Memorial Day Weekend is one of the biggest hiking weekends each year in the Adirondacks. Trailhead parking areas will fill up early and overflow crowds are expected throughout the High Peaks Wilderness Area.
In an effort to help disperse crowds beyond the High Peaks Wilderness Area to lesser used and known trails and hikes across the Adirondacks, Protect the Adirondacks has published online trail guides to 100 terrific destinations throughout the Adirondack Park. These online trail guides provide maps and information for 100 trails in all corners of the Adirondacks Park.
The online trail guides includes description of hikes, pictures, and maps. They also include information about the trail length and difficulty as well as education about Leave No Trace hiking etiquette to protect the natural resources of an area as well as the experiences for other hikers. The pictures showcase the beauty of these areas. These hikes are generally shorter and easier hikes than most of the popular hikes in the High Peaks Wilderness.
“These 100 online trail guides promote hikes outside the heavily used High Peaks Wilderness Area. The online guides showcase 100 terrific hikes for people of all ages and abilities to mountains, firetowers, bogs, remote lakes, and waterfalls. These are wonderful places, many off the beaten path, that are far outside the busy High Peaks Wilderness,” according to Peter Bauer, Executive Director of Protect the Adirondacks.
While the recent High Peaks Strategic Advisory Group report called for dispersal of public hiking to areas outside the High Peaks Wilderness, and local governments and state agencies have also called for dispersal to other parts of the Adirondacks, there has not been one place for visitors to get good information about other wonderful places to explore. The 100 online trail guides provide visitors with all the information they need to have a great hike in the Adirondack Park. Trails are organized by county.
“Hiking is the easiest outdoor activity for a person to undertake. That’s why it’s so popular. As long as somebody can get to the trailhead, it’s a highly accessible activity,” Bauer said. “Unlike canoeing or skiing or mountainclimbing or mountainbiking there is little special equipment or skills that someone needs to have a safe and rewarding hiking experience. We’re hoping that these online trail guides, which we’ll keep working to update and expand to spotlight more places across the Adirondacks, will help individuals and families to plan out great and safe trips to stunningly beautiful destinations beyond the High Peaks in other places all across the Adirondacks.”
All hikers should be prepared for their hike with water and food, appropriate clothing, headlamp or flashlight, map and compass, and be prepared to responsibly deal with human waste. Hikers should educate themselves about Leave No Trace hiking etiquette.
The 100 online trail guides are posted under “Hiking Trails” on the Protect the Adirondacks’ website.
Photo of High Peaks overuse courtesy High Peaks Advisory Group.
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