Current Adirondack Trail Conditions: What Hikers Can Expect This Season
Get Current Trail Conditions & More Info
Check out current trail conditions, gear recommendations, and tips for trails below. Stay safe and leave no trace!
Recent Trail Closures, Conditions & Notices to Know About
Here's the latest from the DEC on specific roads/trails/etc:
Five Ponds Wilderness: Campsites 14 and 19 on Stillwater Reservoir are closed through October 2 for improvements. Red Horse Trail- Hikers will need to navigate around two bridges that have washed away between Witchopple and Clear Lakes, and beaver flooding between Salmon and Witchopple Lakes. A trail crew will be working on the trail 9/8 – 9/17, and may be camped at the lean-to or along the trail during this period.
Cranberry Lake Wild Forest: The Massawepie Conservation Easement is now open to the public for the season.
Independence River Wild Forest: Campsites 35 and 41 on Stillwater Reservoir are closed through October 2 for improvements.
Five Ponds Wilderness: Red Horse Trail- Hikers will need to navigate around two bridges that have washed away between Witchopple and Clear Lakes, and beaver flooding between Salmon and Witchopple Lakes. A trail crew will be working on the trail 9/8 – 9/17, and may be camped at the lean-to or along the trail during this period.
Forked Lake Campground: Attention boaters, backwoods campers, and hunters - Forked Lake Road from North Point Road to the Forked Lake Campground will be closed to all traffic starting on 9/11 for a bridge replacement project. DEC will notify when it’s reopened. Be aware that access to the campground parking and boat launch will be shut off starting on 9/8.
Upper Chateaugay Boat Launch: NYSDEC will be closing the Upper Chateaugay Boat Launch site starting 9/21 for up to 3 weeks for construction. During this time, the entire facility will not be accessible for any purposes to the public. Thank you for your patience during these necessary repairs.
Jessup River Wild Forest: Watch Hill Trail- Hikers travelling from the second overlook to Indian Lake need to stay on the current marked trail. Construction of a new segment of trail will resume in September and this section is taped off with caution tape.
Lake George Wild Forest: Trail marker colors on Cat and Thomas Mountain are being updated to improve navigation in the area. Intersections provide directional signage that reflect the marker color changes. Please be mindful and prepared to adapt.
Wilcox Lake Wild Forest: Please be aware that wasp nests have been reported at the southern end of the Murphy Middle Bennett Trail between Creek Road and Bennett Lake.
Forked Lake Campground: Attention boaters, backwoods campers, and hunters - Forked Lake Road from North Point Road to the Forked Lake Campground will be closed to all traffic starting on 9/11 for a bridge replacement project. DEC will notify when it’s reopened. Be aware that access to the campground parking and boat launch will be shut off starting on 9/8.
Upper Chateaugay Boat Launch: NYSDEC will be closing the Upper Chateaugay Boat Launch site starting 9/21 for up to 3 weeks for construction. During this time, the entire facility will not be accessible for any purposes to the public. Thank you for your patience during these necessary repairs.
High Peaks Wilderness Complex: The bridge on the Avalanche Pass Trail right at the Algonquin Trail Junction, north of Lake Colden, has been replaced. DEC High Peaks Trail Crew and DEC Ray Brook Trail Crew teamed up to replace this bridge. Thanks to staff from DEC's Forest Rangers, Lands and Forests, and Operations, Mitchel Stone Products LLC, and NYS Police Aviation for the planning and execution of this project.
Forked Lake Campground: Attention boaters, backwoods campers, and hunters - Forked Lake Road from North Point Road to the Forked Lake Campground will be closed to all traffic starting on September 11 for a bridge replacement project. DEC will notify when it’s reopened. Be aware that access to the campground parking and boat launch will be shut off starting on 9/8.
Upper Chateaugay Boat Launch: NYSDEC will be closing the Upper Chateaugay Boat Launch site starting on Tuesday, September 8 for approximately two weeks to repair the boat launch entrance road. During this time, the entire facility will not be accessible for any purposes to the public. Thank you for your patience during these necessary repairs.
Fire danger is currently low throughout New York State. Continue to be safe with campfires.
Please report any damage you see to: info.r5@dec.ny.gov
General Tips for Summer Hiking
*Black flies and ticks are out so wear proper (light, long, tucked-in) clothing to prevent and detect them, and check for ticks after your hike.
*Pack high-energy snacks - your body burns more calories hiking in the cold, and hydration is equally as important in chilly weather as it is in summer heat.
*Carry more water than you think you need, and consider a filter if you're planning a longer hike with access to streams.
*Research your destination before going, and have a backup plan in mind. Parking lots fill quickly.
*Start earlier than you think you need. Besides getting a spot in the parking lot (they do fill up fast), you could avoid a common afternoon thunderstorm.
*Prepare for heat and humidity, especially at lower elevations. Wear moisture-wicking clothing, use sunscreen, and take breaks in shaded areas as needed.
*Keep an eye on the weather. Mountain weather can change quickly. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, avoid exposed summits, fire towers, and ridgelines.
*Download maps before you go. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent on many trails.
See the National Weather Service for the Northern Adirondacks >>
View the National Weather Service for the Southern Adirondacks >>
Do Your Research Beforehand
Preparing thoroughly before reaching the trailhead ensures you're ready for the challenges ahead.
One of the big things to research is the trail itself. Confirm that the trail you are hiking is suitable for you and is within your skill level. Be realistic when judging your hiking ability to avoid a dangerous situation.
Researching the current trail conditions is another wise thing to do. Apps like “AllTrails” can show other hikers' recent experiences on the trail and give insight into its current state.
Part of your preparation should include understanding the rules and regulations specific to the trail you plan to hike. Respecting both the land and fellow hikers is essential for everyone's safety.
Trailhead Parking
Summer weather brings these trailheads to life, resulting in crowded parking lots and limited parking.
Trailhead parking lots will fill up quickly on lovely days, and many hikers will arrive early in the morning. Be mindful of this, and always have backup trails in mind!
From May 1 through October 31, reservations are required to access the parking lot, trailheads, and trails on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). AMR is a privately owned 7,000-acre property in the Adirondack High Peaks region, and a popular place for summer hiking.
For a list of frequently asked questions and reservations, visit AMR's website: https://www.hikeamr.org/
Pack the Proper Gear
Half of the battle when hiking is having everything you need. The DEC recommends 10 essential items:
- Navigation
- Insulation/Rain Gear
- Light
- First Aid Supplies
- Emergency Kit
- Fire
- Nutrition
- Water
- Sun and Insect Protection
- Emergency Shelter
In the summer heat, you can never have enough water and nutrition. Hikers should also bring multiple forms of navigation, including a map, compass, GPS, or other device, to use on top of the trail markers.
Half of the battle when hiking is having everything you need. The DEC recommends the following in winter:
- Day pack that can hold all your gear
- Water and high energy snacks
- First aid kit
- Trail map and compass or GPS unit
- Extra clothing, including extra hat, socks, and mittens
- Plastic whistle (avoid metal)
- Microspikes or crampons
- Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
- Pocket knife
- Trekking poles
- Bivy sack, space blanket, and heavy duty garbage bags for emergency shelter
- Fire starter kit: matches in waterproof container and cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly
Note that trails have limited cell service, so downloading Google Maps or "AllTrails" maps is useful to do before leaving home.
Sunrise/Sunset
Remember to look at a site like Weather.com to see when sunrise and sunset will be in your location. You don't want to be caught out past dark without a headlamp. It's getting darker earlier now!
As of September 10,, sunrise is at 6:30am and sunset at 7:11pm.
Bears & Bear Canisters
Bear canisters are required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks between April 1 and November 30. They are encouraged throughout the Adirondack backcountry.
All food, food garbage, toiletries, and other items with a scent should be stores in the bear canister. The canister should be stored a minimum of 100 feet from tents, lean-tos, and cooking sites, and kept closed when not in use.
No Overnight Camping at Trailheads
Just a reminder, there is no overnight camping at trailheads or at other roadside locations where a camping disc is not present. This includes car/van/RV camping.
Campers should seek out designated roadside campsites marked with a "camp here" disc or a campground.
When camping, always carry out what you carry in and dispose of trash properly. Use designated bathroom facilities, pack out human and pet waste, or dig a cat hole.
Mount Colden Trapdike Reminder
The trapdike is considered a technical climb. It's not a hike. Climbers who take this on need to be prepared with helmets, ropes, and climbing gear to ascend the route.
Hikers looking to summit Mount Colden should do so via the hiking routes. Attempting to climb the trapdike unprepared can result in a rescue operation, serious injury, or death.
Report Backcountry Emergencies to This Number
Report emergencies like lost or injured hikers and wildland fires to the DEC Ray Brook Dispatch at 518.891.0235.
Follow This DEC Account
Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts can follow @NYSDECAlerts on Twitter (X) for real-time updates to help you better prepare for your outing. This account provides updates for DEC-managed lands throughout the state, including the Adirondacks.
For weekly trail updates, visit the DEC website >>
Make sure you Leave No Trace on the trails >>
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