Posts Tagged ‘Outdoor Recreation’

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

ROOST Releases 2021 Leisure Travel Study Results

LAKE PLACID, NY  – The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism has released the results of its 2021 Leisure Travel Study, which analyzes non-business travel to Lake Placid, Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the adjacent communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.

The leisure travel study is conducted each year to identify travel trends, gauge the impact of marketing initiatives and implement data-driven decisions.

“We base our marketing decisions on available data, insights and trends so that we can optimize results,” said James McKenna, CEO, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. “This survey continues to provide information that allows us to better understand leisure travelers in our region.”

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Thursday, July 1, 2021

ARTA to NYS: Let’s speed up the rail trail construction

tearing up the tracks

“Use and misuse of the travel corridor through the Adirondacks.” That’s the subject of a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo from Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates, the nonprofit that’s been working for many years to establish a 90-mile recreational trail through the Adirondack Park from Lake Placid to Old Forge. ARTA achieved partial success when the state announced its grand compromise back in 2015 — 34 miles of the old railroad line would be converted to a year-round recreational trail linking Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. The rest of the state-owned “travel corridor” would be devoted to creating the longest tourist train ride in the country.

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Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Rangers tend to hurt ankle, bug bite reaction

forest ranger reportsRecent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions:

Towns of Keene and North Hudson
Essex County
Technical Rope Technician Training:
 From June 6 to 11, 17 Forest Rangers from across the state attended a 40-hour technical rope technician training. Led by instructor-level Forest Rangers, the training is the Division of Forest Protection’s highest level of technical rope training. Forest Rangers conduct dozens of technical rescues a year. This training provides Rangers with the skills required to safely lead these rescue operations. Technicians also serve as instructors to other Rangers statewide. Forest Rangers are accredited members of the Mountain Rescue Association.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

Outdoor conditions (6/11): Reminder that trailhead camping is not permitted

outdoor conditions logoImportant Notice: No Overnight Camping at Trailheads

DEC is receiving increased reports of people camping at trailheads in the Adirondacks. 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. 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.

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.

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Friday, May 28, 2021

Outdoor conditions (5/28): Recreation openings for Memorial Day

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.

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest: A beaver dam is partially obstructing Spider Creek’s passage under Route 30 between Follensby Clear Pond and Upper Saranac Lake.

Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area: The Hinckley Reservoir Day Use Area, located in Herkimer County, will open for public recreation beginning Saturday, May 29. The area will be closed to swimming, although the beach remains open to visitors. Recreation opportunities at Hinckley include picnicking, paddling, and use of the beach. Swimming is not allowed because lifeguards are not currently available. For public safety, swimming is only permitted only when a lifeguard is on duty.

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Friday, May 21, 2021

Outdoor Conditions (5/21): Warm weather, cold water

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.

Terry Mountain State Forest: The Redd Road gate is now open.

Lake George Wild Forest:

  • Jabe Pond in Hague is now open.
  • Lily Pond in Horicon is now open.

William C. Whitney Wilderness: The road to Lake Lila is now open.

Speculator Tree Farm: Elm Lake Road, Long Level Road, and the second half of Fly Creek Road are open.

Perkins Clearing Tract: Perkins Clearing, Jessup River Road are open. Old Military Road is not open yet.

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Friday, May 14, 2021

Outdoor conditions (5/14): Low fire danger, wet trails

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.

Speculator Tree Farm: Elm Lake Road, Long Level Road and the second half of Fly Creek Road are open.

Perkins Clearing Tract: Perkins Clearing, Jessup River Road are open. Old Military Road is not open yet.

Essex Chain Wilderness: All roads are now open.

West Canada Lakes Wilderness: Cedar River Flow Road is open to the Wakely Dam

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Friday, May 7, 2021

Outdoor conditions (5/7): More seasonal roads reopen

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 Wilderness: All roads are now open.

West Canada Lakes Wilderness: Cedar River Flow Road is open to the Wakely Dam.

Tooley Pond Conservation Easement: The Allen Pond Road Gate and the Main Haul Road Gate are now open for the season.

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Friday, February 5, 2021

Outdoor conditions (2/5): Hike with a buddy


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:

  • Colden Caretaker Report 02/03/21: Approximately 2.5 feet of snow has accumulated at the Colden Caretaker cabin and 3 feet of snow has accumulated on summits. Snowshoes are needed on all trails, starting at parking lots. All ski trails are skiable. Both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen.
  • Unstable Snowpack: There have been several reports of unstable snowpack on open slopes. Practice safe travel when crossing exposed areas.

Taylor Pond Wild Forest: The Wilmington Trail, Catamount and Taylor Pond snowmobile gates are open with good snow coverage at this time.

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Friday, January 29, 2021

Outdoor Conditions (1/29): Plan ahead in winter weather


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:

  • Weekend Weather Warning: High winds and extreme low temperatures are forecast for summits in the High Peaks this weekend. Friday morning winds are anticipated to reach gusts of 48 mph and temperatures with wind chill dropping to -52 Fahrenheit. Exposure to these elements is dangerous and travel at elevation or above tree line is not recommended. Extreme cold temperatures will continue through the weekend. Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks and Southern Adirondacks Mountain Point Forecasts for selected summits.
  • Unstable Snowpack: There have been several reports of unstable snowpack on open slopes. Practice safe travel when crossing exposed areas.
  • Colden Caretaker Report 01/27/21: 2.5 feet of snow has accumulated at the Colden Caretaker cabin. Over 3 feet of snow has accumulated on summits. Snowshoes are needed on all trails, starting at parking lots. Skiing is in, including the ski trail, South Meadows Road and the trail to the Flowed Lands. Both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen.

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Friday, January 22, 2021

Outdoor Conditions (1/22): Wind chill warning, unstable snow pack for high peaks


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:

  • Weekend Weather Warning: There is an extreme wind chill warning for Friday night into much of Saturday at elevation. Additional snowfall is also forecast. Check the National Weather Service Northern Adirondacks and Southern Adirondacks Mountain Point Forecasts for selected summits.
  • Unstable Snowpack: There have been several reports of unstable snowpack on open slopes. Practice safe travel when crossing exposed areas.
  • Colden Caretaker Report 01/20/21: Two feet three inches of snow have accumulated at the Colden Caretaker cabin. Three to four feet of snow have accumulated on summits. Snowshoes are needed on all trails, starting at parking lots. Skiing is in, including the ski trail, South Meadows Road and the trail to the Flowed Lands. Both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen.

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Friday, January 15, 2021

Outdoor Conditions (1/15): Dress for success


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.

High Peaks Wilderness:

  • Colden Caretaker Report 01/13/21: Eleven inches of snow has accumulated at the Colden Caretaker cabin. Sixteen inches of snow has accumulated on summits. Snowshoes are needed, including to get to Avalanche Lake. The Marcy Dam truck trail is skiable with some thin sections. Snowpack on the Van Hoevenberg trail to Adirondack Loj is very thin but is skiable. Both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen.

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Friday, January 8, 2021

Outdoor Conditions (1/7): Latest Adirondack snow depth numbers


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.

High Peaks Wilderness: Colden Caretaker Report 01/06/21: 11.5 inches of snow has accumulated at the Colden Caretaker cabin. An estimated two feet of snow has accumulated on summits. Snowshoes are needed, including to get to Avalanche Lake. Skiing is minimal, with marginal conditions on the Truck Trail and in the Avalanche camp area. Both Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are frozen.

Moose River Plains Complex: The entrance gates to the Moose River Plains on Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road are now open to snowmobile traffic only. Conditions remain poor due to minimal snow accumulation. The roads remain closed to public motor vehicles for the winter season.

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Thursday, December 24, 2020

Outdoor conditions (12/24): First Day Hikes

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.

DEC Reminds Hikers to Secure Vehicles and Stow Valuables: A series of vehicle break-ins occurred last weekend at trailhead parking areas along Route 73 in the High Peaks region. DEC and State Police are investigating. Trailhead parking lots are not monitored, and parking is at the user’s own risk. Remember to lock vehicles before leaving trailheads. To minimize risk, do not leave valuable items in your vehicle. If you must bring them, store them out of sight to avoid attracting attention. If hikers experience a break-in, report the incident to State Police by calling 518-873-2750.

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Friday, December 18, 2020

Outdoor Conditions (12/18): Snow is here


The 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.

NEW:

Essex Chain Lakes Complex: All publicly drivable roads in the Essex Chain Complex are now closed for the winter season.

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