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.

DEC Launches Pilot Mobile Education Station Sept. 22

Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 22 – Oct. 15, a DEC environmental educator will be stationed at a converted shuttle bus at the corner of Route 73 and Airport Road at Marcy Field. Stop by and come on in!

NEW THIS WEEK

No New Updates

LAST WEEK

• Watson’s East Triangle Wild Forest – The Croghan Tract Conservation Easement Main Haul Road has been reopened; however, the road remains blocked just east of Eagle Falls Canyon Road. Users should access the Main Haul Road from Fish Creek Road or Prentice Road depending on their destination.
• Independence River Wild Forest – The tread on Dragline Trail has been washed away near the Independence River. The trail is passable but has a 100-foot section of exposed cobbles and requires climbing a steep slope to access Bailey Road.

Know Before You Go:

Fire Danger (as of 9/28):

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

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

Temperatures in the valleys are expected to reach highs in the low-60’s, dropping to lows in 50’s overnight.

Even with sunny skies, inclement weather is always a possibility and can change very quickly. 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.

Conditions: Trails are still very wet and muddy. Muddy conditions on steep slopes can be unstable and slippery. The consistent wet weather has made rocks, boulders, and roots extremely slippery. Hikers should use caution on wet trails.

Sunrise/Sunset: Sunrise = 6:51 a.m.; Sunset = 6:38 p.m. The days are getting shorter as we move into fall. 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. Phone batteries drain quickly and are discouraged.

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: 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 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: We do have ticks in the Adirondacks! 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 – Take the Trails Less Traveled

With the fall foliage changing fast, everyone is racing for their glimpse of the action. Have a more intimate experience in the Adirondacks this season. Choose less popular trails and avoid the busy rush to see the fall colors.

Choosing the trails less traveled disperses our impact on the mountains and forests that we recreate in – hopefully sparing any one place from extra use during an already sensitive time of year for flora and fauna.

Discover a hidden gem and have an experience that few others have had. For a list of incredible options this season, visit our Trails Less Traveled webpage.

Leave No Trace™ – Take 100 Big Steps

We don’t control when nature calls. Sometimes, restrooms are not available and it’s important to know how to properly dispose of waste in the backcountry.

For trash, food scraps, and other garbage, always pack out what you bring in.

For human waste, walk 100 big steps (roughly 200 feet) from any trail or water and dig a 6” deep hole. Bury your waste and toilet paper deep in the hole.

Extra Tip: Clear away duff and fallen leaves before you dig your hole. After you’ve filled in your hole, cover it with the fallen leaves to hide your activity.

Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace^TM to maintain minimal impact on the environment and the natural resources of the Adirondacks.

Share Your Ideas: Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act

This spring and summer, the public and potential funding applicants had the opportunity to learn more about the Bond Act at a series of educational listening sessions.

Missed out on attending a session? Check out the virtual session recordings.

Share your ideas for how the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act could help your community and environment. Complete a short survey to collect project ideas and other feedback. This survey will provide stakeholders and members of the public a place to share these ideas.

We need your input to help the New York State team select projects and deliver funds while also ensuring a transparent and collaborative process that benefits all New Yorkers.

The deadline for ideas and comments has been extended to September 30.