New York DEC Issues Updated Notice on Trail and Campground Conditions and Closures

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) continues to review and update state trail and campground closures in the Adirondack and Catskill regions.  While some state trails continue to be impassable or inaccessible due to the impacts from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, most trails are now open. In the interest of public safety, DEC will continue to assess conditions to determine if new closures are necessary as well as when remaining trails and campgrounds can be reopened.

Catskill Area Campgrounds

The following Catskill public campgrounds have been reopened and are expected to stay open through Columbus Day weekend:

• Keneth Wilson Campground, Town of Woodstock, Ulster County
• Little Pond Campground, Town of Andes, Delaware County
• Mongaup Pond Campground, Town of Rockland, Sullivan County
• North-South Lake Campground, Town of Hunter, Greene County

A list of open and operational DEC campgrounds is continuously being updated on the DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/76659.html. The public should be aware that many state and local roads may be inaccessible to travel and access to campground areas could be limited. Those planning to visit the Adirondack or Catskill regions this weekend should call ahead or check for road closure information at the Department of Transportation’s webpage at http://511ny.org/.

Catskill Area Trailhead Parking Lots

The following Trailhead Parking Lots will remain closed, primarily due to local road closures:

Catskill Area Trails

Recent trails assessments indicate that most trails closed earlier this month can be reopened.  Wind damage was relatively minor, and while uses should expect to encounter some blowdown on most trails, no trails will need to remain closed due to wind damage.  Heavy rain and subsequent flooding impacted many roads throughout the region, and to a lesser extent some trails.

However, the following trails remain closed to do erosion and/or the loss of a critical bridge:

• Ashokan High Point Trail, Town of Olive, Ulster County
• Colgate Lake Trail, Town of Jewett, Greene County
• Kaaterskill Falls Trail,  Route 23A, T/Hunter, Greene County
• Lost Clove Trail, Town of Shandaken, Ulster County
• Oliverea-Mapledale Trail, Town of Shandaken, Ulster County
• Seager-Big Indian, Town of Hardenburgh, Ulster County

Trails that are not closed still may have bridges washed out and water levels in most rivers and brooks are at spring-high water levels. Crossings may be impassable at this time. These trails may also have blowdown, eroded sections or flooded areas. Pay close attention as 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.

Adirondacks:

The Eastern High Peaks Wilderness is open to public recreation however, the following 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 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 and may have heavy erosion and cobble, bridges washed out, blowdown and flooding. Therefore, 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 is restricted to 6000 pounds. 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) on Saturdays and Sundays.

Dix Mountain Wilderness is open to public recreation. The main Adirondack Mountain Reserve Trailhead at the Ausable Club is open as are both trails that lead to the summit of Nippletop (The Henry Goddard Leach Trail and the Gill Brook/Elk Pass Trail). However, trails to the Colvin Range (Mt. Colvin, Blake Peak and Pinnacle) remain closed.

The Giant Mountain Wilderness is open to public recreation.  The Roaring Brook Falls Trailhead is open for use.

Current details regarding conditions of open trails and the closures may be found on the High Peaks Trail Information web page: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9198.html.

Hikers and campers in both the Catskill and Adirondack areas could still encounter flooding, bridge wash outs, trail wash outs and blowdown. Hikers are advised to plan accordingly and be prepared to turn back when conditions warrant. The ability to navigate with a map and compass is important. Hikers should be able to navigate by map and compass.

Emergency crews and staff continue to clear and repair trails. The list of closed trails and conditions for open trails are available on DEC’s Adirondack Trail Information web page (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html). Information on closures and conditions of Catskill Preserve trails can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/76659.html .  This information will be updated as trails are assessed and reopened.

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