Backcountry Information For The Adirondack Park

New this week (8/6/2026):

• Lake Placid Boat Launch: The Lake Placid Boat Launch, Essex County, will be closed on August 18-19 for sealing of the site after the June pavement repairs. This will be to clean, seal and stripe the lot. This is a weather-dependent operation and is subject to change; if that happens, we will share any updates.

Remaining Updates from Previous Weeks that Still Apply:

High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks

Adirondack Canoe Route/Northern Forest Canoe Trail

• The Adirondack Canoe Route is part of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) which links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine.
• The Island House Lean-to on the eastern shore of Long Lake, in the Adirondack Canoe Route Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness has a hole in the roof. There is a temporary cover for this hole. DEC has started the planning process to repair/replace this lean-to. 

Adirondack Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract (AMR/Ausable Club)

• Advance reservations for parking, daily access, and overnight access to trailheads accessed through the AMR are required May 1 through Oct. 31.
• The Adirondack Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Rules specific to this property include no camping, no dogs, no drones, and no off-trail travel.
• The easement agreement provides for public hiking only on designated trails and roads. Do not trespass on AMR lands and waters or participate in any unauthorized activities.
• The Canyon Bridge over the East Branch of the Ausable River, on the River Crossover Trail, has been repaired by the ATIS Trail Crew. This bridge provides access from the Lake Road and East River Trail over to the West River Trail.

Boreas Ponds Tract (includes parts of Vanderwhacker Wild Forest and High Peaks Wilderness)

• The Boreas Ponds Tract webpage provides information about the area and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the area.
• Gulf Brook Road is now open for the season.
• The motorized access route for people with disabilities providing access to Boreas Ponds is now open. Please call for current year's code at 518-623-1200.
• The Boreas Ponds Lean-to offers the only designated camping location on Boreas Ponds currently. Prior to DEC's construction of the 2 designated campsites on Boreas Ponds, primitive camping must be done at least 150' from the shoreline. Signage is installed at impacted sites within 150' of the shoreline to remind campers not to use these areas and to camp at an appropriate distance. Thank you for helping to protect the natural resource and the Wilderness Experience of all future users by following the 150' rule when selecting a site.
• Management of the Boreas Ponds Tract is defined by the 2018 High Peaks Wilderness UMP Amendment and the 2018 Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest UMP Amendment. The amendments describe the management, access, and public recreational opportunities available for the lands and waters on this tract of land.

High Peaks Wilderness Complex

• The High Peaks Wilderness webpage provides information about the area, its recreational opportunities, and the special regulations that serve to protect the natural resource of the wilderness and the experience of those who visit.
• The access trail to Feldspar Lean-to has a bridge with a broken stringer, over the Opalescent River. This bridge serves the Lean-to and Campsites and is access off the southern end of the Lake Arnold Trail. Please use caution if utilizing the bridge. DEC is starting the planning process to replace the bridge and will share updates as they are available.
• Calamity Brook Trail High Water Bridge is out.      The Calamity Brook Trail, starting at the Upper Works, is the main access to Flowed Lands, Lake Colden and hikes radiating from that basin. During extensive rain events or high water this trail may not be passable.  Alternative routes will also have high water crossing challenges, including the two crossings of the Opalescent River on the East River Trail and the crossing of the Opalescent River on the Lake Arnold Trail before the junction with the Feldspar Trail. The Cold Brook Pass Trail between the Indian Pass Trail and Lake Colden has not been maintained by DEC in over a decade and is not a viable option for these conditions given water crossings on the Indian Pass Trail.  DEC will be repairing the bridge in late summer 2026. 
• The Lake Arnold Trail is open and passable, though you may need to be in water that is knee deep or greater.      In the area of the Opalescent River crossing there is extensive flooding.  There are several social trails in this area to try and avoid the deepest parts.  Old sections of bog bridging are floating and not reliable.  DEC is working on a plan to fix this in the coming years. 
• The Avalanche Pass Trail is closed and impassable due to mud/rock slides, effective immediately. Crews are working to assess the damage in the area and clear a functional path through the debris. Hikers must seek an alternative route until otherwise posted. Routes impacted include: Passage south to Lake Colden area from the Adirondak Loj; loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden, and Mount Marcy back to the Adirondak Loj through Avalanche Pass; alternate route through Lake Arnold is possible but extremely wet and muddy.
• Work has begun on the Avalanche Pass Trail for 2026.  The Adirondack Mountain Club Trail Crew, DEC High Peaks Trail Crew and Student Conservation Association (SCA) Adirondack Corps have been working on the project since early June. 
• The Avalanche Lake Designated Campsites have been closed.  These 2 sites were located south of Avalanche Lake, between the lake and Caribou Jct. The closure was related to the 2025 Landslides on Mt. Colden.  DEC is in the planning process to relocate these campsites. 
• Broken Bridge along an open section of the Avalanche Pass Trail right at the  Algonquin Trail Jct,, north of Lake Colden.  The bridge will be replaced in July 2026.  Crossing on rocks is possible upstream and downstream of the bridge. Please use caution around the broken bridge or staged construction materials. 
• Elk Lake Marcy Trail Bridge Replacement in Marcy Swamp.  A span bridge was replaced in early June by the Adirondack Trail Improvement Society (ATIS).  This section of trail is located on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) Conservation Easement.  Thanks to ATIS, the Ausable Club, DEC Forest Rangers, DEC High Peaks Trail Crew, DEC Lands and Forests, DEC Operations, Mitchel Stone Products LLC and NYS State Police Aviation for the planning and execution of this project. 
• The Island House Lean-to on the eastern shore of Long Lake, in the Adirondack Canoe Route Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness has a hole in the roof.  There is a temporary cover for this hole.  DEC has started the planning process to repair/replace this lean-to. 
• The interior register box at Duck Hole, along the NPT, has been damaged/destroyed.  DEC will be replacing this register box sometime in late 2026. Please plan ahead and prepare for backcountry trips in this area. 
• Calkins Creek Crossover Horse Trail has a broken bridge and a washed out bridge. The first bridge coming from the Raquette Falls trail (~.5 miles from junction) is broken and unsafe for Horse use. This bridge will be removed in 2025 to allow for safer passage by horses and a plan developed for replacement. The 2^nd bridge (~1.0 mile from junction) has been washed downstream but ability to ford this crossing is with horses and rock hop for hikers is clear.
• The Trap Dike on Mt. Colden is not a hiking trail or an official route that is maintained by DEC. This popular adventure is a rock climb. Each year there are multiple rescues and injuries that result from hikers underestimating the climb. If you venture, know your limits beforehand, do not rely on any ropes or webbing that are left in the Trap Dike, and it is strongly recommended that you wear a helmet.  
• The Mr. Van Ski Trail between the Van Hoevenberg Trail (to Mt. Marcy) and the South Meadow Trail is currently flooded with beaver activity and several bridges missing. Hikers should avoid using this segment of the trail as it is impossible to traverse without wading through various water levels. Hikers choosing to access the Klondike Trail or the Mr. Van Lean-to can access this from the South Meadows Trailhead and South Meadow Trail.
• The gate at Clear Pond is open for the season to provide access to the trailheads near Elk Lake. Parking is ONLY allowed at the parking lot at the trailhead, with no roadside parking allowed. If the parking lot is full, hikers must 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. Please respect the parking rules to help ensure this access is maintained and there are no impacts to fire and rescue access.
• The Moose Pond Horse Trail was cleared and opened up in the fall of 2025 by the NYS DEC High Peaks Trail Crew. The Moose Pond Horse Trail, which leaves the Newcomb Lake Road north of the Camp Santanoni Farm Complex provides access into the High Peaks Wilderness, the areas west of the Santanoni Mountain Range and connects with the Cold River Horse Trail Network.
• DEC and other agencies will be enforcing the No Parking Zones along State Route 73.
• The Town of Keene prohibits parking along Johns Brook, Market, and Adirondack Streets in Keene Valley. Violators will be towed.
• Cold Brook Trail is not maintained. The trail has not been maintained since Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.
• The trail to Little Porter Mountain from the Garden Trailhead is closed. The portion of the trail crossing private land has been closed to public use by the landowner. Trespassing on those lands is now prohibited. The summit of Little Porter Mountain can still be accessed from the Marcy Field Trailhead or the Cascade Mountain Trailhead.
• Many of the herd paths found on Mount Marshall and some of the other trail-less peaks meander around the slopes of the mountain without reaching the peak. Those climbing these peaks should navigate with a map and compass rather than follow the paths created by others.
• Once again, the private landowners have agreed to allow hiking on Owls Head Trail during the week. Parking at the trailhead and hiking the trail are prohibited on weekends.

River and Stream Crossings in High Peaks Wilderness

• The High Peaks Wilderness has many trails that cross rivers and streams without bridges. These crossings require some planning when there is rain in the forecast or there is high water. Several of these crossings can rise significantly during a rainstorm, being easily crossed in the morning and by afternoon more challenging. 
• Please exercise caution and educate yourself about fording streams in the backcountry. 
• Be prepared to wait out high water if you encounter this on your return. 
• Known trails impacted by high water 
  • The Round Pond Trail to Dix, crossing of the North Fork of the Boquet River
  • The Phelps Trail, crossing of Johns Brook above Bushnell Falls
  • The Mr. Van Ski Trail crossing of South Meadow Brook
  • The Van-Hovenberg Trail to Marcy Crossing of Phelps Brook above Marcy Dam and at Indian Falls
  • The Lake Arnold Trail crossing of the Opalescent River (floating bog bridges)
  • The Herd Paths to Street and Nye Mtns, crossing Indian Pass Brook
  • The Indian Pass Trail (north and south) crossings of Indian Pass Brooks
  • The Calamity Brook Trail crossing at the High-Water Bridge, over Calamity Brook
  •  The East River Trail crossing the Opalescent River before Allen Mtn Trail Junction and also outlet of Flowed Lands
  • The Northville Placid Trail crossing of Seward Brook near the Ouluska Lean-to
  • The Cold River Crossing at Duck Hole to head south on the Bradley Pond Trail. 

Dix Mountain Tract

• The Dix Mountain Tract webpage provides information about the area and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the area. This will be incorporated into the High Peaks Wilderness webpage in the near future.
• The lands of the Dix Mountain Tract are now part of the High Peaks Wilderness.
  • All regulations applicable to the High Peaks Wilderness are now in effect including, but not limited to:
    • Group size: Groups should consist of no more than 15 hikers and no more than 8 campers.
    • Glass Containers: Glass containers are prohibited.
  • Information about the former Dix Mountain Area may be found in the High Peaks Wilderness section above.

Jay Mountain Wilderness

• The Jay Mountain Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Jay Mountain Road is managed by the Town of Lewis and is a seasonal road. The road is not maintained from October - April, effectively closing it to public automobile use during that time.

Northville-Placid Trail

• The bridge over Ouluska Brook has collapsed into the brook. The brook is passable during low water conditions.

Sentinel Range Wilderness

• The Sentinel Range Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Several sections of the Pitchoff Mountain Trail, including the segment to "Balanced Rocks", are severely eroded. These areas are challenging to navigate. Please use caution and turn back if it is too difficult for your party to safely cross.
• Beaver activity has flooded some parts of the Jack Rabbit Trail.

Giant Mountain Wilderness

• The Giant Mountain Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Roaring Brook Trail to Giant has experienced extensive erosion and a washout along Beede Brook. Just past the Trail Register, the trail has been eroded away and there are exposed roots and rounded rocks. Hikers should avoid traveling on adjacent private property and stay in the trail corridor, using caution to traverse this area.

Other areas in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks:

• Hurricane Mountain Wilderness
  • The roof on the Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower has been damaged. DEC is working on a plan to source materials and repair the roof. The damage does not impact users safety, though you might get wet if it is raining!
• McKenzie Mountain Wilderness

Northwestern

Grass River Wild Forest (includes Cranberry Forest, Grass River, Long Pond, Seveys, Silver Lake, and Tooley Pond Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Grass River Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Damage to a section of the Buckhorn Road just west of the stream crossing at Dead Creek on the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement has left the route impassable to public motorized access. The hazardous conditions necessitate the temporary closure to the section of the Buckhorn Road from the parking area and kiosk where it intersects with the Hay Road west to where the road turns north towards the Grass River Conservation Easement after crossing over Dead Creek. A map of the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement can be found on the Grass River Complex webpage.
• As of Tuesday, March 31, snowmobile trails are closed for the season. Gates will be shut and locked to ensure public safety and protect roads and trails during mud season.
• Public motorized access to Allen Pond via the Allen Pond Road on the Tooley Pond Conservation Easement is closed for the season. (12/2025)
• As of Monday, December 15, public access to the Grass River Conservation Easement is open for the season. For more detail, refer to the map on the Grass River Complex webpage.
• As of Monday, December 15, public non-motorized access on trails, roads, and overland on the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement is open for the season.
• As of Friday, May 15, 2026, the 24.6-mile section of the St. Lawrence County Multi-Use Trail that crosses the Tooley Pond, Grass River, and Long Pond Conservation Easements is open for the season.

Raquette Boreal Complex (includes Five Mile, Goldmine, Hollywood Mountain, Hungry Bay, Kildare, Peaked Hill, Preston Lot and Stark Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Raquette Boreal Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• As of Friday, May 1, public access to the designated Public Use Area on the Five Mile Conservation Easement is open for the season. Public access is only allowed within the Public Use Area. For more details, refer to the map on the Raquette Boreal Complex webpage.
• Damage to a snowmobile bridge has left a section of the Goldmine Road on the Goldmine Conservation Easement impassable. The hazardous conditions necessitate the temporary closure to the section of the Goldmine Road from where the Rainbow Falls Road intersects it west to where it crosses the Forest Preserve border. A map of the Goldmine Conservation Easement can be found on the Raquette Boreal Complex webpage.

Northern

Adirondack Rail Trail

• Details are available on the rail trail webpage. Please respect posted signage and barricades in work areas and email [email protected] with questions.

Debar Mountain Wild Forest

• The Debar Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• 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.
• The Loon Lake Mountain Fire Tower is closed for public use.
• Trespassing in Debar Lodge or any other building is prohibited.

Kushaqua Conservation Easement Tract

• The Kushaqua Tract Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Reminder that this is a working forest conservation easement and users of the property should expect to encounter log trucks and logging equipment at any time. Keep a safe distance, use caution, and always yield to them.

Santa Clara Conservation Easement Tract

• The Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The seasonal public access roads on this easement are open. Due to areas of erosion, it is recommended that only high clearance vehicles be used on Madawaska Pond Road.
• Reminder that this is a working forest conservation easement and users of the property should expect to encounter log trucks and logging equipment at any time. Keep a safe distance, use caution, and always yield to them.

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest

• The Saranac Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and maps of the unit.
• The Connery Pond, Saint Germain Pond, and Little Clear/Little Green roads are open.
• Changes have been made to the primitive tent sites at Follensby Clear Pond to improve distance between campsites and the Pond. In 2025, five new primitive tent sites were opened and five existing sites were permanently closed. A map and more info can be found on Saranac Lakes Wild Forest.
• The trail from Echo Pond to Cobble Hill and the Purple Trail is flooded by beaver activity. Sections of these trails are very muddy. Hikers and bikers should avoid using the Purple Trail or the trail up the east side of Cobble Hill.
• The Scarface Mountain Trail has reopened. The bridge over Ray Brook has been replaced.

Saint Regis Canoe Area

• The Saint Regis Canoe Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and maps of the unit.

Other areas in Northern Adirondacks:

• Paul Smith College Conservation Easement Tract

Northeastern

Black Brook Conservation Easement Tract

• The Taylor Pond Wild Forest webpage provides information about the Black Brook Conservation Easement Tract and other conservation easement lands within the Taylor Pond Complex, including recreational opportunities and a map of the area.
• Motorized use is not permitted on the property. Snowmobile access is limited to designated routes only and as conditions permit. Cars, trucks, ATV’s and UTV’s are not allowed. Park at designated parking areas and access by non-motorized means only.
• Snowmobiles are prohibited on the portion of the Stevens Road between the gate at the north end of the property line and Guideboard Road to the south. Riders must stay on the designated C8 Route along Fern Lake Road, there is no alternate route through the property.
• Reminder that this is a working forest conservation easement and users of the property should expect to encounter log trucks and logging equipment at any time. Keep a safe distance, use caution, and always yield to them.

Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Tract

• The Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Piney Ridge Road is closed to ALL use until further notice due to severe storm damage.
  • The Cold Brook Public Use Area can be accessed via the Cold Brook parking area on Standish Road. The parking area is located 1.8 miles south of the Piney Ridge Road gate on the Standish Road.
• The bridge across Ouleout Creek on the Cobble Hill Public Use Area is closed to all, including pedestrians.
• Reminder: Public ATVs & UTVs are prohibited on the property with the exception of Wolf Pond Road, which is a Town road.
• The wheelchair ramp at the Fishpole Pond Accessible Fishing Site was damaged by a wildfire and is unusable.
• Reminder that this is a working forest conservation easement and users of the property should expect to encounter log trucks and logging equipment at anytime. Keep a safe distance, use caution, and always yield to them.

Terry Mountain State Forest

• The Terry Mountain State Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.

Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area

• The Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The gate on the access road into Ausable Marsh WMA is closed due to flooding.

Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area

• The Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Catfish Bay and Point Au Fer gates are closed.

Other areas in Northeastern Adirondacks:

• Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area
• Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area
• Chazy Highlands Wild Forest
• Lake Champlain Islands Complex
• Taylor Pond Complex
• Wilmington Wild Forest

Western

Aldrich Pond Wild Forest (includes Aldrich and Sucker Lake Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Aldrich Pond Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• There is a culvert washed out on Tyler Road approximately 1.3 miles beyond the St. Lawrence County boundary. The road will remain closed at this point until repairs are made.
• Powell Road leading to South Creek Lake often experiences flooded conditions due to beaver activity. Users should exercise caution and be aware of changing road conditions throughout the seasons. (12/2025)
• The canoe launch accessing the Little River on the youngs Road is temporarily closed to allow re-route of the road during a culvert replacement project. (12/2025)
• Moose Pond Club Road is open, allowing public access to several primitive campsites, and the parking lot at the trailhead for the Vanderwhacker Mountain Fire Tower Trail.
• The Roosevelt Truck Trail Motorized Access Route for People with Disabilities has been cleared and is open for the year. Please call for current year’s code.

Bog River Complex (Lows Lake, Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest, and Big Tupper/Piercefield Flow Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Bog River Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Public access roads are open in this unit.
• Campsite 2 along State Route 421 in Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest will be closed starting Friday, May 8, 2026, to provide space for a gravel stockpile. Campsite 8 along Otterbrook Road in Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest will be closed starting Monday, June 1, 2026 for accessible improvements to the site.

Cranberry Lake Wild Forest (includes Conifer-Emporium and Massawepie Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Cranberry Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• As of Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Massawepie Conservation Easement is closed to public use for the season. During this time, access to the Conifer-Emporium Conservation Easement is still permitted via the Massawepie/Townline Road.
• As of Tuesday, March 31, snowmobile trails are closed for the season. Gates will be shut and locked to ensure public safety and protect roads and trails during mud season.

Five Ponds Wilderness

• The Five Ponds Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Red Horse Trail: Hikers will need to navigate around two bridges that have washed away between Witchopple and Clear Lakes, and beaver flooding between Salmon and Witchopple Lakes.
• The Remsen Lake Placid Travel Corridor (Railroad) is considered an active railroad. The railroad is undergoing maintenance adjacent to the Five Ponds Wilderness Area and William C. Whitney Wilderness Area. There is an increase in traffic from trains and equipment working on rehabilitation of the railroad through this section. Users are reminded that the railroad tracks between Harrington Brook and the carry to Clear Pond and Bog Lake (Five Ponds Wilderness) are not a DEC trail and should not be used as a canoe carry when the railroad is active.
• The Olmstead Pond Trail (part of the Cranberry Lake 50 Trail) has several sections of flooding near the pond due to beaver activity. Users should expect wet conditions and may require short bushwacks around flooded sections of trail until water levels recede. Users of the Cranberry Lake 50 Trail should note that hiking along Six Mile Creek Trail and bypassing the Olmstead Pond Loop provides enough milage to qualify for the badge.

Watson's East Triangle Wild Forest (Croghan Tract and Oswegatchie Conservation Easements)

• The Watson's East Triangle Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit, and its recreational opportunities and a map of the unit.

William C. Whitney Wilderness & Round Lake Wilderness

• The William C. Whitney Wilderness and Round Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit, and its recreational opportunities and a map of the unit.
• Lake Lila Road is open.
• There are two washouts on the Stony Pond Trail. The washouts are located about 0.75 miles and 1.0 miles from the trailhead.
• The canoe carry between Rock and Hardigan Ponds has been altered by beaver activity. Sections of the trail are flooded and beaver dams have been built on parts of the trail. Sections of the trail may be impassable.
• The carry between Lily Pad Pond and Shingle Shanty Brook is overgrown with brush and is difficult to follow.
• The Remsen Lake Placid Travel Corridor (Railroad) is considered an active railroad. The railroad is undergoing maintenance adjacent to the Five Ponds Wilderness Area and William C. Whitney Wilderness Area. There is an increase in traffic from trains and equipment working on rehabilitation of the railroad through this section. Users are reminded that the railroad tracks between Harrington Brook and the carry to Clear Pond and Bog Lake (Five Ponds Wilderness) are not a DEC trail and should not be used as a canoe carry when the railroad is active.

Other areas in Western Adirondacks:

• Pepperbox Wilderness

West Central

Blue Mountain Wild Forest

• The Blue Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Parking at the NPT Lake Durant / Tirrell Pond trailhead on NY Routes 30 and 28 will be limited due to a Department of Transportation bridge construction project.
• Township 19 Conservation Easement - O’Neil Flow Road including the Barker Pond access is open. High clearance vehicles are recommended to access Barker Pond. 
• Township 20 Conservation Easement - Minerva Club Road is open. Pickwickett Pond Road is closed but the public may carry into the Fishing Brook canoe launch.
• Reminder that Blue Mountain Road up to the summit is closed to all the public motor vehicles. If the gate is open, it is only because contractors are working in the area. Follow all signs and do not attempt to drive up this road.
• The access road to the radio towers on Blue Mountain is a private road. The use of the road by people other than authorized personnel with administrative duties is prohibited and is considered trespassing.

Blue Ridge Wilderness and Wakely Mountain Primitive Area

• The Blue Ridge Wilderness and Wakely Mountain Primitive Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Cedar River Road is opened to Cedar River Flow headquarters.
• Waterway access to South Inlet and Raquette Lake from the Rt. 28 pull off may be limited due to bridge construction.

Moose River Plains Complex

• The Moose River Plains Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Limekiln Lake Cedar River Road is opened for the season. The Otter Brook gate on Indian River Road is open. Rock Dam Road is open. 
• All access to Moose River Plains Camping Area must be gained from the Limekiln Lake/Inlet entrance until further notice. Due to an unforeseen bridge failure at Payne Brook, the gate at Cedar River Headquarters and campsites 1-20 will remain closed, until necessary repairs can be made. 
• West Mountain Trail (southern access from Uncas Road) - Flooding near the Beaver Brook has been bridged and the trail connection restored.
• Indian Lake Road is closed to motor vehicles at the Falls Pond Outlet. A temporary foot bridge is in place.
• Otter Brook Trail: Fording the Otter Brook may be difficult during periods of high water. The trail east of Otter Brook is overgrown and blown down trees may impede travel.
• Sly Pond Trail: Encroaching vegetation and fallen trees will impede travel. The trail may be difficult to follow in areas, especially closer to Sly Pond.

Northville-Placid Trail

• Parking at the Lake Durant / Tirrell Pond trailhead on NY Routes 30 and 28 will be limited due to a Department of Transportation bridge construction project.
• The Sucker Brook Trail which connects the Northville-Placid Trail and the DEC Lewey Lake Campground is unmaintained beyond the height of ground between Lewey Mountain and Cellar Mountain, about 4.4 miles west of the campground.
  • Beyond the height of ground blowdown, wet stretches of trail, and beaver activity make the trail difficult to follow.
  • Access to Colvin Brook Lean-to and the Northville Placid Trail may be gained from the Moose River Plains trailhead off Limekiln Lake - Cedar River Road.
• Beaver activity has contributed to wet and muddy trail conditions on the following trail sections:
  • North of the Carry lean-to in West Canada Lake Wilderness
  • South Pond to West Lake and West Lake to Mud Lake in West Canada Lake Wilderness
• The ford over the West Stony Creek in Shaker Mountain Wild Forest may be difficult to cross after periods of significant rain fall.

West Canada Lakes Wilderness

• The West Canada Lakes Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Access to many popular destinations in the West Canada Lakes Wilderness from the Jessup River Road (Perkins Clearing) and Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road (Moose River Plains Complex) is limited in off season months due to seasonal road closures. Motor vehicle access to the Spruce Lake Trailhead, Pillsbury Mountain/French Louie Trailhead, Brooktrout Lake Trailhead and others is prohibited. Seasonal roads are expected to open in mid-May. 
• Horn Lake Trail - The Indian River Ford may be difficult to cross during periods of high water. Wet trail conditions are present where the trail crosses the edge of a beaver vly 2.4 miles in from the wilderness boundary at Indian Lake. Fallen trees and encroaching vegetation may impede travel on the interior trail segments closer to Horn Lake.
• French Louie Trail - This trail holds water. Hikers should be prepared to encounter segments of flooded and muddy trail conditions after periods of significant rain.
• Cedar Lakes Trail - The ford over the Stony Creek may be difficult to cross during periods of high water and in Spring during snow melt.
• The Sucker Brook Trail which connects the Northville-Placid Trail and the DEC Lewey Lake Campground is unmaintained beyond the height of ground between Lewey Mountain and Cellar Mountain, about 4.4 miles west of the campground.
  • Beyond the height of ground blowdown, wet stretches of trail, and beaver activity make the trail difficult to follow.
  • Access to Colvin Brook Lean-to and the Northville Placid Trail may be gained from the Moose River Plains trailhead off Limekiln Lake - Cedar River Road.

Sargent Ponds Wild Forest

• The Sargent Ponds Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.

Other areas in West Central Adirondacks:

• Cedarlands Conservation Easement Tract

East Central

Camp Santanoni Historic Area

• The Camp Santanoni Historic Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Newcomb Lake Road to Camp Santanoni could have variable conditions. Be prepared to adapt or have a backup plan.

Essex Chain Lakes Complex (includes Pine Lake Primitive Area and parts of Blue Mountain Wild Forest - Newcomb/Indian Lake)

• The Essex Chain Lakes Complex webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Chain Lakes Road South is not plowed in the winter beyond the raft put-in on the Indian River.
• Chain Lakes Road South in Indian Lake is now open to the former Outer Gooley Club Parking Lot.
• Deer Pond Road in Newcomb is now open to the Deer Pond Parking Lot.
• The motorized access route for people with disabilities providing access to Fifth Lake is now open. Please call for current year's code.

Hoffman Notch Wilderness

• The Hoffman Notch Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The intersection of the Notch Trail and Big Pond Trail has been relocated approximately 300 feet south to the Notch Trail.
• The North Branch of Trout Brook on Big Pond Trail does not have a bridge. Please make plans to cross the stream at low and normal water levels via rock hopping and shallow fording.
• The Jones Hill Trail is marked and open. Please check the DECinfo Locator page for up-to-date maps reflecting this addition. 

Jessup River Wild Forest

• The Jessup River Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Piseco-Perkins Clearing Snowmobile (S43) is closed to the public until further notice. For questions or concerns please contact the Northville DEC office at: 518-863-4545.
• The Crotched Pond tract interior parking area is open. Non-motorized recreation on the Crotched Pond tract is allowed outside of the 1-acre camp envelopes.

Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Tracts

• The Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Tracts webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• All public motor vehicle roads are open.

Siamese Ponds Wilderness

• The Siamese Pond Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Auger Falls Trail will be under construction the last two weeks of May 2026 and again during the month of July 2026. Improvements on this trail system are being completed this season. Please stay on the designated trail and take care with your footing in areas where work is occurring.
• The trailhead at Kings Flow is currently closed at the discretion of the private landowner. The public no longer has access to the Chimney Mountain Trail, Puffer Pond Trail, and Kings Flow East Trail from this location. This is private land. There is no easement for public access. Hikers can use the DECinfo Locator online map to explore alternative trails.
• The bridge at Diamond Brook on the East Branch Trail is washed out.
• The Chimney Mountain Eagle Cave gate will be open from May 16 to Sept 14. If you are planning a trip near these dates, please call or email ahead to confirm that the gate is open - (518) 623-1240 or  [email protected]. There are no public trails to this cave. This is now a bushwhack. Please plan accordingly and respect private property. At all other times of the year the gate will be closed to protect the bat population.

Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest

• The Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit, and its recreational opportunities and a map of the unit.
• Moose Pond Club Road is open, allowing public access to several primitive campsites, and the parking lot at the trailhead for the Vanderwhacker Mountain Fire Tower Trail.
• The Roosevelt Truck Trail Motorized Access Route for People with Disabilities has been cleared and is open for the year. Please call for current year’s code.

Other areas in East Central Adirondacks:

• Hudson Gorge Wilderness

Eastern

Hammond Pond Wild Forest

• The Hammond Pond Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.

Lake George Wild Forest

• The Lake George Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Please report any sightings of beaver or other wildlife demonstrating unusual behavior. Never approach or feed any wildlife, report unusual animal behavior at 518-623-1200. In an emergency, call 911 or NYSDEC Dispatch at (518) 897-1326.
• The Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to has burned down. The entire site is closed (no camping or campfires) until further notice.

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

• The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Oxshoe Pond Lean-to is repaired and now open for use.
• The bridge over Mill Brook on the Pharaoh Lake Trail has been replaced. The boardwalk beyond the bridge is still out. People should expect wet conditions, and up to knee deep water until it can be replaced.

Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest

• The Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Lakeshore Road is now open (after being closed previously for maintenance).

Southwestern

Black River Wild Forest (Flatrock Mountain, John Brown and North Lake Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Black River Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The gates on Loop Road (North Lake), Mill Creek Road, and Wolf Lake Landing Road are now open for the season. 
• Sand Lake Falls Trail, just past the parking area for the Gull Lake Trail, has numerous blown down trees across it and may be impassable. Blow down will be cleared as manpower allows.
• The bridge across Little Woodhull Creek on the Stone Dam Trail is out.
• Blowdown can be expected on hiking trails within the forest due to the spring storm of April 19, 2022. Trails will be cleared as manpower allows.
• The Little Salmon Outlet Bridge on the South Lake-Herkimer Landing Road has been replaced.
• The bridge across the inlet to Bear Lake on the Bear Lake Trail is currently out, all users should be prepared to ford the stream or cross elsewhere.
• The bridge across the inlet to Little Woodhull Lake on Little Woodhull Lake Trail is out. The stream may not be passable in times of high water.
• Watch for trains when crossing the rails to the Nelson Lake Access Hand Launch off State Route 28 on the banks of the Middle Branch Moose River. There is an active railroad present in the summer. Camping is prohibited in and around the hand launch site during June, July and August.
• Gull Lake Road (the jeep road) is impassable to motor vehicles at this time because it is very rutty and rocky. ATVs use is prohibited.
• Six of the ten water access sites on the east shore of North Lake are rarely used. Vegetation has begun to grow in on the six sites making them harder to find.
• Haskell/West Creek Road is a rough road, and 4-wheel drive trucks, SUVs and other high clearance vehicles are recommended.
  • Travel beyond Seabury Brook is challenging as road conditions are poor.
  • The road is closed beyond the Honnendaga Outlet Bridge because the bridge is in disrepair. Landowners of the private lands beyond may choose to use the bridge to access their lands.
• Herkimer Landing Road is not open to public motor vehicles, however there are private rights to use motor vehicles on the road.
• Flansburg/Black Creek Road is open to public motor vehicle use. However, travel beyond Mill Creek Lake will be limited by poor road conditions and snowmobile bridges not designed to support vehicles.

Fulton Chain Wild Forest

• The Fulton Chain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Obey "No Parking" signs on Rondaxe Road in the vicinity of the Rondaxe (aka Bald) Mountain Trailhead.

Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness

• The Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Big Otter Lake Trail has been flooded by beaver activity between the western end of the East Pond-Lost Creek Trail and the Middle Branch Lake Trail. 
• The Lost Lake Trail bridge over the Middle Branch Lake outlet has several deck boards that are damaged, please exercise caution.
• Lost Lake Trail has been flooded by beaver activity a half mile east of Lost Lake.

Independence River Wild Forest (Stillwater Reservoir, Big Moose, and Three Lakes Conservation Easement Tracts)

• The Independence River Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• A trail crew will be working on Chase Creek Trail during the month of July. Expect to encounter machinery operating Monday – Friday. 
• The Big Otter Lake Road has washed out and is closed ¼ mile in. Beyond Tommy Roaring Brook, the road is impacted by beaver activity and requires crossing on dam for access around flooded sections of trail.  Users should exercise caution when crossing dam and wading through water may be necessary.
• The Centennial Ski Trail has been flooded by beaver activity in several locations – mostly located near Partridgeville Road and towards the center of the trail.
• The Florence Pond Road bridge at Little Otter Creek near the Aspen Trail intersection has been flooded by a beaver dam. Crossing at this location may be hazardous.
• The Erie Canal Trail Bridge over Otter Creek that was damaged in 2018 has been removed. Horses may ford Otter Creek at the old bridge site. Snowmobiles can cross Otter Creek at the Eatonville Falls Bridge.

Pigeon Lake Wilderness

• The Pigeon Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The bridge across Andy’s Creek, leading to the lean-to at the end of the Andy’s Creek Trail, is out. All users should be prepared to access the area by alternate means. For example, through portaging over the beaver dam by the boat landing and paddling further up Andy's Creek, one can then access the trail and the lean-to.
• Shallow Lake Bridge is complete, although the trail is very wet beyond the bridge.
• The bridge across Constable Creek on the Constable Pond-West Mountain Trail has been replaced.
• The bridge crossing over the Oswego Pond Outlet on the Twitchell Lake Trail has washed out. An old beaver den can be used to cross the outlet.
• Cascade Lake Trail is wet and very muddy on the north-west section of the trail around Cascade Lake. Be alert of trail reroutes.

Southern

Daniels Road State Forest

• The Daniel's Road State Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The access road was recently repaired but may not be plowed during winter. Users should travel this route carefully and at low speed.

Lake Desolation Conservation Easement

• The Lake Desolation State Forest And Conservation Easement Tract webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The road to Archer Vly is open. Camping is available only at the four designated locations.
• Public ATV access is NOT permitted on any conservation easement lands in this area (Northway Properties and Lyme Adirondack Forest Company). State police and NYS Rangers will be called for trespass violations.

Corinth Edinburg Conservation Easement

• The Wilcox Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The Spruce Mountain Fire Tower Trail is the only recreation currently available on this tract. Public ATV access is NOT permitted on any conservation easement lands in this area (Northway Properties and Lyme Adirondack Forest Company). State police and NYS Rangers will be called for trespass violations.
• The Spruce Mountain Fire Tower is currently closed until the structure can be repaired. The Fire Tower on Hadley Mountain is a nearby alternative.

Dennie Road Conservation Easement

• The Shaker Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Dennie Road winter-use trails are closed for the season.

Ferris Lake Wild Forest

• The Ferris Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• Waters Mill Pond Trail: The bridge that goes over North Creek heading towards Waters Mill Pond has been removed and plans to replace it will take place this winter and into the next year. Anyone looking to access Waters Mill Pond from the west will need to ford the creek. 
• Powley Road, which provides access to Ferris Lake Wild Forest, is open for the season. There are still soft spots and areas of washout. Please use caution.
• The Mud Pond trail gate off Billy Hamlin Road is closed.
• Billy Hamlin Trail is eroded, rough, rocky, and very wet in places.

Hans Creek Conservation Easement

• Access is limited to snowmobiling only. State police and NYS Rangers will be called for trespass violations.

Northville-Placid Trail

• Hikers using the portion of the trail through the Shaker Mountain Wild Forest may have trouble crossing West Stony Creek during high waters following rains.

Shaker Mountain Wild Forest

• The Shaker Mountain Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The South Trail up Kane Mountain off Schoolhouse Road is closed. The trail crosses private lands and the landowner revoked permission for the public to cross. Hikers must use the formal Kane Mountain Trailhead off Green Lake Road.
• Hikers using the Northville-Placid Trail may have trouble crossing West Stony Creek during high waters following rains.

Silver Lake Wilderness

• The Silver Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• West River Road, which provides access to the Whitehouse Trailhead of the Northville Placid Trail, is open for the season.

Rockwood State Forest

• The Rockwood State Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
• The road north of Cemetery Road leading to the parking and camping area on the State Forest is very rough due to significant washouts. Several cars have become stuck. Only high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles should use the road.

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest

• The Wilcox Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities.
• Please be aware that wasp nests have been reported at the base of Spruce Mountain Fire Tower.
• The Pine Orchard Trail from Dorr Road to Route 8 is currently closed to snowmobiles due to the bridges being out over the outlet of Taylor Vly and Jimmy Creek.
• The Spruce Mountain Trail to the fire tower is closed for the following dates - October 26, 2024 through December 8, 2024 - to correspond with regular hunting season for white-tailed deer.
• The Spruce Mountain Fire Tower is currently closed until repairs can be made to the structure. The Fire Tower on Hadley Mountain is a nearby alternative.
• The North Bend Bridge on Oregon Trail is sagging but intact. In wet times of year, hikers will have to go through some water to enter and exit the bridge.
• The bridge over Georgia Creek on Cotter Brook Trail is out. When water is high, this spot is difficult to cross.
• Dayton Creek on the East Stony Creek Trail is crossable except during high water conditions.