Hiking & Backpacking


DEC Primitive Area Sign

If you want to hike and backpack, there are literally hundreds of marked and unmarked trails crossing our Adirondack Northway, from end to end. Remember in winter months, take all survival gear like food, lighters, fire starters, tarp, line, knife, hatchet, extra socks and sweater, etc., travel in parties of two or more, register at sign in points. It's best to wear a layer of good wool, including a cap, and have a good Gore-Tex water and wind proof parka shell as your final layer. Dress in layers and expect and wind, snow and rain. The ADK, or Adirondack Mountain Club maintains a lot of the trails, especially in the Keene Valley, High Peaks Region.



  • 3 days or less in one place without permit.
  • Parties 10 or more need a permit, or if you plan to stay 3 or more days.
  • Don't camp within 150' of a stream or lake or 100' from a marked trail, unless marked with a DEC plastic tent tag as a campsite.
  • Put fires dead cold out, build a fire ring with rocks.
  • Only use dead and down firewood, no fires above 3000' or in High Peaks Special Zone
  • Carry out what you brought in. Be a good outdoorsperson as always.
  • Don't be afraid to clear out a blocked trail or pick up some extra trash.
  • Carry out or bury deep any organic garbage for sanitary reasons.
  • Here's the official state rules, Click Here.
campfire at night
Some Interesting Links
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Outdoor Page
NYS DEC trail conditions
The Backpacker.com guide to Pottersville - Lake Placid Trail and Siamese Ponds
Adirondack.com Hiking page Trails broken down by counties
Adirondack Forums Discussion BB for Outdoorsmen
AlpineZone.com - The Northeast Guide to Mountain Adventure
Adirondack Journey
Schroon Lake from Mount Severance
Schroon Lake from Mount Severance, an easy starter hike
Participating Establishments