News item: spring.mud
Spring mud season alert: Stay below 3,000 feet
During spring mud season, trails are particularly vulnerable to erosion. The spring thaw creates mud
that penetrates much deeper into the soil than the surface mud created by summer rains, and trails
are thus more easily damaged by hikers’ boots. Alpine vegetation, which is fragile and endangered
to begin with, is also particularly vulnerable at this time. It is therefore best to stay off
higher elevation trails during early spring.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation institutes a voluntary trail closure in the Eastern High Peaks during this time of year that asks hikers to refrain from traveling above 3,000 feet. This protects alpine vegetation and prevents trail erosion. More information on trail conditions in the Adirondacks can be found on the DEC Web site or by contacting the DEC Forest Rangers at 518-897-1200.
Closure typically runs from May through early to mid-June. If you are planning a trip to the High Peaks during this period, please call the ADK High Peaks Information Center at 518-523-3441 or the DEC to learn about trail conditions and whether the voluntary closure is in effect.
All trails above 3,000 feet – wet, muddy, snow conditions prevail, specifically at:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation institutes a voluntary trail closure in the Eastern High Peaks during this time of year that asks hikers to refrain from traveling above 3,000 feet. This protects alpine vegetation and prevents trail erosion. More information on trail conditions in the Adirondacks can be found on the DEC Web site or by contacting the DEC Forest Rangers at 518-897-1200.
Closure typically runs from May through early to mid-June. If you are planning a trip to the High Peaks during this period, please call the ADK High Peaks Information Center at 518-523-3441 or the DEC to learn about trail conditions and whether the voluntary closure is in effect.
Trails to Avoid:
High Peaks Wilderness Area
All trails above 3,000 feet – wet, muddy, snow conditions prevail, specifically at:
- Algonquin
- Colden
- Feldspar
- Gothics
- Indian Pass
- Lake Arnold Cross-Over
- Marcy
- Marcy Dam
- Lake Colden
- Range Trail
- Phelps Trail above Johns Brook Lodge
- Skylight
- Wright and all trail-less peaks
Dix Mountain Wilderness Area
- All trails above Elk Lake and Round Pond
Giant Mountain Wilderness Area
- All trails above Giant’s Washbowl, “the Cobbles,” and Owls Head
Weather permitting, alternative trails for hiking:
Debar Mt. Wild Forest
- Azure Mountain
Giant Mountain Wilderness
- Giant’s Washbowl
- Roaring Brook Falls
High Peaks Wilderness
- Ampersand Mountain
- Cascade
- Big Slide
- Brothers
- Porter from Cascade (avoid all other approaches)
Hurricane Primitive Area
- The Crows
- Hurricane Mountain from Route 9N
McKenzie Mt. Wilderness
- Haystack Mountain
- McKenzie Mountain
Pharoah Lake Wilderness Area
- Pharoah Mountain
Saranac Lake Wild Forest
- Baker Mountain
- Panther Mountain
- Scarface Mountain
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Updated: December 28 2023
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