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Entries Tagged as 'climb'

DEC Alerts Hikers to Muddy Conditions in the High Peaks

May 6th, 2013 · No Comments · Adirondack News

Hikers Should Temporarily Avoid High Elevation Trails in the Adirondacks

NYSDEC LogoWith the start of a new season of outdoor hiking and recreation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) urges hikers to be cautious and postpone hikes on trails above 3,000 feet until early June when muddy trail conditions are expected to improve.

Trails and vegetation in the higher elevations are most vulnerable at this time of year when melting snow saturates thin soils found on the steep slopes of the mountains and much of the vegetation growing in high elevations is surviving on the edge of existence. Hikers can cause severe erosion of trails and significant damage to vegetation.

DEC urges hikers to avoid hiking on high elevation trails during mud season. Specifically, all trails above 3,000 feet in the Dix, Giant and High Peaks Wildernesses but also any high elevation trails on steep slopes throughout the Adirondacks.

Hikers are also more likely to slip and injure themselves on steep, wet and muddy trails.

On the lower elevation trails, snows melt sooner, soils are thicker and dry more quickly, slopes are not as steep and vegetation is less sensitive to damage from hikers. Even lower elevation muddy trails are less susceptible to erosion.

Hikers are encouraged to wear waterproof footwear and gaiters and to hike through, not around wet and muddy portions of trail to avoid widening the trails or creating “herd paths” around those areas.

DEC asks hikers to avoid the following trails:

  • High Peaks Wilderness Area – all trails above 3,000 feet; where wet, muddy, snow conditions still prevail, specifically: Algonquin, Colden, Feldspar, Gothics, Indian Pass, Lake Arnold Cross-Over, Marcy, Marcy Dam – Avalanche – Lake Colden which is extremely wet, Phelps Trail above John Brook Lodge, Range Trail, 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.

DEC suggests the following alternative trails for hiking, subject to weather conditions:

  • Debar Mt. Wild Forest:
  • Azure Mountain
  • Giant Mt. Wilderness:
  • Giant’s Washbowl
  • Roaring Brook Falls
  • High Peaks Wilderness:
  • Ampersand Mountain
  • Cascade Mountain
  • Porter Mountain from Cascade Mountain (avoid all other approaches)
  • Big Slide
  • The Brothers
  • Hurricane Mountain Wilderness
  • The Crows
  • McKenzie Mt. Wilderness:
  • Baker Mountain
  • Haystack Mountain
  • Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area:
  • Pharaoh Mountain
  • Saranac Lakes Wild Forest:
  • Panther Mountain
  • Scarface Mountain

Hikers who wait for drier conditions will protect natural resources and trails. Also, the trails will be in better condition later in the season, making for a safer and more enjoyable hike.

DEC’s website contains additional information on :Adirondack Trail Information or contact the DEC Forest Rangers at (518) 897-1300.

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Danger, Avalanche

September 14th, 2012 · No Comments · Adirondack Life

Seems like a sketchy activity. (via @LavaDR)

Update: Such behavior can be tragic. Dropped: The Death of Pete Absolon (via @TCD on Adirondack Forum)

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Early Spring Results in Many Hiking Rescues

June 20th, 2012 · No Comments · Adirondack Life

The Adirondacks - Our Great National Playground

We had a mild-Winter and Spring appeared almost instantly this year. This resulted in a plethora of hiking related Search and Rescues by DEC.

  • Accidents can happen. Always carry a first aid kit and contact the DEC Forest Rangers at 518-891-0235 in backcountry emergencies.
  • Drink plenty of water, eat food to keep up you energy and rest often.
  • Always carry a map and compass, and know how to use them. Carry a flashlight or headlamp at all times.
  • When hiking in groups, even pairs, stay together – know the location of all group members at all times. Don’t hike alone.
  • Monitor your health and carry any required medication with you when hiking.
  • Be prepared to spend an unexpected night in the woods and pack plenty of food and water, extra clothing, flashlight/headlamp, ensolite pads, stove and extra fuel, and bivy sack or space blanket.
  • Always inform someone of your itinerary.
  • Know your route, the terrain and your physical capabilities.

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