Adirondack Park Sign

Backcountry Information For The Adirondack Park

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Emergency Situations: If you get lost or injured; keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service, call 911 or the DEC Forest Ranger Emergency Dispatch, 833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264). To see a list of forest rangers in the Adirondack Park see the list for Region 5 rangers, and Region 6 rangers.

Rock Climbing Route Closures: Every spring into mid-summer, DEC closes certain rock climbing routes that have peregrine falcon nesting sites, in order to prevent disturbances of this endangered species and to protect climbers. As of April 1, updated rock climbing route closures for the season have been posted. They are listed at Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures webpage.

New this week (6/19/2025):

  • High Peaks
    • High Peaks Wilderness: Armstrong Mountain, State Range Trail: There is a damaged ladder on the north side of Armstrong coming from Upper Wolf Jaw. DEC anticipates replacing this in July. The current ladder is in disrepair, with several broken or loose rungs.
  • Western
    • Cranberry Lake Wild Forest: As of Saturday, June 14, 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.

High Peaks

Adirondack Canoe Route/Northern Forest Canoe Trail

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.

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 access to Boreas Ponds, is open for the season.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • There is a damaged ladder on the north side of Armstrong coming from Upper Wolf Jaw. DEC anticipates replacing this in July 2025. The current ladder is in disrepair, with several broken or loose rungs.
  • The bridge over The Branch on the Elk Lake Marcy Trail has a damaged ramp on the west side. The bridge itself is safe, but broken planks on the ramp make using that side of the bridge a challenge. DEC will be repairing the bridge in ramp in mid-June.
  • 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 2nd 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 gate to Corey’s Road is now open.
  • Meadows Lane has been opened for the summer season. Please observe No Parking Signs along the first half of the road and only park at designated parking locations.
  • 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.
  • The gate at Clear Pond is open from spring until October. 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    • 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:

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.
  • As of Thursday, May 15, 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.
  • Public access to Pleasant Lake via the Pleasant Lake Access Road on the Grass River Conservation Easement is open for the season.
  • Public motorized access to the Long Pond Conservation Easement via the Main Haul/Granshue Road is open for the season.
  • Public motorized access to Allen Pond via the Allen Pond Road on the Tooley Pond Conservation Easement is open for the season.
  • Due to hazardous conditions, public motorized access to the Forest Preserve River Corridor via the Spruce Mountain Road will remain closed until conditions are improved. Public non-motorized access to this location via the Spruce Mountain Road is open for the season.
  • While public motorized access is closed until the end of mud season, public non-motorized access to the Forest Preserve River Corridor via the Windfall Road or Buckhorn Road on the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement is open for the season.
  • As of Friday, March 21, snowmobile trails are closed for the season.
  • As of Sunday, 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 Sunday, December 15, public non-motorized access on trails, roads, and overland on the Cranberry Forest Conservation Easement 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 Thursday, 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.
  • As of Friday, March 21, 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.
  • 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.
  • Effective April 1, the trail from Floodwood Road, Santa Clara, to Tupper Lake is closed to all users until construction is complete in fall 2025. This section is an active construction zone until this notice is lifted.

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.
  • All public access roads on this easement are open.
  • The Madawaska Road will be open on June 9th. A section of the road going up a hill is partially eroded, so it is recommended that only high clearance vehicles be used on the 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.
  • Work has begun on improving the separation distance between campsites at Follensby Clear Pond. This month five new campsites will be built, and five existing campsites will be closed and restored to a natural condition.
  • Seasonal use roads Connery Pond Road, Saint Germain Pond Road and Little Clear/Little Green Road are reopened.
  • 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 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.

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:

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

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:

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.

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.
  • As of Friday, June 6th, the Goodman Mountain Trail in Tupper Lake (Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest) is closed until further notice due to the presence of a bull moose observed for an extended period of time. The closure is a precautionary measure to protect public safety and minimize disturbance to the animal. DEC Forest Rangers will be actively enforcing the closure. Visitors are asked to seek nearby alternatives such as Coney Mountain (1.0) or Mount Arab (1.0).
  • Otterbrook Road and Lower Dam Road are now open.
  • Snowmobile trails are closed for the season.
  • 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.
  • The Otterbrook Road will undergo maintenance during the summer and fall seasons of 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).
  • The Student Conservation Association (SCA) and DEC Operations recently completed improvements to 15 primitive campsites on Bridgebrook Pond and Tupper Lake which included rebuilt fire rings, privy maintenance, sign replacement, hazard tree removal, and the addition of new privies to 2 sites. (Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest).

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 Friday, March 21, 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.
  • As of Saturday, June 14, 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.

Five Ponds Wilderness

  • The Five Ponds Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
  • The Wanakena Primitive Corridor is flooded approximately one mile south of the trailhead due to beaver activity. Users should expect wet conditions and be advised that there is no visible way around this section. Repair work is scheduled for this spring/summer.
  • 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.
  • 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).

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.
  • All public motor vehicle road mud gates have been opened.

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:

West Central

Lake Eaton Campground Access

  • Temporary limited access to campground and day use areas at Lake Eaton to allow for culvert repair work March 1 – May 15. Construction can affect general day use, lake access, and snowmobile travel. The project is planned to be completed for the opening of the camping season. Construction crews will be present, and visitors should maintain a safe working distance at the site.

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.
  • Township 19 Conservation Easement - O’Neil Flow Road is open. High clearance vehicle is recommended to access Barker Pond Road.
  • Township 20 Conservation Easement - Minerva Club Road is open for the season. Pickwickett Pond Road (access to Fishing Brook) is closed to passenger vehicles due to bridge damage. Non-motorized uses, except hunting/trapping, are permitted to the previously accessible parking area at Fishing Brook. The river can be accessed farther east at County Line Flow.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • The Moose River Plains entrance gates are closed for mud season. Passenger vehicle access is restricted.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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 wet and muddy conditions. Be aware of potential washouts due to spring runoff. 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.
  • The gates into Essex Chain Lakes from the Newcomb side (North) and seasonal gates on Chain of Lakes Road South are all open. Users should exercise caution and be aware of changing road conditions throughout the season.
  • Deer Pond Road gates are open.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • Old Military Road and Jessup River Road are open for the season. 
  • Please be advised that due to a partial collapse, the Pillsbury Mountain Observer’s Cabin has been removed from the summit of Pillsbury Mountain. The former cabin site will be cleaned up by year’s end.
  • 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.
  • Old Military Road is open. Jessup River Road will be fully open for the season on Friday, May 30. Use caution and avoid wet spots on the road.
  • Mud Lake Road remains closed.
  • All roads within Speculator Tree Farm and Perkins Clearing are open for the season.

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 is under construction through the second week of June. Improvements are being made near the falls. Please stay on the designated trail and take care with your footing as the viewing area will be limited during this time.
  • 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. 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.
  • 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.
  • The Roosevelt Trail, a motorized access route for people with disabilities (by CP3 permit only), is cleared and open for the season with the updated access code for the current year.
  • 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. 

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.
  • Campsite #5 in the Hudson River Special Management Area is closed for remediation.
  • Lily Pond Road is open. Four-wheel drive and high clearance vehicles are recommended due to road conditions.
  • Gay Pond Road remains closed due to mud season.
  • Dacy Clearing Road (beyond Hogtown Parking Lot) is open.
  • 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.
  • The second bridge on the Shelving Rock Brook Trail is out. Be prepared to cross the stream.

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

  • The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness webpage provides information about the unit and its recreational opportunities, and a map of the unit.
  • The bridge over Mill Brook on the Pharoah Lake Trail is out. This bridge is located a little over 1 mile from the trailhead. The Pharoah Lake Trail is closed at that point. The Crab Pond Trail can still be accessed from the Pharoah Lake Trail prior to reaching Mill Brook.

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.
  • 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.
  • Nick's Lake Outlet Trail to Remsen Falls may be rough and grown in.
  • 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 Lost Lake Trail bridge over the Middle Branch Lake outlet has several deck boards that are damaged, please exercise caution.
  • 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.
  • Lost Lake Trail has been flooded by beaver activity a half mile east of Lost Lake.
  • Moose River Mountain Trail has heavy blow down and is difficult to follow at times.

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.
  • The Big Otter Lake Trail is being 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.
  • All mud season gates have been opened.
  • Water at the Otter Creek Assembly Area has been turned on for the season.
  • 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 bridge on Pine Lake Trail at the Pine Lake inlet is currently flooded – wading through standing water is necessary to cross.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 a safety assessment can be performed on the structure. 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.

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.
  • Powley Road, which provides access to Ferris Lake Wild Forest, is open for the season.
  • 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.
  • The Mud Pond trail gate off Billy Hamlin Road is closed.
  • Billy Hamlin Trail is eroded rough and rocky and very wet in places.

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.
  • 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.

Important Links

New York's Forest Preserve
Help Maintain a Trail - Volunteer Today!
Trail Supporter Patch
State Land Regulation
Outdoor Safety
Camping and Hiking Rules
Reducing Human Bear Conflicts in the Backcountry
Rock Climbing Route Closures
High Peaks Wilderness Management Zones
Adirondack Day Hikes
Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Region 5 Route86, P.O. Box
296 Ray
Brook, NY 12977

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