New this week (12/12/2024):
High Peaks
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.
Adirondack Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract (AMR/Ausable Club)
- 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. (2020)
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.
- 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.
- Gulf Brook Road iaccess to Boreas Ponds, is closed and gated for the season. (12/11/2024)
- 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. (2018)
High Peaks Wilderness
- 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.
- Weekly Lake Colden Snow Report: As of Thursday, 12/12, snow depths were recorded to be 46cm (18in) at the stake.
- Meadows Lane (access to South Meadows) has been closed for the winter. Please plan accordingly for access to the South Meadow, Klondike, and other trails. If parking in the lot at the junction with Meadows Lane and Adirondack Loj Rd, please DO NOT block the gap between the barriers. (12/9/2024)
- The Trap Dyke 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 Dyke, 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. (7/15/2024)
- The Avalanche Pass Trail, near Marcy Dam, has a temporary route for Hiker Safety flagged with yellow. This route brings hikers around an area where beavers have flooded the trail and a bridge has been damaged. DEC is developing a Work Plan to reroute this section of trail to minimize impacts to the Natural Resources and Hiker Safety. (5/21/2024)
- The gate at Clear Pond is open from spring until October (2024). When the public is allowed to drive to the Elk Lake parking lot and trailhead to park for access to the Hunters Pass Trail (to the Dix Mtns) and the Elk Lake Marcy Trail. Parking is limited to the capacity of the parking lot. No parking is permitted along the Elk Lake Road or in any other pull-offs. 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 gate at Clear Pond will be closed, until the spring mud season in May of 2025. Hikers will need to park at the Upper Elk Lake Road parking lot to access trails.
- Per the Conservation Easement on the Elk Lake property, public use is not allowed during the big game season (Northern Zone) from 10/26/2024 through 12/8/2024. Please plan ahead for this annual closure.
- The Moose Pond Horse Trail has extensive blowdown and has grown in considerably north of Shaw Pond. Saddle horse use north of Shaw Pond to the Cold River Horse Trail Junction may be very difficult to navigate. 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. (5/25)
- Corey's Road is now open to motor vehicles. (5/17/2024)
- DEC and other agencies will be enforcing the No Parking Zones along State Route 73. (2023)
- The Town of Keene prohibits parking along Johns Brook, Market, and Adirondack Streets in Keene Valley. Violators will be towed. (2023)
- Cold Brook Trail is not maintained. The trail has not been maintained since Tropical Storm Irene. (2020)
- 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. (2020)
- 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. (2020)
- Blueberry Horse Trail is passable to horses and riders, however, riders should take care near drainages and several stream crossings that will be muddy. DEC plans to improve the trail tread of this route in the future. (2020)
- 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. (2020)
Water Crossings in High Peaks Wilderness
There are several popular trails in the High Peaks Wilderness, which do not have bridges over streams and are easily crossed at low and normal water levels via rock hopping or shallow fording. During storm events, these crossings increase in their volume and velocity and become more challenging or unsafe to cross. The water levels at these crossings can remain higher than normal for 1-2 days after a storm has passed. Updates on water crossings in HPW are as follows:
- The bridge over Indian Pass Brook, on the Indian Pass Trail (south of Wallace Lean-to), at the junction of the Calamity Crossover Trail, has been removed. Please make plans to cross the stream or choose an alternative route. DEC will be developing a Work Plan to address this issue in 2025. (11/6/2024)
- The bridge over South Meadow Brook on the Klondike Trail removed. Hikers can follow the South Meadow Trail to the Mt Van Ski Trail to gain access to the Klondike Trail. (2021)
- The Lake Arnold Trail is experiencing extensive flooding south of the crossing of the Opalescent River and ~.5 mile before the junction with the Feldspar Trail. Crossing the 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 or mud. (8/1/2024)
- The high-water crossing footbridge over Phelps Brook on the Van Hoevenberg Trail to Mt. Marcy just above Marcy Dam came to the end of its service life and was removed by DEC. When Phelps Brook is running high and the low water crossing is unsafe, hikers can use the newly developed Phelps Brook Lean-to Trail between the South Meadow (aka Marcy Dam Truck) Trail (0.5 mile north of Marcy Dam) and the Van Ho Trail (above the crossing). The trail is marked with red Foot Trail markers. (10/2021)
- The bridge over Ouluska Pass Brook on the Northville-Placid Trail is out. During low water conditions, crossing the brook is still possible.
- The Calkins Creek Horse Trail has two bridges out, making it impassable for horse drawn wagons and difficult for horses. (2020)
- Water crossings to keep an eye on and always plan ahead for due to their tendency to flood include:
- Phelps Trail crossing of Johns Brook above Bushnell Falls
- Herd path to Street and Nye crossing of Indian Pass Brook
- Van Hoevenberg Trail to Marcy crossing above Indian Falls
- East River Trail crossing of the Opalescent River, on the way to Hanging Spear Falls and Allen Mountain
- East River Trail crossing the outlet of Flowed Lands
- NPT crossing of Ouluska Pass Brook by Ouluska Lean-to
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. (2020)
- 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.
- All regulations applicable to the High Peaks Wilderness are now in effect including, but not limited to:
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. (2020)
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. (2020)
- Beaver activity has flooded some parts of the Jack Rabbit Trail. (2020)
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. (7/16/2024)
Other areas in the High Peaks:
Northwestern
Grass River Wild Forest (includes Cranberry Forest, Grass River, Long Pond, Sevey's, 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.
- 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 closed for the season on Sunday, September 15. (2024)
- As of Tuesday, October 1, public access to the Grass River Conservation Easement is closed for the season. This excludes the recreation corridor on the property that allows year-round public motorized access to the Forest Preserve Stone Dam Parcel via the Dean Road and Pleasant Lake Access Road. For more detail, refer to the map on the Grass River Complex webpage. (2024)
- As of Monday, September 2nd, all public non-motorized access on trails, roads, and overland on the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement is closed for the season. This excludes the Year-Round Public Access Area surrounding Dillon Pond. (2024)
- Access to Pleasant Lake via the Pleasant Lake Access Road on the Grass River Conservation Easement is open for the season. (8/27/2024)
- Access to the Forest Preserve River Corridor via the Windfall Road or Buckhorn Road on the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement and via the Spruce Mountain Road on the Tooley Pond Conservation Easement is open for the season. (8/7/2024)
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 Monday, September 30, all public access to the Five Mile Conservation Easement is closed for the season. (2024)
- Snowmobile trails are closed for the season. (2024)
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.
- Lake Placid to Saranac Lake to Santa Clara: Phases 1 and 2 are now OPEN to public use on the entire length from Lake Placid to Floodwood Road, for a total of 25 miles of open trail. Please respect posted signage and barricades. (8/26/24)
- Tupper Lake: Phase 3 of construction began in August 2024 and is ongoing. This section is closed to all public use from Floodwood Road in Santa Clara to the Washington Street parking lot in the Village of Tupper Lake for the duration of the construction contract except during the winter shutdown between December 2024 to March 2025. Construction will resume in spring 2025 and is expected to conclude by fall 2025.
- Proceed with caution starting Nov. 4, 2024 along the Lake Colby Causeway section of the Adirondack Rail Trail for planned construction work. The trail is not closed but this section will have crews working; users should note that at times there may be delays in moving through this section. Please respect all posted signs. The work is expected to conclude by Nov. 5, 2024, weather dependent.
- Saranac Lake Depot: The parking lot at the Saranac Lake Depot is now open. DEC is reviewing its options for future operations of the Depot. Please note that the Depot building is still undergoing roof work and recreationists should exercise additional caution around the work site. (8/16/24)
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 (6/29/2024)
- The Loon Lake Mountain Fire Tower is closed for public use. (12/7/2024)
- 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.
- All public access roads on this easement are closed. The roads will reopen after they have dried out in the spring. (12/11/2024)
- The Madawaska Road will not be opened this year due to repeated storm damage and the need for a broad look at long-term, proactive repairs before reopening to be prepared for any more major weather events in the future. The gate is locked and the road is only passable for lessees. (8/22/24)
- 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. (8/22/24)
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 seasonal use roads are closed. The roads will reopen after they have dried out in the spring. The roads closed are Connery Pond Road, Little Clear/Little Green Road, and Saint Germain Pond Road. Users can use the parking lot at the end of Station Road to access the Adirondack Rail Trail. (12/9/2024)
- 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. (8/17)
- The bridge over Ray Brook on the Scarface Mountain Trail is out. This bridge is located 0.5 miles from the trailhead. The Scarface Mountain Trail is closed at that point. (12/7/2023)
Saint Regis Canoe Area
- The Saint Regis Canoe Area webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and maps of the unit.
- The gate to access Saint Germain Pond is closed for the winter season. (12/9/2024)
Other areas in Northern Adirondacks:
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 anda 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 & 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. (8/22/2024)
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. (7/20/2023)
- 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. (7/6/2023)
- 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. (2020)
- 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. (12/21/2023)
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 (4/6/2023).
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.
- 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.
- 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. (5/29/2024)
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.
- The maintenance work on Low's Lower Dam is complete. All impacted facilities are now open. Additional information can be found in the updated press release. (10/09/2024)
- The Otterbrook Road will undergo maintenance during the summer and fall seasons in 2024 and 2025. Campsite 2 along State Route 421 and Campsite 9 along the Otterbrook Road will be temporarily used as gravel stockpile sites and will be closed to camping until roadwork is completed (Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest). (5/30/2024)
- Access to Hitchens Pond and Low's Lake during construction will require extensive portages, and users are advised to seek other areas to visit while the construction project is in progress. More information can be found in the full press release.
- The Student Conservation Association (SCA) and DEC Operations recently completed improvements to 43 primitive campsites on Hitchens Pond and Lows Lake which included rebuilt fire rings, privy maintenance / moving, sign replacement, hazard tree removal, and addition of new privies to 11 sites. (Round Lake Wilderness Area, Eastern Five Ponds Access Primitive Area, Five Ponds Wilderness Area).
- Tahawus Trails recently completed work on the Mt. Arab Fire Tower trail, which included replacement of a 50' wooden staircase, a 185 foot trail re-route to avoid a steep rock slope, and maintenance of 45 waterbars. (Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest and Conifer-Emporium Conservation Easement).
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, September 1, the Massawepie Conservation Easement is open to public use for the season. During this time, access to the Conifer-Emporium Conservation Easement is still permitted via the Massawepie/Townline Road. (2024)
- As of Tuesday, March 5, snowmobile trails are closed for the season.
Five Ponds Wilderness
- The Five Ponds Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- 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. (09/01/2022)
- The footbridge over Glasby Creek located on the High Falls Loop/Cranberry Lake 50 Trail was recently replaced. (2021)
- The Darning Needle Pond, Fishpole Pond, and Olmstead Pond Trails recently received trail work including new drainage structures, hardening of wet sections of trail, and new trail markers. (2021)
- 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. (2021)
- The Student Conservation Association (SCA) and DEC Operations recently completed improvements to 43 primitive campsites on Hitchens Pond and Lows Lake which included rebuilt fire rings, privy maintenance / moving, sign replacement, hazard tree removal, and addition of new privies to 11 sites. (Round Lake Wilderness Area, Eastern Five Ponds Access Primitive Area, Five Ponds Wilderness Area).
Toothaker Creek State Forest
- The Toothaker Creek State Forest webpage provides information about the unit, and its recreational opportunities and a map of the unit.
- Damage resulting from torrential rains associated with Hurricane Beryl on 7/10/2024 necessitates the closure of the Garrison Haul Road until further notice.
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 & Round Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit, and its recreational opportunities and a map of the unit.
- Lake Lila Road is closed. It will reopen after the road has dried out in the spring. (12/11/2024)
- There are two washouts on the Stony Pond Trail. The washouts are located about 0.75 miles and 1.0 miles from the trailhead. (10/9/2024)
- 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. (8/12/2024)
- The carry between Lily Pad Pond and Shingle Shanty Brook is overgrown with brush and is difficult to follow. (8/12/2024)
- 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. (09/01/2022)
Other areas in Western Adirondacks:
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.
- 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. (11/6/2024)
- 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. (2020)
- Township 19 Conservation Easement - O’Neil Flow Road is closed for the winter season. (12/9/2024
- Township 20 Conservation Easement - Minerva Club Road is open for the season.
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 closed for the winter season. There is no motor vehicle access to Cedar River Flow/ Wakely Dam area. This includes the Wakely Mountain Fire Tower trail. (12/9/2024)
- Waterway access to South Inlet and Raquette Lake from the Rt. 28 pull off may be limited due to bridge construction. (5/18/2023)
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.
- The Moose River Plains entrance gates are open for snowmobile season. Passenger vehicle access is restricted. (12/9/2024)
- The gate over Otter going toward Muskrat Lake is now opened. (5/29/2024)
- West Mountain Trail (southern access from Uncas Road) - Flooding near the Beaver Brook has been bridged and the trail connection restored. (8/17/2023)
- 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
- 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.
- Perkins Clearance Road, Old Military Road, and Jessup River Road are closed for the winter. Mason Lake, Pillsbury Lake Trailhead, and Spruce Lake Trailhead are no longer accessible via motor vehicle. (12/9/2024)
- 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:
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 is variable with snow, ice, and possible muddy conditions. Be prepared to adapt or have a backup plan. (12/2/2024)
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.
- The gates on both the Camp Six Road in Newcomb and the Chain Lakes Road South in Indian Lake are open for seasonal hunting access. Both roads are rough but passable, requiring high clearance vehicles. (10/22/2024)
- A road closure due to a paving project on Woody’s Road will prevent access to Fifth Lake Parking Lot or beyond on September 3 and potentially September 4 (2024).
- The motorized access route for people with disabilities (permit only) to Fifth Lake is passable; high clearance vehicles recommended. Be sure to get the current year's lock combination. (5/29/2024)
- All access roads from the north (town of Newcomb) to the Essex Chain of Lakes are now open. (5/29/2024)
- Seasonal gates on Chain Lakes Road South (which provides access to Pine Lake Primitive Area) have been opened for the season. (5/21/2024)
- Chain Lakes Road South is not plowed in the winter beyond the raft put-in on the Indian River.
Hoffman Notch Wilderness
- The Hoffman Notch Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- The bridge over the North Branch of Trout Brook on the Big Pond Trail near its intersection with the Notch Trail is washed off its abutments and will require crossing the stream itself. (2021)
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.
- Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower Observer’s Cabin had one of the walls collapse. Debris from the wall has fallen into the trail leading to the fire tower. Hikers coming to visit the tower should be cautious of nails and broken remnants of the wall and try to walk on the boards that have been placed down. DEC staff will work to clean up the debris. (9/16/2024)
- Perkins Clearance Road, Old Military Road, and Jessup River Road are closed for the winter. Mason Lake, Pillsbury Lake Trailhead, and Spruce Lake Trailhead are no longer accessible via motor vehicle. (12/22/2024)
- The bridge at the beginning of Crotched Pond Road (located on Forest Preserve) which leads to the Crotched Pond Conservation Easement has been repaired. The 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.
- Perkins Clearance Road, Mud Lake Road, Old Military Road, Jessup River Road, and all roads within Speculator Tree Farm including Elm Lake Road are now closed for the winter. Mason Lake, Pillsbury Lake Trailhead, and Spruce Lake Trailhead are no longer accessible via motor vehicle. (12/9/2024)
- For the most up-to-date snowmobile trail reroutes due to timber harvest operations, please check the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) trail map.
Siamese Ponds Wilderness
- The Siamese Pond Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- 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. (2023)
- The bridge at Diamond Brook on the East Branch Trail is washed out. (5/21/24)
- The Chimney Mountain Eagle Cave gate will be open from May 16 to Sept 14. 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.
- Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Bridge Open: The Moose Pond Club Road Bridge was recently replaced and reopened, allowing direct public access to Moose Pond Club Road, several primitive campsites, and the trail to the Vanderwhacker Mountain Fire Tower. (9/26/2024)
- The Roosevelt Truck Trail, a motorized access route for people with disabilities (by CP3 permit only), is cleared of blowdown and open for the season. (6/3/2024)
- A temporary bridge was installed over the LaBier Flow Dam on Gulf Brook Road in the Boreas Ponds Tract, restoring access to the Four Corners Parking Area at the terminus of Gulf Brook Road for pedestrians and motorists. (10/20/2022)
Other areas in East Central Adirondacks:
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.
- Site #3 (Pike's Beach) in the Hudson River Special Management Area is no longer a designated campsite. Repairs to Campsite #4 have been completed and it is now open. The Motorized Access Program For People With Disabilities (MAPPWD) routes remain open for access to the river. (11/12/2024)
- The bridge at the outlet of Shelving Rock Brook in the Day Use Area, near Shelving Rock Bay, has been removed due to unsafe conditions. Hikers should be prepared to ford the stream, or use the trails from parking lots 5 and 8 to reach the day use area and shoreline. (9/18/2024)
- The second bridge on the Shelving Rock Brook Trail is out. Be prepared to cross the stream. (9/4/2024)
- All MAPPWD routes in Lake George Wild Forest are open. (5/29/2024)
- Due to washouts in Lily Pond Road, only four-wheel drive and other high clearance vehicles should be used. (5/2021)
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness
- The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
- The Mill Brook bog bridge has been removed due to its deteriorating condition. The Pharaoh Lake Trail remains open. Users should expect wet conditions when crossing. Hikers can use the DECinfo Locator online map to explore alternative trails to reach Pharaoh Lake. (9/2024)
- Where the Pharaoh Lake trail crosses the Mill Brook is snowy and covered with water up to shin-deep and will likely remain that way through the winter. (12/2/2024)
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). (10/19/2024)
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.
- 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. (7/19/2024)
- The bridge across Little Woodhull Creek on the Stone Dam Trail is out. (1/9/2024)
- 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. (05/05)
- The Little Salmon Outlet Bridge on the South Lake-Herkimer Landing Road has been replaced (11/2021)
- 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. (2019)
- 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. (2016)
- Nick's Lake Outlet Trail to Remsen Falls may be rough and grown in. (2016)
- 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. (2016)
- 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. (2016)
- 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. (2016)
- Haskell/West Creek Road is a rough road, and 4-wheel drive trucks, SUVs and other high clearance vehicles are recommended. (2016)
- 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. (2016)
- 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. (2016)
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 Lost Lake Trail bridge over the Middle Branch Lake outlet has several deck boards that are damaged, please exercise caution. (5/7/2024)
- The bog bridging across the outlet of Middle Settlement Lake (on the Middle Settlement Lake Trail, west of the lean-to) is in disrepair. All users should either exercise caution when passing through or cross at an alternate location. (07/21/2022)
- Lost Lake Trail has been flooded by beaver activity a half mile east of Lost Lake. (7/2021)
- Moose River Mountain Trail has heavy blow down and is difficult to follow at times. (2016)
Independence River Wild Forest (Stillwater Reservoir, Big Moose & 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.
- Water will be turned off at the Otter Creek Assembly Area (Independence River State Forest) following Columbus Day weekend. (2024)
- 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. (7/3/2024)
- The bridge on Pine Lake Trail at the Pine Lake inlet is currently flooded – wading through standing water is necessary to cross. (5/7/2024)
- 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.
- Shallow Lake Bridge is complete, although the trail is very wet beyond the bridge. (10/21/2024)
- The bridge across Constable Creek on the Constable Pond-West Mountain Trail has been replaced. (10/1/2024)
- 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 (2016).
- Cascade Lake Trail is wet and very muddy on the north-west section of the trail around Cascade Lake. Be alert of trail reroutes (2016).
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.
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 truck and ATV use is not permitted anywhere on this easement land. Expect enforcement.
- The Spruce Mountain Fire Tower is currently closed until a safety assessment can be performed on the structure. The Fire Tower on Hadley Mountain is a nearby alternative. (9/28/2023)
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.
- The ski and snowshoe trails will be open on 12/3/2023. If there is snow, please use skis or snowshoes. The trails are groomed periodically throughout the winter.
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.
- DeBraine-Trout Lake Trail has significant storm damage starting at DeBraine Lake and going towards Trout Lake. Hikers will encounter a large area of wind-thrown and tangled trees. Navigating to Trout Lake will be difficult. DEC staff has flagged a route around the worst areas and will work to remove the blowdown and restore trail conditions. (9/16/2024)
- Powley Road which provides access to Ferris Lake Wild Forest is open for the season. (5/22/2024)
- The Mud Pond trail gate off Billy Hamlin Road is closed. (2021)
- Billy Hamlin Trail is eroded rough and rocky and very wet in places. (2020)
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 closed to motor vehicles for the snowmobile season. Please park across the road entrance. (12/9/2024)
- Northville-Placid Trail
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. (2021)
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. (2021)
- Hikers using the Northville-Placid Trail may have trouble crossing West Stony Creek during high waters following rains. (2021)
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 closed for the season. (12/11/2024)
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. (6/2021)
Wilcox Lake Wild Forest
- The Wilcox Lake Wild Forest webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities.
- 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. (9/28/2023)
- 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. (2020)
- The bridge over Georgia Creek on Cotter Brook Trail is out. When water is high, this spot is difficult to cross (2020)
- Dayton Creek on the East Stony Creek Trail is crossable except during high water conditions. (2020)
