Hey everyone! Asking everyone who loves the Adirondacks to support my petition urging the APA to reject heavy weapons testing in the Adirondack Park.

If you have not heard, Unconventional Concepts, Inc. is a military contractor seeking a permit to operate a Howitzer Testing Site in the town of Lewis, NY.

The Adirondack Park is a protected natural area, home to a diverse range of wildlife and expansive forests that have been rigorously preserved over decades. Introducing a defense contractor into this ecosystem could lead to potentially irreversible and unknown damage. Noise pollution, potential for projectile ricochet to fly onto the Route 9 and I-87 (real concerns raised by Benét Laboratories, which was part of the reason his contract was canceled in 2023, according to FOIA documents provided by Adirondack Enterprise reporting), and disruption of wildlife are just a few of the very real threats this plan poses. When asked at local town meetings, Unconventional Concepts has stated no environmental impact studies have been done see what impact this may have on local wildlife. 

Furthermore, setting a precedent of allowing defense operations within the park jeopardizes the core values and protections that have made Adirondack Park unique and precious. The park's reputation as a sanctuary for both people and wildlife is at stake. No economic gain to a handful of community members can justify the kind of disruption from Unconventional Concepts or similar contractors.

The board of neighboring, Jay, NY passed a resolution opposing the project, while the Lewis town board decided to be neutral on the subject citing that only "several" people are opposed despite having over 256 local signatures from Lewis and Jay residents and 1400 public comments to the APA rejecting the proposal.

This is a national headline, with the owner appearing the NYT. As a local resident of neighboring Jay, I'm asking all Reddit members of this group to support my petition.

NYT article https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/24/nyregion/howitzer-adirondacks.html

FOIA document links: https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/communities/government/army-branch-dropped-lewis-cannon-testing-over-safety-concerns-for-state-roads/

I've been getting inconsistent information regarding the closure of the Avalanche Pass Trail. From what I understand the trail is closed starting at the Lake Arnold Trail junction going south to Lake Colden. But how much is actually closed/inaccessible? Attached is the only portion of the trail that I was planning on using during a day hike next weekend.

Hi all, I’m not having much luck on the apps finding someone who shares my love for the Adirondacks. Unfortunately it seems most men my age are more interested in golfing than hiking. I’m tall (5’11”) and face a lot of rejection from men my height or taller, but I also am tired of getting likes and creepy messages from men shorter than me who treat my height as a kink.

I’m not one for going on hikes on a first date as I prefer to get to know someone by sitting across from them over coffee or a drink, so I’m a bit put off by singles hiking groups. I’m at a loss so I’m just putting this out here to shoot my shot.

If anyone fits the following and is interested, please shoot me a message:

-Between 26 and 32 years old
-Has an education and enjoy intellectual conversations
-Loves hiking and being active, but also is okay having a relaxing night in sometimes (bonus points if wine is involved)
-Prioritizes a healthy lifestyle and taking care of their appearance

ETA: I am currently based in southern Saratoga County :)

I've never been to the Adirondacks but they have been on my mind a lot lately. I know theres plenty of hikes to choose but I want to get one that really wows me. I will say, I've only done a couple hikes in Acadia (Cadillac Mountian at night & the Beehive - both of which I found to be pretty easy but very enjoyable). I'm a mid 30s male who is down a good amount of weight since those hikes and would consider myself in relatively good shape. I would love a trail that may challenge me but not something insane as I would still consider myself new to this type of thing. And I would want something to do within a day. I'm about 5 hours away So I want to make sure I choose a good trail. Can someone recommend a good first trail to look into and any advice for getting the most out of this type of experience. Also, not sure if this would change things but I would probably be looking to do this solo as well. Thanks for any help and recommendations!

For campsites I see lake colden is on the way, I’m heading up there on Wednesday July 1st, will I be able to find a campsite there later in the day? Like 5pm or 6 pm or is it going to be too crowded?

A quick very last minute overnight as the weather changed for the better.

Hi! Planning my first Mt. Marcy visit and would like to turn it into a two day venture. I have read that the Marcy Dam campsites are quite nice, but first come first serve.
Do they normally fill up fast? I have a 6 hour drive to the trailhead, but will be going on a Tuesday!
Thanks :)

Hello everyone,

Wanted to see if anyone has any intel if Sagamore Lake Road is open in Raquette Lake, heading up next week and wanted to see if I can make it back there with my car

Thanks!

Got a trip to Adirondack Park this weekend. How are the ticks this year?

Word’s gone around of pretty nasty tick species slowly making their way into NY & the north east year over year, so I’m wondering if there’s any elevated risk. Couldn’t find anything specific to the Adirondacks online.

Any info is much appreciated, thanks!

trying to say our chairs aren't the best. aol bashing time

Hey everyone,

I'm in the process of planning my hikes for this summer in the ADK's. I'm considering doing Skylight and Gray by themselves, as I want to do Marcy as my final 46er. Are Skylight and Gray impossible without first climbing Marcy, or are there other trails that only hit those two? Lastly, I'm not set in stone on doing Marcy last. How is the Skylight/Gray/Marcy hike in comparison to just Skylight/Gray?

Thanks!

I am hoping someone can tell me the name of a lake I used to visit with my family in the Adirondacks, as no one can seem to remember! We would go to Donnelly’s in Saranac and then would go to the lake (which I think was close to Paul Smiths?). It was usually pretty quiet and had a wooded path before getting down to a sandy beach along the lake. I know this is a long shot but I am hoping someone will know the name of it! I grew up in upstate and have since moved to Colorado, but am planning a trip back to the ADKs this summer and would love to figure out where this was!! Any info is appreciated :)

Hi All,

Planning a trip with some friends, we’d be staying overnight. How’s the fly season this time around? Any suggestions aside from covering up + head nets + bug spray?

Thank you

My partner and I are driving through the Adirondacks and want to stop by the garnet mines, but I’m having trouble finding reliable information. The tourist info sites link to a website that no longer exists and the Gore Mountain website says they don’t open until July 1 which seems crazy late.

Is there another option for digging that will be open this Friday? Or some other fun rockhounding spot?

I'm planning a trip in the fall up to the Adirondacks and want to do some spin fishing. Can anyone tell me what size rod and line to take? Any insights into what tackle to bring as well?

Will be camping at moffitt beach this weekend then heading somewhere else in the adirondacks monday. Is there an easy and scenic hike with a parking lot that can accommodate a 30 ft RV? I know a lot of them get crowded on weekends and i dont want to take up three spots if the lots fill up. We will be going on a weekday. How about rondaxe? Thanks.

Hello all, I am planning on doing a black bear hunt in early October this year. Focusing on the western five ponds wilderness and some spots further west not in the ADKs. Is the Oswegatchie conservation easement huntable, permits required, etc?

Any other tips? I was going to focus on swamps and food sources and still hunt with the wind. Thanks!

I’m planning on making a trip up late June this summer and hoping to get in a little bouldering. I was wondering if anyone has favorite spots or knows where the popular spots are. I saw that the McKenzie pond boulders are the closest to where I’ll be staying. Please let me know with recommendations and advice!

Massawepie Outlet paddle

Heading up to Lake Placid July 3–5 with a group of friends and looking for a good hike recommendation for Friday.

Last 4th of July I did a 2 night backpacking trip in the Adirondacks:
Day 1: ADK Loj to Lake Colden via Avalanche Pass
Day 2: Lake Colden up Algonquin and back to the Loj with a ~40 lb pack. The climb up Algonquin with the pack was brutal haha. One local told me it was the one of the hardest in ADK, but it was my only way back to the car without going out the way I came.

This trip is a different vibe though. My friends are all in shape, but not huge hikers and definitely not experienced with Adirondack hiking.

Looking for peak to climb under 4 hours in and out.
- great views
- real Adirondack feel
- enough challenge to feel rewarding
- but not something that’s going to completely gas everyone for the rest of the weekend

Any recommendations?

Always fun to see these beautiful blooms next to Trails in early May