Camping Season Starts, Rail Trail Work Underway & ADK Happenings

Camping season has begun, there’s an update on the High Peaks shuttles, rail trail work is underway, and more – see what’s going on in the Adirondacks!

Your ADK News to Know for Camping, Hiking & More in the Park

Don’t Just Grab Firewood From Your Backyard!

As camping season gets underway, the DEC and State Parks remind us of important firewood regulations to follow to prevent the spread of invasive species. Many people don’t realize if they grab firewood for camping from their backyard or neighborhood, it could be hiding eggs, larvae, spores, adults, or seeds of invasive species.

“We all have a role to play in protecting our parks and forests from the risks of invasive species that can be carried on firewood,” Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said in a statement. “By leaving their firewood at home and using only local sources, campers can help slow the spread of disease and protect our precious natural resources.”

Untreated firewood should not be moved more than 50 miles from its source of origin, and folks must carry the source, origin, or treatment documentation whenever transporting firewood.

No Shuttles for Adirondack Hikers This Year

The shuttles have been shuttered for another year. A network of shuttle buses was put in place to help manage the heavy hiker traffic in the Keene Valley area, but they did not take off last year due to COVID. Unfortunately, it’s not happening for 2021 either.

Adirondack Explorer reports that while the four shuttles are at the ready, they do not have a safe plan in place for picking up and dropping off hikers and turning around on busy Route 73; the drop-off and turnaround require parking space that does not exist without taking away from the (already limited) parking available. In addition, major roadwork is set to take place in the area this summer.

old train tracks — *Photo credit: Alan Nudi*

Rail Trail Work Is Underway in the Saranac Lake Region

Here is a project coming to fruition: the much-talked about, drawn-out, and controversial rail trail project from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake was finally approved toward the end of last year, and work has been underway.

North Country Public Radio reported on Saranac Lake residents coming out to watch the action, as train tracks are pulled up along the 34-mile stretch. When complete, the trail will be multi-use and open to hikers, snowmobilers, and more.

Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Opens This Weekend

Natural Stone Bridge & Caves in Pottersville opens tomorrow, Friday the 21st. You can purchase tickets online ahead of time to explore the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern US. The self-guided cave trail offers spectacular sights of Adirondack geology.