Trail Conditions

Compiled on: May 16, 2013

Backcountry 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 Campfires are prohibited in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness.

 

Victoria Day Weekend: This is a Canadian holiday weekend. Trailhead parking lots and interior campsites reach capacity in the region, especially in the Eastern High Peaks. Plan accordingly and seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve to avoid crowds. READ DEC TIP for Canadian Friends

Muddy Trail Advisory: Hikers are advised to avoid trails above 3000 feet to protect the trails and surrounding vegetation which are very vulnerable at this time of year. Hikers can cause severe erosion of trails and significant damage to vegetation. Steep, wet and muddy trails are also very slippery. Hikers are asked use low and mid-elevation trails at this time. READ DEC Muddy Trail Advisory (Includes a list of alternate approved trails.)

Bear Activity: Bears are becoming active in the backcountry. The use of bear-resistant canisters to store all food, toiletries and waste is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness and encouraged throughout the Adirondacks.

Biting Insects: Now until the end of summer Black Flies, Mosquitoes, Deer Flies and/or Midges (No-see-ums) will be present. Follow these steps to minimize the nuisance of biting insects: Wear light colored clothing; Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, and tuck shirts into pants; Button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist; Tuck the bottom of pant legs into your socks; Pack a headnet to wear when insects are thick; and Use an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.

 

Summits: Conditions on and near summits are more extreme – snow, ice, strong winds and cold temperatures.

Route 73 Road Construction: Construction has been postponed. All trailhead parking areas for Cascade Mountain, Porter Mountain and western Pitchoff Mountain are open. Use caution around the construction signs and materials.

Old Military Road Construction: Road construction is underway Old Military Road which connects Route 73 and Route 86. A detour through the village of Lake Placid is required. Construction is expected to be completed by Memorial Day Weekend.

 

Blowdown: Blowdown may be present on trails especially lesser used trails. Plan accordingly.

 

NOTICES

 

 

Corey's Road: The gate is closed for the spring mud season. It will reopen when the road has dried out and is suitable for motor vehicle traffic.

 

Marshall and Other Trailless Peaks: Many of the herd paths found on 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.

 

Northville-Placid Trail: The trail contains a large area of blowdown near the Seward Lean-to. A detour around the blowdown has been marked with pink flagging.

 

South Meadow Road: The Town of North Elba has blocked the South Meadow Road for the winter. Cars may park in the area near the roads end at the intersection with the Loj Road.

 

Elk Lake Trails: The two trails that cross the Elk Lake Lodge Lands - Elk Lake Trail to the southern High Peaks Wilderness and Hunter Pass Trail to the southern Dix Mountain Wilderness - are open for public use. However, the gate a Clear Pond remains closed adding 2 miles to a round trip hike. Plan hikes accordingly.

 

Marcy Brook Foot Bridge: A new bridge has been constructed over Marcy Brook. It is located approximately 200 feet below Marcy Dam, upstream from the low water crossing that had been in use since Hurricane Irene washed away the old bridge over Marcy Dam.

 

East River Trail: The bridge over the Hudson River is out, use the nearby flagged ford (low water crossing). An ice bridge does not form at the ford, so crossing the river at this point will always entail wading through the water. Crossing when water levels are high or when water temperatures are cold can be risky.

 

Bradley Pond Trail: The first bridge on the Bradley Pond Trail is damaged and unsafe to use. The stream can be forded at that location. The second bridge, which crosses Santanoni Brook, is tilting. It can be used with caution.

 

Southside Trail: DEC has closed the Southside Trail from the Garden Trailhead to John's Brook Outpost and is not maintaining it at this time.

 

Cold Brook Trail: DEC has closed the Cold Brook Trail between Lake Colden and Indian Pass and is not maintaining it at this time.

 

Trap Dike: Fixed ropes, harnesses and other equipment are often abandoned in the Trap Dike. Due to the age, weatherizing and wearing of these materials they are unsafe and should never be used.

 

Deer Brook Trail: The low water route through the Deer Brook Flume on this trail to Snow Mountain remains impassable due to severe erosion.

 

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

 

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.