Friday, January 14, 2022

DEC Advises Backcountry Visitors of Winter Conditions

winterOutdoor Adventurers Encouraged to Prepare for Snow, Ice, and Cold
Current snow and cold weather are providing good conditions for winter outdoor recreation in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas. To ensure a safe and enjoyable winter experience, visitors are advised to plan ahead and prepare with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice, and cold.

Snow depths range greatly throughout the Adirondacks, with the deepest snow at higher elevations in the High Peaks region and on mountains over 3,000 feet. Snow depths are thinner in the southeastern and northwestern Adirondacks. Ice is also present on high elevation trails, as well as many low-lying trails. Much of the Catskill Mountains are covered in snow, with icy trail conditions.

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Friday, January 14, 2022

Outdoor conditions (1/14): Extreme winter weather in effect

outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

Extreme Weather Warning: Looking ahead to this weekend, the National Weather Service issued a wind chill watch in effect for northern New York, with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 to 40 below zero possibly.

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Friday, January 7, 2022

Outdoor conditions (1/7): Gulf Brook Rd bridge work complete

outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

Boreas Ponds Tract: Work on three bridges along Gulf Brook Road is complete. Due to weather conditions, the road is closed for the winter season to motor vehicles but skiing and snowshoeing is allowed. The road will be open to public motor vehicles as far as the Fly Pond Parking Area after the spring mud season, generally in late May.

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Friday, December 17, 2021

Outdoor conditions (12/17): Stillwater fire tower reopens Dec. 20

outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

Big Moose Conservation Easement (Independence River Wild Forest): The Stillwater Mountain trail and fire tower will reopen for public use on December 20.

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Friday, December 10, 2021

Outdoor conditions (12/10): Coreys Road gate will stay open


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

William C. Whitney Wilderness: The Lake Lila Road has been closed for the winter.

Lake George Wild Forest: Palmer Pond access road is closed starting at the snowplow turnaround due to a failing culvert. Winter parking is allowed before the snowplow turnaround on the right side of the road facing downhill (east side). Please do not park in the snowplow turnaround or block driveways.

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Friday, December 3, 2021

Outdoor conditions (12/3): Snow at higher elevations


outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

High Peaks and Giant Mountain Wilderness: Expect snow and ice above 2,500’ elevation and very wet and muddy trail conditions below 2,500’. Some river crossings may be hazardous or impossible. Microspikes and/or crampons are necessary for travel above 2,500’. Expect full winter conditions at higher elevations.

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Friday, November 19, 2021

Outdoor Conditions (11/19): Five Pond Wilderness update


outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

Moose River Plains Complex: The entrance gates to Moose River Plains will be closed the day after Big Game Hunting Season in the Northern Zone (December 13). The gates will re-open to snowmobile traffic when there is adequate snow pack.

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Friday, November 12, 2021

Outdoor conditions (11/12): Flowed Lands lean-to closed for rehab


outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

High Peaks Wilderness: The Flowed Lands lean-to (on the west side of Flowed Lands) will be unavailable until further notice. The closure is expected to last several months. Lean2Rescue is rehabilitating the lean-to. To date they have deconstructed the existing lean-to and installed a new foundation and base. The structure will be reassembled this winter. The Calamity and Griffin lean-tos north and south of this location are available.

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Friday, November 5, 2021

Outdoor conditions (11/5): Water turned off at Otter Creek Horse Trails


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

Otter Creek Horse Trails: The Otter Creek Horse Trail assembly area water is off. The facility remains open for day use and overnight camping.

Siamese Pond Wilderness: A bridge closure on the Botheration Pond Trail will prevent users from completing the Botheration Loop. The bridge has been roped off, please do not attempt to use it.

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Friday, October 22, 2021

Outdoor conditions (10/22): Elk Lake off limits to hikers

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

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Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Outdoor conditions: Check the weather before you go out


outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

High Peaks Wilderness:

  • The bridge at the start of the Klondike Trail is currently unsafe. A reroute has been marked that starts on the South Meadows Trail, goes to the Mr. Van Ski Trail, and then reconnects with the Klondike Trail. The reroute will add approximately a half mile each way.
  • Per the conservation easement agreement with Elk Lake Lodge, from the evening of October 22 until the morning of December 6, no hikers may enter the Elk Lake Conservation Easement.

Independence River Wild Forest (Stillwater Reservoir, Big Moose & Three Lakes Conservation Easement Tracts): The Stillwater Mountain Fire Tower Trail is closed until December 20. This closure is due to terms of the conservation easement on which the fire tower is located.

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Friday, October 15, 2021

Outdoor conditions (10/15): Water levels remain high throughout the region


outdoor conditions logoRecent notices:

Grass River Wild Forest: The Pleasant Lake Access Road on the Grass River Conservation Easement closed for the season on October 10.

Essex Chain of Lakes Complex: Camp Six Road, a seasonal access road, is now open.

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Friday, October 8, 2021

Outdoor conditions (10/8): Camp Six Road open


outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

Essex Chain of Lakes Complex: Camp Six Road, a seasonal access road, is now open.

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Friday, October 1, 2021

Outdoor conditions (10/1): South Lake Reservoir closure


outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

Black River Wild Forest: The boat launch, parking area, and adjacent boat launch campsites on South Lake Reservoir will be temporarily closed from 09/27 through 11/30 to allow the New York State Canal Corporation to perform maintenance work on South Lake Dam. Canoers and kayakers may still launch their boats off the shore alongside South Lake Road but should not block the travel lanes, shoulders, or park within the vicinity of the construction area. Alternative paddling opportunities can also be found at nearby North Lake, two miles before reaching South Lake.

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Friday, September 24, 2021

Outdoor conditions (9/24): Gulf Brook Rd closed for repairs

outdoor conditions logoThe 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.

  • The trail from Lake Arnold to Feldspar Brook is experiencing extensive flooding. Crossing flooded areas on floating logs and old pieces of bridging is dangerous and should be avoided when possible. Seek alternate routes. If you must cross, be prepared to wade through deep water.
  • The ladder on the Basin Mountain trail has a damaged top rung. DEC staff are working to repair the ladder, but hikers should use caution in the interim.
  • Per the conservation easement agreement with Elk Lake Lodge, the Gate at Clear Pond will be closed to Public Motor Vehicles as of Oct. 12 and will not open until after mud season in May of 2022. Hikers will need to park at the Upper Elk Lake Road Parking Lot on the west side of the Elk Lake Road approximately 2.3 miles south of the Elk Lake Parking Lot and Trailhead. From the evening of Oct. 22 until the morning of Dec. 6, no hikers may enter the Elk Lake Conservation Easement.

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