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Trail Conditions

 

Current Conditions in the Adirondack High Peaks Region

                                           Compiled on: May 17, 2012

For the most up-to-date information on trail conditions in the Adirondack High Peaks, call the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) at 518-523-3441 Ext. 21 or send an email to backcountry@adk.org.

Interior Conditions

Wilderness conditions can change suddenly. Weather conditions may change at any time. All users should plan accordingly, including bringing flashlight, first aid equipment, extra food, plenty of water and clothing. Weather conditions may alter your plans; always be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods.

Fire Danger: MODERATE

Route 73 will be open this weekend, previous reports of its closure were wrong.

Victoria Day Weekend: This weekend is a Canadian holiday. Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness should be aware that trailhead parking lots and interior campsites may reach capacity. Plan accordingly and seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondacks during this high use weekend.

FURTHER INFO for Canadians (and others).

Trail Conditions: Recent rains have resulted in wet and muddy trails. Wear waterproof footwear and gaiters, and walk through – not around – mud and water on trails to avoid further widening and eroding trails.

Summits: Conditions on summits are more extreme – lower temperatures and stronger winds.

Water Levels & Temperatures: Recent rains have raised water levels into the normal range for May. Water temperatures are cold and, although no longer required, all boaters and paddlers should wear PFDs

Biting Insects: "Bug Season" has begun in the Adirondacks. Now until the end of summer Black Flies, Mosquitoes, Deer Flies and/or Midges (No-see-ums) will be present. Wear light colored clothing, long sleeves and long pants; rap a rubber band around sleeves at the wrist; tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks; pack a headnet to wear when insects are thick and use an insect repellant with DEET following the label directions.

Dog owners: Dogs must be leashed in the Eastern High Peaks when on trails, at primitive tent sites, at lean-to sites, everywhere above 4,000 feet, or at other areas where the public congregates. It is recommended dogs be kept leashed in most areas for the safety of the dog, the protection of wildlife and as a courtesy to fellow hikers.

Bear Resistant Canisters: The use of canisters is required by campers in the Eastern High Peaks from April 1 to November 30 and recommended throughout the Adirondacks. Pack all food, toiletries and garbage in canisters.

Marcy Brook Behind Marcy Dam: Crossings of Marcy Brook should be accomplished as described below.

Hurricane Irene Damage to Trails: Some bridges are missing and trails have been rerouted. Low water crossings have been created near the location of missing bridges. Trails may be hard to recognize and drainages may be mistaken for trails. The ability to navigate by map and compass is essential.

Please be aware that accessing the Forest Preserve through the rest areas is prohibited. In accordance with New York State Regulation §156.3(d), vehicles may not be left unattended in the rest area, unless the operator or passenger is within the rest area. Also parking of vehicles for longer than three hours during the hours of darkness is not permitted in accordance with §156.3(c).

NOTICES

Closed Trails:

Eastern High Peaks Wilderness

  • The Southside Trail from the Garden Trailhead to John's Brook Outpost

  • The Cold Brook Trail between Lake Colden and Indian Pass

Dix Mountain Eastern High Peaks Wilderness

  • The Colvin Range Trail from the summit of Blake Peak south to Pinnacle and beyond to the Mt. Marcy-Elk Lake Trail

Adirondack Mountain Reserve

  • The northernmost cross-over trail between the East River Trail and the West River Trail. The other four cross-over trails are open and may be used to travel between the East River and West River Trails

 

South Meadow Road: The road is open to motor vehicle traffic. The Town of North Elba has removed the barriers.

Elk Lake Trailhead: The Clear Pond gate is now open. The trailhead can be accessed by motor vehicles.

Marcy Brook Crossings: The footbridge over Marcy Dam was washed away during Hurricane Irene. A reroute has been created downstream of the dam (the Squirrel Crossing) which currently consists of well-packed snow and is usable. Crossing the ice above the dam is not recommended at this time as the ice remains thin due to the brook’s current. Another option is to use the Marcy Dam Truck Trail from South Meadows Trailhead to access the trails on the east side of Marcy Brook.

Marcy Dam to Avalanche Pass: This section of trail is extremely muddy. Also beware of ice coming off cliffs in the Knee Knocker section of Avalanche Pass.

Trap Dike: A fixed rope was placed in the lower reaches of the Trap Dike this winter. It was frozen and covered in snow and ice. As it is unknown how many ice axes and crampon spikes may have pierced the rope over the winter is must be considered unsafe and should not be used. DEC will remove the rope as soon as it is reasonable to do so.

Corey’s Road: The road is open to motor vehicle traffic.

Elk Lake-Marcy Trail: The bridge is out in Marcy Swamp and there is light blowdown between Marcy Swamp and Panther Gorge Lean-to.

Calamity Brook Trail: A reroute has been created around two former bridge crossings over Calamity Brook.

East River Trail: The bridge over the Hudson River is out, use the nearby flagged ford (low water crossing).

Hanging Spear Falls Trail: A 1/3 mile reroute has been created near the campsite, north of the state land boundary.

Duck Hole-Henderson Lake Trail: The bridge over Roaring Brook Bridge near Duck Hole is out.

Indian Pass Trail: The Wall Face Bridge is out and the Henderson Bridge is damaged, the trail between the two bridges contains blowdown.

Klondike Trail: The bridge over South Meadow Brook is out. The Mr. Van Trail and the Marcy Dam Truck Trail can be used as a detour to reach South Meadow Road.

Calkins Creek Horse Trail: Two bridges are out, the trail is impassable for horse drawn wagons and difficult for horses.

VanHovenburg Trail: A reroute has been created below the Phelps Trail to bypass a heavily damaged section.

Avalanche Pass Trail: Heavy cobbles, debris or mud can be found at various locations between Marcy Dam and Avalanche Lake is quite deep in spots. Hikers may need to leave the trail to avoid problem areas.

Duck Hole Pond: One side of the dam has washed away and the pond is dewatered.