Safety is important whether you are day hiking
or winter backpacking. Proper planning, preparation, proper clothing
and taking appropriate gear along are essential to a safe and
enjoyable excursion.
Before
You Leave plan ahead. Learn about the area ahead of time.
Study the latest guidebooks and maps that give information
on highways, trails, streams and other physical features.
Plan your trip carefully according to routes and the
time you have available. Check weather reports before
you set out.
Prepare yourself physically. If your planned recreation calls for considerable
physical exertion, get in shape beforehand. Do not attempt a trip that
is beyond your physical capabilities.
Leave word of your destination and schedule. In order to locate you in
an emergency or send assistance should you need it, leave word at home
or with a friend as to where you are going and when you intend to return.
Know the rules and guidelines for appropriate behavior for the area you
are visiting.
On The Trail
Dress appropriately for the season and where appropriate
hiking shoes or boots. Layered clothing is best to
meet changing weather conditions. If cool or wet conditions
can be expected it is recommended that you avoid cotton
clothing, which insulates poorly when wet and dries
very slowly.
Carry a compass and a topographic map of the area and know how to use both.
Take along appropriate equipment and supplies. A day pack containing rain
gear, extra warm clothing, high energy food, water, first aid kit, pocket
knife, whistle and matches in a waterproof container are recommended. Sunglasses
and insect repellent are also handy.
Do not drink water from ponds or streams unless you have treated it first
by boiling, filtering or using purification tablets.
You should sign in at any Department of Environmental Conservation trail
register you may pass. This will assist us in finding you should we need
to search for you.
If
You Get Lost or Someone is Injured
If you become lost, keep calm, stay dry, keep warm and stay put.
If it appears that you will need to spend the night in the woods, build a
campfire to provide heat, light and comfort. A campfire will be invaluable
in locating you if you have been reported missing. Aircraft may be used in
searching when weather permits and smoky campfires may be spotted from the
air
If the weather is particularly cold or bad and you must spend the night in
the woods, also build a small shelter using dead branches, hemlock boughs
and leaves. The shelter will serve as a "cocoon" and should be
just big enough for you to lie in comfortably. Set up camp before darkness
falls.
If you feel you can try and find your way out of the woods, remember that
following streams downhill will nearly always lead you back to signs of habitation.
Any person knowing you are overdue should contact the New York State Forest
Ranger in the area of your trip.
In case of accident, at least one person should remain with the injured person.
Know and use basic first aid techniques. Others in the group should carefully
note the location and contact the local New York State Forest Ranger.
The falls are a series of short and wide cascades on the Raquette
River totaling more than 40 feet. An interesting elevation phenomenon
occurs making the river appear to be elevated above the surrounding
bedrock.
Very short walk, very scenic, care should be take during wet weather
because of wet rocks. Buttermilk Falls is a treat to visit any
time of the year and almost every visitor to the area should make
the Falls one of their destinations. The entrance to the falls
is on the right side of the North Point Road, 2.1 miles from the
intersection with Rte. 28N/30. A sign by a small parking area marks
the entrance. This spot, with tables and fireplaces is an excellent
choice of a site for a picnic. A short walk to the falls is fine
for all ages. There is a 2.5 mile canoe carry around the falls.
Bring your camera as this is an excellent photo opportunity.
Directions
5 miles SW of Long Lake: From Long Lake, take NYS route 28/30 south
for 3 miles to North Point Road, or North 7.7 miles from the
hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake. There will be a sign here that
says "Buttermilk Falls." Turn SW onto North Point Road,
and follow it for 2.1 miles. Look for sign on the right for the
falls, where there will be a parking area and a short path leading
to the falls. Search
AdirondackExperience.com
The
rules associated with using Department of Environmental Conservation
managed public lands in New York State for recreational purposes are
relatively simple
and straightforward.
Hiking and back country camping are allowed on Forest
Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well as State Forest
areas. Generally, camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management
Areas and other categories of state land. Hiking is generally permitted
anywhere but special requirements apply to mountain biking and horseback
riding.
Some
specific units in the forest preserve may have regulations that are
different
than the rules and guidelines listed below!
For information about the 52 Department of Environmental
Conservation campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, visit DEC
Campground Information. The rules and guidelines for the use of New York
State's public lands are generally as follows:
Except
where marked by a "Camp Here" disk camping is prohibited
within 150 feet of roads, trails, lakes, ponds, streams or other
bodies of water.
Groups of ten or more persons or stays
of more than three days in one place require a permit from
the New York State Forest Ranger responsible for the area.
Lean-tos are available in many areas on a
first come first served basis. Lean-tos cannot be used exclusively
and must be shared with other campers.
Use pit privies provided near popular camping
areas and trailheads. If none are available, dispose of human waste
by digging a hole 6"-8" deep at least 150 feet from water
or campsites. Cover with leaves and soil.
Do not use soap to wash yourself,
clothing or dishes within 150 ft of water.
Drinking and cooking
water should be boiled for 5 minutes, treated
with purifying tablets or filtered through
filtration device to prevent instances of giardia
infection.
Fires should be built
in existing fire pits or fireplaces if provided.
Use only dead and down wood for fires. Cutting
standing trees is prohibited. Extinguish all
fires with water and stir ashes until they
are cold to the touch. Do not build fires in
areas marked by a "No Fires" disk.
Camp stoves are safer, more efficient and cleaner.
Carry out what you
carry in. Practice "leave no trace" camping
and hiking.
Keep your pet under
control. Restrain it on a leash when others
approach. Collect and bury droppings away from
water, trails and camp sites. Keep your pet
away from drinking water sources.
Observe and enjoy
wildlife and plants but leave them undisturbed.
Removing plants, rocks, fossils or
artifacts from state land without a permit is illegal.
The storage of personal property on state land is prohibited.
Carry an approved flotation device
for each person aboard all watercraft.
Except in an emergency or between
December 15 and April 30, camping is prohibited above an
elevation of 4000 feet in the Adirondacks.
