Many Adirondack trails reopen; Dix Wilderness still closed

by Brian Mann on September 8th, 2011

A bit of a patchwork currently as to what’s open and what’s closed in the High Peaks region of the Park. Here are the latest details provided by New York’s Conservation Department.

Note that even areas that have reopened include trails that “have not been assessed at this time. Hikers may encounter blowdown, eroded trails and flooding.”

EASTERN HIGH PEAKS WILDERNESS

The Eastern High Peaks Wilderness is open to public recreation however the following of trails remain closed:

·     All trails out of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (Ausable Club)

·     The Deer Brook Trail from Route 73 to Rooster Comb

·     The Southside Trail from the Garden Trailhead to John’s Brook Outpost

·     The Orebed Trail from John’s Brook Valley to the Range Trail (between Saddleback and Gothics)

·     The Wolfjaw Trail from John’s Brook Valley to the Range Trail (between Lower and Upper Wolfjaws)

·     The Cold Brook Trail between Lake Colden and Indian Pass.

·     The Elk Lake Trail between the Elk Lake Trailhead and Panther Gorge.

Trails that are not closed are not necessarily in good condition, trails may have heavy erosion and cobble, bridges washed out, blowdown and flooding.

Hikers must pay close attention as many trails may not look like they had before the storm. Many trails have been rerouted to avoid heavily damaged sections and eroded drainages can be mistaken for trails. The ability to navigate with a map and compass is important.

Both newly developed and previous low water crossings may not be passable due to high water conditions.

The bridge on the road to the Garden Trailhead will be closed to motor vehicles this weekend (9/9-11). Pedestrians can cross the bridge. The Town of Keene will be operating a shuttle bus from the Marcy Field parking area to the corner of Market Street and Adirondack Road (approximately 1.25 miles away from the Garden Trailhead) from 12 pm to 7 pm on Friday and from 7 am to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The Adirondack Loj Road and the South Meadow road are open to motor vehicle traffic.

GIANT MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS

The Giant Mountain Wilderness is open to public recreation however all trails from trailheads on Route 73 between the Hamlet of Keene Valley and the Route 9 intersection are closed.

State Route 73 is closed between the Hamlet of Keene Valley and the Route 9 intersection.

All trails starting from the trailheads on Route 9 and Route 9N are open.

Giant Mountain may also be accessed via the Hopkins Mountain Trail from the Ranney Trail.

Many of these trails have not been assessed at this time. Hikers may encounter blowdown, eroded trails and flooding.

DIX MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS

Dix Mountain Wilderness remains closed. DEC continues to evaluate the condition of trails and, with assistance from our partners, work to have trails reopened in the near future.