A month after Tropical Storm Irene blew through the region, several hiking trails in the High Peaks remain closed. David Winchell, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said no new trails would reopen this weekend.
The following are still closed:
Southside Trail from the Garden in Keene Valley to the ranger outpost on Johns Brook.
The Deer Brook Trail from Route 73 to Snow Mountain.
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Cold Brook Trail between Lake Colden and Indian Pass.
The trail from Elk Lake to Panther Gorge.
The trail over the Colvin Range from Blake Peak to Pinnacle and beyond.
Most trails in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve are open. Still closed are the carry trail between Upper Ausable Lake and Lower Ausable Lake and all trails originating near the upper lake. Also closed are the first two crossover trails between the East River Trail and the West River Trail.
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Winchell said DEC has cleared blowdown from most of the trails that have been reopened, but hikers may encounter erosion and flooding.
Phil,
Just to confirm, the Colvin and Blake trail from AMR is open correct? We were hoping to take the Gill Brook trail and up to Colvin and Blake next weekend (this weekend is looking like a wash out!).
Also, in your opinion is it better to hike Dix from Rt 73 (Round pond) or the more traditional route from Elk Lake?
Thanks so much for your timely updates and valuable opinion,
Lu and Lo
Yes, you can take that route to Colvin and Blake. The trail is closed beyond Blake.
As far as the best way to get to Dix, I don’t have a preference. I have usually started at NY 73 because that trailhead is closer to my home.
“Winchell said DEC has cleared blowdown from most of the trails that have been reopened, but hikers may encounter erosion and flooding.”
Phil, how are the trails holding up? Were my fears of undue trail damage and erosion in these areas quickly re-opened unfounded?
Paul, as far as I know most of the trails are in pretty good shape. I don’t think hiking on them is going to cause any more damage than usual.
Phil,
Thanks glad to hear I was wrong about that.