Southside Trail · The Garden

The High Peaks Wilderness has many trails that cross rivers and streams without bridges.

These 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.

The Boreas Ponds Lean-to offers the only designated camping location on Boreas Ponds currently.

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.

The Avalanche Lake Designated Campsites have been closed.

These 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.

The access trail to Feldspar Lean-to has a bridge with a broken stringer, over the Opalescent River.

This 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.

The Town of Keene prohibits parking along Johns Brook, Market, and Adirondack Streets in Keene Valley.

Violators will be towed.

The Mr. Van Ski Trail between the Van Hoevenberg Trail (to Mt. Marcy) and the South Meadow Trail is currently flooded with beaver activit…

The 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.

Be prepared to wait out high water if you encounter this on your return.

Please exercise caution and educate yourself about fording streams in the backcountry.

Calkins Creek Crossover Horse Trail has a broken bridge and a washed out bridge.

The 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.

The gate at Clear Pond is closed for the winter and will remain closed until after spring mud season.

Hikers 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.

The interior register box at Duck Hole, along the NPT, has been damaged/destroyed.

DEC will be replacing this register box sometime in late 2026. Please plan ahead and prepare for backcountry trips in this area.

DEC and other agencies will be enforcing the No Parking Zones along State Route 73.

Hurricane Mountain WildernessThe roof on the Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower has been damaged.

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!