September 24, 2000

Hiking and Camping in the Adirondacks

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Most people think of the High Peaks and Mt. Marcy when they think of the Adirondacks. The Adirondack Preserve covers over 6 million acres. That's more than the total land area of Massachusetts. Thus, there are many destinations outside the High Peaks. These offer a wide variety of terrain, from canoe passages to hardwood forests, from steep mountain climbs with panoramic views (yes, there are mountains outside of the Peaks) to remote, wild lakes.

Planning your trip

A good place to start is the DEC's Trip Planning page. Also be sure to visit the DEC's Backcountry and Hiking Rules page and their Adirondack Forest Preserve page. Nothing is worse than finding someone else's trash and filth at a campsite after a long day's hike. With proper planning, you can do your part to keep the backcountry clean.

For recommended destinations, visit the DEC's Places to Go in the Adirondacks page and Adirondacks Come to Life. If you'd like to make your trip an educational one, the Adirondack Mountain Club runs several programs every year.

Packing for the trip

There is no right way to decide what to take, but there are some basic guidelines that will help ensure you have a safe, well-prepared backcountry experience. Get advice from professionals at the DEC's Hiking Safely page.

Check the conditions

Before you leave, be sure to contact the forest ranger for your chosen area. These professionals spend their days in the country you wish to hike, and can provide important information that will save you from a wasted trip or worse. Click these links for phone numbers for the rangers in Region 5 and Region 6.

Also be sure to check the weather:

• Current Weather Forecast for New York State
• Weather Underground
  Current conditions for New York
• Intellicast
• National Warnings Area of the National Weather Service
• National Weather Service: National & Local Forecasts
• The Weather Channel on-line
• World Travel Net—World Weather Guide Homepage
• World Weather Database

Last but not least...

Leave the ranger's and other emergency phone numbers with someone at home, along with a copy of your itinerary. If you are overdue, the person at home can contact the ranger and let him know where you were supposed to be. It also helps if you check in and out at the trailhead registers—searchers can quickly scan the register to determine if and when you were even in the area. While this may sound like a bother, you'll be grateful for anything that helps the rescue team narrow down your location and find you faster should you get hurt.