New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Adirondack Mountain Reserve

Adirondack Park Permits: Could Johns Brook Valley Be Next? Some History

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Johns Brook LodgeThe institution of a permit system at the Ausable Club’s Adirondack Mountain Reserve surprised and confused some hikers and would-be hikers. Many didn’t realize that third most popular High Peaks Wilderness Area access point, through the Club’s lands in the Upper Ausable Valley, was privately owned.

A similar situation holds at the Johns Brook Valley, another popular access point just northwest. That area is owned by the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), it faces similar parking challenges and is just as susceptible to a future permit system. [Read more…] about Adirondack Park Permits: Could Johns Brook Valley Be Next? Some History

DEC, Private Club Piloting High Peaks Hiker Reservation System

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Crowded conditions along Rte. 73, High Peaks Wilderness region. Photo by Ken RimanyThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Ausable Club have announced a pilot reservation system to access the Club’s private lands, the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). Since 1978 the State has held a conservation easement on Club/Reserve lands which allows limited access to some of the more popular places in the Adirondack Park’s High Peaks Wilderness Area.

A press release from DEC cited “reliable access” and public safety along Route 73 among the reasons for the change. The pilot program is slated to run for three years according to DEC. [Read more…] about DEC, Private Club Piloting High Peaks Hiker Reservation System

Ausable Club Shrinking Hiker Parking, Member Services

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Ausable Club courtesy Wikimedia user MwannerThe 134-year-old Ausable Club in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks in Keene, will not fully reopen this summer according to an announcement being circulated to members by club president John A. Sargent.

The Club has also reduced available public parking spaces at the parking lot at the corner of Ausable Road and Route 73 which hikers use to access trails across the club’s land into the High Peaks. The lot had held about 80 cars, but will be reduced to just 28. That number coincides with agreements previously reached with New York State and the Town of Keene, Sargent said. [Read more…] about Ausable Club Shrinking Hiker Parking, Member Services