This list was painstakingly compiled by Kim VanEvera at Adirondack Wilderness Adventures. She had hiked most of these trails and It is now posted in her memory. Kim was very supportive and helpful when I was creating Visit Sacandaga and since originally posted I have had to do some more research and add to the original descriptions. I plan to hike all these myself in the future and bring you photos and my accounts of the hike!

Important Information from the DEC

Trails Supporter Patch

The Trails Supporter Patch is available for $5 at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold, on-line and via telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Patch proceeds help maintain and enhance non-motorized trails throughout New York State.

Protect Yourself

Important safety tips and guidelines for all outdoor recreational activities.

  • Hiking trails can be rough and rugged – they are not maintained as park walkways – wear boots or shoes designed for hiking. Wearing sneakers, sandals, or other shoes on trails can be uncomfortable and may result in injuries.
  • Know the rules and regulations.
  • Know the weather forecast; plan and prepare based on current and forecasted conditions.
  • Know and plan for the route and terrain that you plan to hike and the conditions you may encounter.
  • Adirondack Backcountry Information provides general information, seasonal conditions, and specific notices on closures and other situations involving trails, roads, foot bridges, parking lots, lean-tos, campsites and more.
  • Pack a day pack with the following gear:
    • Map and compass
    • Flashlight or headlamp
    • Food and water
    • Extra clothing
    • First aid kit
  • Keep together when hiking in groups – always have at least the person in front of you and the person behind you within your sight and all of the group within hearing distance.
  • Sign in and out of all trail registers that you encounter – for groups only one person should sign in.
  • Call the DEC Central Dispatch at 518-408-5852, or in the Adirondacks 518-891-0235, to report a lost, injured or stricken hiker or other backcountry emergency.
  • Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you are new to hiking. Find a DEC licensed guide.

Respect Others

Be respectful and courteous towards your fellow adventurers by following trail etiquette:

  • Be courteous of all other users regardless of their sport, speed or skill level.
  • Hike in single file, especially when approaching other hikers.
  • Stay to the right and pass on the left when safe and appropriate.
  • Allow faster hikers to pass by.
  • When coming up from behind politely make them aware of your presence and desire to pass.
  • On narrow trails, yield to oncoming hikers. Hikers going downhill should yield to hikers going uphill.
  • Hikers on foot bridges and bog bridging have the right of way, allow them to complete their crossing before stepping onto the bridge or other structure.
  • Keep pets under control
  • Enjoy and respect wildlife from a distance – do not disturb
  • Park in designated parking areas – do not block gates, entrances, exits or other vehicles.

Protect the Lands & Waters

Know the rules of the area where you will be hiking.

  • Know the principles of Leave No Trace (leaves DEC website)
  • Don’t litter – Carry out what you carry in.
  • Do not remove or damage trail markers.
  • Stay on trails – don’t trample vegetation, especially sensitive high elevation plants.
  • Walk through, not around, mud and puddles on trails to avoid further eroding and widening trails.
  • Stay off steep, high elevation trails during the spring mud season.
  • After a hike and before getting into your vehicle shake or brush off clothing and clean boot treads to avoid spreading seeds of invasive species.