DEC Reopens Avalanche Pass in High Peaks Wilderness After 2025 Mud Slide Damage

Repair Work Done By Professional Crews and Volunteer Groups

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the reopening of the popular Avalanche Pass Trail in the High Peaks Wilderness Area, Essex County. In July 2025, intense rock and mud slides from Mount Colden swept across the width of the pass, making the trail unusable, temporarily flooded, and dangerous. DEC closed the trail, conducted a full assessment of the damage, and began the trail work planning and approval process to ensure the pass could be reopened safely.  

Region 5 Regional Director Joe Zalewski said, “DEC Region 5 is proud of our staff, contractors, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly and strategically to allow us to reopen the trail earlier than anticipated. DEC staff are just as eager as the public is to get back out there to hike and ski. We are excited to announce the reopening, but there is still work to be done. Thanks in advance to the hikers for respecting the trail crews, volunteers, and equipment they may encounter during the fall season.” 

Avalanche Pass is an iconic and popular hike, ski, and snowshoe adventure in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. The pass connects Marcy Dam to Lake Colden through a nearly two-mile stretch of narrow ravine. On the western shore of Avalanche Lake, trail users must traverse narrow wooden platforms, known as Hitch-Up Matilda’s, that skirt the lake and cling to a sheer rock face.  

This past spring, DEC staff navigated the debris to lay out the trail work in preparation for trail crews. Since then, dedicated professional and volunteer teams from DEC, the Student Conservation Association, Adirondack Mountain Club, and Adirondack 46ers have replaced displaced rock and soil to stabilize the trail surface; installed essential drainages to divert overflow water away from campsites; and, completed span and bog bridges, stone steps, and more. This work is designed with sustainability in mind to withstand heavy use and extreme weather, while protecting the natural area. The work to reroute and repair the pass and surrounding areas is expected to continue through 2027. 

DEC reminds trail users that work in the area is ongoing and asks hikers to be mindful of crews and equipment present along the trail.  

Learn more about the Adirondack High Peaks.  

Stay up to date with Adirondack trail closures and safety notices.