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Recreate Locally, Safely, and Responsibly

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 03/26/2020 12:51 PM EDT

DEC Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Bulletin

March 26, 2020

During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature is a way to help maintain our mental and physical health. Scientific studies show that time outside in nature, especially among trees, significantly reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, energy, and sleep, and boosts the immune system.

DEC encourages New Yorkers to recreate locally. Please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH's guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19 by choosing trails close to home, avoiding potentially busy trailheads, keeping at least six (6) feet of distance between you and others, avoiding direct contact with other people, and staying home if you are showing or feeling any sign of symptoms.

Seek out less-used trails and waters and avoid busy trailheads. If you arrive and find a trailhead is crowded, seek out another place to recreate.

General Conditions

  • HIKE SMART NY by always being prepared for your trip, variable trail conditions, and unexpected weather when you go out on the trail. 

  • The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has recommendations for responsible outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

  • Ice is thinning. No ice should be considered safe at this time. 

  • Trails are a mix of mud, ice and snow. Mud and ice are present at low to moderate elevations and there is still deep snow in the highest elevations. Trail crampons and snowshoes are still recommended for all hikes.  

  • Seasonal access roads are closed for the spring mud season. The roads will reopen to public motor vehicle use once they have thawed, dried and hardened and all necessary repairs and maintenance are complete. 

  • All snowmobile trail systems are closed for the season. 

  • Water levels in streams and rivers are high, currents are swift, and water temperatures are extremely cold.