or death.

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.

General Notices

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

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.

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.

Hiker Information Stations: Environmental Educators will be stationed at the following locations this weekend to assist with planning, preparation, and answering questions.

Travel: With the busy holiday weekend approaching, plan on arriving at your destination early and have several back-up plans in place in case parking at your desired location is full. Check recent notices for road closure announcements.

Water Crossings: Water levels are around 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.

All About the Air Quality Index (AQI)

You may have heard the words “air quality” thrown around a lot lately. Wildfires throughout eastern Canada have blown smoke down into the Adirondacks, causing air quality concerns that are unusual for this area.

Avoid strenuous hikes and other activities outside if the air quality is deemed unhealthy. Remember, in the event of an emergency, it’s not just you that has to breathe the air. Forest Rangers and other emergency personnel will be put at risk in order to help.

Don’t know how to read the AQI? A reference guide is available on DEC’s website and below:

For more information on the Air Quality Index, or to see the air quality in your area, visit the AirNow website.

Leave No Trace™

Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace^TM 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!

Get Muddy!

With low-pressure systems and rain all across the Adirondacks, trails are getting muddy. But what’s an Adirondack hike without getting a little dirty?

To preserve the wild integrity of our trails during wet conditions, make sure to walk straight through the mud. It’s Adirondack tradition!

Muddy trail may not seem like a durable surface, but it prevents the trail from slowly expanding into the surrounding area. This protects the native plants and wildlife around the trail and minimizes our mark on the wilderness area.

Hopping on rocks and logs poking through the mud is a great alternative, but be safe and use trekking poles for balance. Your best bet is to lace up those boots and embrace it. After all, if you’re not a little muddy, did you even hike in the Adirondacks?