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:
DEC Region 5 Hiker Surveys: When you're signing in and out at certain trailheads in the High Peaks region, you might notice a new poster with a QR code to a survey for hikers. Please spend 5 minutes taking this survey! It helps the DEC better understand day-of hiker preparedness and expectations, and will help improve their educational messaging. Email R5@dec.ny.gov if you see any posters are damaged or loose.
Adirondack Rail Trail: The DEC is temporarily closing a segment of the Adirondack Rail Trail between NY 186 and McMaster Road to assist agencies investigating a small plane crash that occurred on July 13. Please avoid this area until further notice.
Ferris Lake Wild Forest: The bridge that goes over North Creek heading towards Waters Mill Pond has been removed and plans to replace it will take place this winter and into the next year. Anyone looking to access Waters Mill Pond from the west will need to ford the creek.
Fire danger is currently moderate throughout most of the Adirondacks, and low in the High Peaks region and St. Lawrence County. 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.
As of July 23, sunrise is at 5:35am and sunset at 8:27pm.
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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