DEC Issues Recreational Use Advisory for Adirondack and Catskills Backcountry Regions

ALBANY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises the public to exercise an abundance of caution when recreating in the Adirondack and Catskill backcountry areas, including the High Peaks Wilderness Area, and consider alternative plans or adjusting your travel dates.

Warmer temperatures and rain have contributed to intense, severe, and dynamic conditions across the Adirondacks and Catskills. Key winter routes are now impassable due to washed out bridges, thawed water crossings, and flooding. Even navigable trails present additional hazards, as compacted snow may appear to be a solid surface but often leads to post holing or sinking through to the ground level. This can happen with boots, skis, and even snowshoes. DEC staff have encountered up to two feet of standing water on frozen lake surfaces, damage to high water bridge crossings, and snow slides on steep terrain.

On the Calamity Brook Trail, the high-water bridge 1.8 miles from the Flowed Lands, is now washed out and impassable. Water crossings that are frozen and reliable in the winter should no longer be considered safe. These areas also present additional hazards as high snowbanks and ice must be navigated to get down to water level for crossing. Water crossing conditions can change dramatically throughout the day, especially on warm and rainy days. A passable stream at the start of a hike can quickly become a life-threatening crossing on the way out. The East Branch of the Neversink River in the Town of Denning, Ulster County, has been quick to rise and fall.

DEC is committed to providing updates to backcountry conditions but urge recreationists to reconsider backcountry excursions while conditions remain unstable. Each year, experienced backcountry hikers unnecessarily risk their lives attempting to cross dangerous water crossings in order to avoid a longer trip in the backcountry. DEC advises all recreationists to know your route and multiple alternatives, be prepared to wait for water levels to lower, and plan on longer-than-anticipated detours.

If you do venture out there, remember to Hike Smart NY! Inform loved ones of your detailed trip itinerary, travel with an experienced hiking partner, and pack headlamps, emergency shelter, additional food and non-cotton clothing, along with the rest of the 10 Essentials systems. To learn more about hiking safety essentials, visit DEC's Hike Smart NY webpage.