High Peaks Wilderness · near Adirondak Loj
In the area of the Opalescent River crossing there is extensive flooding. There are several social trails in this area to try and avoid the deepest parts. Old sections of bog bridging are floating and not reliable. DEC is working on a plan to fix this in the coming years.
Read on DEC's siteThe portion of the trail crossing private land has been closed to public use by the landowner. Trespassing on those lands is now prohibited. The summit of Little Porter Mountain can still be accessed from the Marcy Field Trailhead or the Cascade Mountain Trailhead.
Read on DEC's siteAll hiking is closed during this time.
Read on DEC's siteThese crossings require some planning when there is rain in the forecast or there is high water. Several of these crossings can rise significantly during a rainstorm, being easily crossed in the morning and by afternoon more challenging.
DEC is working on a plan to source materials and repair the roof. The damage does not impact users safety, though you might get wet if it is raining!
Read on DEC's siteUpdated from DEC · DEC's page
Not affiliated with NYS DEC. Conditions change — verify with DEC before you go. Emergencies: 911 or 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.
Parking fee: $25/day non-members ($15 after 1 p.m.); $10/day ADK members ($6 half day). 2026 rates.
Distances are as the crow flies.
Trail map from NY State DEC. DEC's page for High Peaks Wilderness.
Prior to DEC's construction of the 2 designated campsites on Boreas Ponds, primitive camping must be done at least 150' from the shoreline. Signage is installed at impacted sites within 150' of the shoreline to remind campers not to use these areas and to camp at an appropriate distance. Thank you for helping to protect the natural resource and the Wilderness Experience of all future users by following the 150' rule when selecting a site.
Read on DEC's siteThese 2 sites were located south of Avalanche Lake, between the lake and Caribou Jct. The closure was related to the 2025 Landslides on Mt. Colden. DEC is in the planning process to relocate these campsites.
Read on DEC's siteThis bridge serves the Lean-to and Campsites and is access off the southern end of the Lake Arnold Trail. Please use caution if utilizing the bridge. DEC is starting the planning process to replace the bridge and will share updates as they are available.
Read on DEC's siteViolators will be towed.
Read on DEC's siteThe Mr. Van Ski Trail between the Van Hoevenberg Trail (to Mt. Marcy) and the South Meadow Trail is currently flooded with beaver activity and several bridges missing. Hikers should avoid using this segment of the trail as it is impossible to traverse without wading through various water levels. Hikers choosing to access the Klondike Trail or the Mr. Van Lean-to can access this from the South Meadows Trailhead and South Meadow Trail.
Read on DEC's siteThe first bridge coming from the Raquette Falls trail (~.5 miles from junction) is broken and unsafe for Horse use. This bridge will be removed in 2025 to allow for safer passage by horses and a plan developed for replacement. The 2nd bridge (~1.0 mile from junction) has been washed downstream but ability to ford this crossing is with horses and rock hop for hikers is clear.
Read on DEC's siteHikers must park at the Upper Elk Lake Road parking lot on the west side of the Elk Lake Road approximately 2.3 miles south of the Elk Lake Trailhead. Please respect the parking rules to help ensure this access is maintained and there are no impacts to fire and rescue access.
Read on DEC's siteDEC will be replacing this register box sometime in late 2026. Please plan ahead and prepare for backcountry trips in this area.
Read on DEC's siteThe amendments describe the management, access, and public recreational opportunities available for the lands and waters on this tract of land.
Read on DEC's siteParking at the trailhead and hiking the trail are prohibited on weekends.
Read on DEC's siteEach year there are multiple rescues and injuries that result from hikers underestimating the climb. If you venture, know your limits beforehand, do not rely on any ropes or webbing that are left in the Trap Dike, and it is strongly recommended that you wear a helmet.
Read on DEC's siteThose climbing these peaks should navigate with a map and compass rather than follow the paths created by others.
Read on DEC's sitePlease respect areas marked with cones and flagging so that the crews and equipment can accomplish this task.
Read on DEC's sitePlease call for current year's code at 518-623-1200.
Read on DEC's siteThe brook is passable during low water conditions.
Do not trespass on AMR lands and waters or participate in any unauthorized activities.
Read on DEC's siteThe Hidden Cove Lean-to on the eastern shore of Long Lake, in the Adirondack Canoe Route Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness, will be worked on throughout the fall of 2026 starting the weekend of 10/17. Please do not disturb staged building materials. A notice will be posted if the lean-to is unavailable.
Read on DEC's siteThe Adirondack Canoe Route is part of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) which links the waterways of New York, Vermont, Québec, New Hampshire and Maine.
Read on DEC's siteThere is a temporary cover for this hole. DEC has started the planning process to repair/replace this lean-to.
Read on DEC's siteNo past alerts for this trail since we started keeping track in October 2026.