General Hiking and Safety Information

Hiking safety is in general up to each individual climber, but the truth is, no matter how prepared you are, accidents do sometimes happen. It is up to each individual climber to familiarize himself or herself with as much information as possible in order to be familiar with where you are going.

Before hitting the trail:

  1. Have a plan
  2. Get a map and a trail guide in order to read about where you are going and to see your options (check out the ADK Mountain Club website for trail resources/maps/guidebooks/etc.)
  3. There are tons of people out there who are willing to share advise with you, but it is important to remember that it is the responsibility of each individual hiker to know his or her limits. Different trails climbed on different days in different conditions offer hikers different experiences.
  4. Let someone else know where you aregoing
  5. Tell a friend or family member your plans including your expected return time and a time when they should call for assistance if they have not heard from you.
  6. In case of Emergency:
  7. DEC dispatch number in Ray Brook is: 518-897-1300
  8. 24-hour DEC dispatch number in Albany is: 518-891-0235
  9. Be preparedphysically
  10. The high peaks are incredibly rugged in many places and a mile in the high peaks can take longer than you may expect, even if you have climbed elsewhere. Take into account the rugged terrain and the amount of elevation when making your plans.
  11. Know your limits.
  12. Be ready forthe unknown
  13. Make sure you are not caught unprepared. If you find yourself unprepared, don’t be afraid to ask for help or just turn around even if you are only a mile from the summit. Remember, that last mile might be more than you bargained for and may be best climbed on another day. The mountains will wait…

Getting started:

10 Hiking Essentials

  1. Hydration: water (at least 2 liters) and a way to purify more (e.g. filtering system or iodine drops)
  2. Navigation: map and compass (and know how to use them); GPS (optional)
  3. Toileting: toilet paper, trowel, bag to carry out non-compostable hygiene waste
  • General rule of thumb is to bury solid human waste in catholes that are 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, camp, and trails
  1. Clothing: sturdy footwear; NON COTTON layers, extra socks, hat/mittens/gloves; rain gear
  2. First Aid Kit: including band aids, pain reliever
  3. Fire: matches (in a waterproof container)/lighter
  4. Nutrition: plenty of food and trail snacks
  • It is important to drink regularly and to snack and rest occasionally to keep your energy up, and prevent dehydration and fatigue
  1. Lighting: headlight/flashlight with extra batteries
  2. Safety: whistle, emergency blanket/ lightweight bivy, knife or multi-tool
  3. Protection: bug spray, sun screen, lip balm

On the trail:

  1. Be Safe:
  • The recommended hiking group size is 4 (this way, in an emergency, one person can stay with an injured hiker and two can go for help).
  • If hiking alone, be sure to alert others of your destination and schedule.
  • Do not drink unfiltered/untreated water from streams or ponds along the way
  • Sign in and sign out at DEC trail registers
  • Stay with your hiking party, don’t split up and take separate trails.
  • Turn around if you need to. The mountains will wait…
  1. Be Respectful:
  • Don’t litter. If you carry it in, carry it out.
  • Be aware of others on the trails who may be moving faster or slower than you
  1. Be Responsible:
  • Day use hiking groups are limited to a maximum of 15 people
  • Overnight groups are limited to a maximum of 8 individuals
  • Affiliated groups must maintain a separation distance of at least one mile at all times
  • Fires are NOT PERMITTED IN THE EASTERN HIGH PEAKS ZONE
  • Fires are permitted at designated locations in the WESTERN High Peaks Zone
  • If hiking/camping where fires are permitted, do not leave fires unattended
  • Overnight groups MUST use a bear resistant canister in the Eastern High Peaks Zone from April 1-November 30
  • No camping above 4000 feet at any time
  • Camping is permitted at designated sites between 3500-4000 feet
  • Camping below 3500 feet is allowed at designated location or at least 150 feet from roads, trails, or water sources
  • Now that you are climbing/have climbed the 46, be sure to give back. There are many trail work volunteer opportunities available. Check out the website for the current trail maintenance schedule and consider lending a hand.

Other Useful Information:

Are you an Adirondack Mountain Club member? (This is a separate membership from being an Aspiring or dues paying 46er) The ADK has many useful resources, guidebooks, and trail maps. Different ADK chapters also lead groups on many hikes (including those trailless peaks) throughout the year for club members.

Check out the DEC recommendations:

DEC Regulations are available here:

Are you familiar with Leave No Trace?

Bear Canister Information: Bear canisters are important for the safety of the bears and yourself. Canisters are available for purchase or rental at several local retailers (e.g. The Mountaineer in Keene Valley, EMS in Lake Placid). Also, the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) has them for rental ($5 for 2 nights) or purchase.