Here is a summary of the rules and regulations regarding hiking and camping in the most popular area of the Adirondacks – the High Peaks Wilderness.
The High Peaks Wilderness has two zones – Eastern and Western. The Eastern Zone is the most heavily used and has the most restrictive rules.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Happy Trails.
![High Peaks Wilderness Management Zones - Map](https://www.adirondacktrailhead.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/high-peaks-wildeness-zones-1024x765.jpg)
Courtesy of NYSDEC
Group Size Restrictions
- Day Use – 15 persons max
- Overnight Camping – 8 persons max
- Affiliated Groups – must conform to size restrictions AND must maintain a 1 mile distance of separation at all times
Camping Restrictions
- Tents, tarps, lean-tos, or temporary structures composed of snow permitted
- No Camping at any location above 4,000 feet in elevation
- No Camping above 3,500 feet in elevation but equal to or less than 4,000 feet except at a primitive tent site
- Camping within 150 feet of any trails or water is permitted only at designated sites
Campfire Restrictions
- Eastern High Peaks Zone – NO CAMPFIRES including wood burning stoves and any type of use of wood as fuel
- Western High Peaks Zone – NO CAMPFIRES above 4,000 feet
- Western High Peaks Zone – Campfires permitted 150 feet from any road, trail, spring, stream, pond or other body of water OR at a primitive tent site or lean-to site
Miscellaneous
- Sign-in at ALL trail registers
- Garden Parking (Closed Summer 2019) and Hiker Shuttle Information
- Parking at Heart Lake / ADK Loj
- Eastern High Peaks Zone – requires the use of Bear Resistant Canisters between April 1 – November 30
- Skis or Snowshoes – required when there is snow-cover of 8 inches or more
- No Motorized Equipment or Vehicles
- Have your pet’s vaccination papers
- Eastern High Peaks Zone requires pets to be leashed on trails, at primitive tent sites, at lean-to sites, at elevations above 4,000 feet, or areas where the public congregates
Special Rules – Adirondack Mountain Reserve aka Ausable Club
- Park at the designated lot on Route 73 – St. Huberts
- No Drop-offs at trailhead/gate (.7 mile from parking)
- It’s your right to use this Public Easement, sign-in at the gate
- No Dogs, No Bicycles, No Camping, No Fires
- No Cell Phone usage in public areas
- No Hunting, No Fishing, No Boating, No Swimming
- Stay on the trails, respect No Trespassing signs
- Don’t even pick the flowers
- Follow the Rules, they have armed security
- All other NYS regulations apply
Normally I wouldn’t say, but since you’re reading:
- Use Common Sense and Be Courteous
- Use designated campsites and/or lean-to shelters whenever possible
- Leave No Trace and be a Low-impact Ninja
Please read the regulations, other inquiries: NYSDEC Region 5