What’s New in the Adirondacks?

Giant. Algonquin. Marky. Quebec hikers have been dreaming of these Adirondack peaks for two years. They can now return to their beloved paths. Some things have changed. Others don’t.

Mary Tison
The Press

A new reservation system for parking at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR), a territory that provides access to popular peaks like Gothics, Upper Wolf Jaw or Noonmark, should simplify a lot of things.

Local authorities implemented this system in 2021 as part of a pilot project. It was essentially a question of safety: when the official parking lot was full, hikers parked on the side of the road, in an area where the road is winding and traffic is fast.

The State of New York has therefore banned roadside parking in the area and set up the reservation system, completely free, which applies from 1^er May to October 31. The initiative has its advantages: it is frustrating to drive two hours to realize that you cannot park near your favorite path.

On the other hand, it is necessary to do it in advance to reserve your place: you can make the reservation between 12 noon and two weeks in advance.

Even those arriving by bike and those being dropped off by a friend must make a reservation. Each booking is for one car or van, and can cover up to eight people.

There are other official parking lots in the area, such as those serving Giant Mountain, which are not subject to the reservation system. But it is not allowed, after parking, to cross the road to go to the territory of the AMR.

In an email sent to The Pressthe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) said it followed the recommendations of a High Peaks Area Planning Advisory Committee and also consulted with communities. local communities and outdoor enthusiasts before implementing this measure.

Shuttles

Another pilot project of the 2021 season will be back this year: a shuttle for hikers between the large Marcy Fields parking lot and the trailheads for Giant Mountain and Rooster Comb. This will be in service on weekends and holidays. The frequency will be approximately one shuttle per hour. It is therefore necessary to plan your exit well.

Quebec hikers are already familiar with the shuttle that leaves from Marcy Fiels to serve the small Gardens parking lot, which fills up in record time on weekends. The Gardens provides access to Big Slide Mountain and more remote peaks, such as Basin and Haystack. This shuttle will still be in service this year.

Another thing has not changed: the trail to Mount Cascade. NYSDEC planned to move a good section of the trail in 2019 to start at a safer location. Parking on Route 73 was perilous to say the least, with a succession of curves and fast-moving traffic. NYSDEC informed The Press that the new path is not yet completed. Hikers will therefore not be out of place by parking in the original location.

The Mount Ampersand Trail was also scheduled for new parking in 2019, but NYSDEC has yet to begin the planned work.

There’s nothing new about the Adirondack Loj parking lot, which provides access to beautiful peaks like Marcy and Algonquin. The regulars know that you have to get up very, very early to find a place.

Info

In 2020, NYSDEC set up kiosks at the start of some trails to provide information and educate new hikers about mountain safety and Leave No Trace principles. This initiative will also be back this year.

You must be fully vaccinated (two doses) to enter the United States by land. It is wise to bring proof even if customs officers do not always ask for it. You must also complete the ArriveCAN form to be able to return to Canada. As this task can be done up to 72 hours in advance, it is possible to take care of it before you even leave home for a day of hiking in the Adirondacks.