COVID-19 Related Parks & Trails Updates

Note: We're no longer updating this page as restrictions are being relaxed. We would encourage you to continue to be safe outside and observe best practices!

As the current unfortunate circumstances in the world have resulted in countless New Yorkers staying at home, naturally people turn to the outdoors for a break. In turn, overcrowding in some popular areas has led to closures in order to take the necessary precautions.

We'll do our best to keep an up-to-date list of closures and other guidelines to be aware of. Note that with the rapidly changing situation, we can't fully guarantee that everything in this article is current, but we'll do our best.

In the meantime, stay safe when you do go outside and choose to hike at parks near where you live. You should only hike by yourself or with your immediate household. Keep 6 feet away from others, avoid busy trails, and have a mask handy for if you do end up being near other people. Also, this is not the time to be venturing into areas where it may be difficult for a forest ranger to conduct a rescue.

Help us keep this page updated! Reach out with any additional closures you're aware of.

New York State Parks

In order to give people an option for activities when so many other places are closed, New York has graciously waived admission fees to all state parks. However, many buildings remain closed, although some facilities are reopening in line with limited beach openings. Parking levels are monitored in other parks, and popular locations may close to additional visitors once a certain number of people have come for the day.

Check the NY Parks website for the most current updates.

National Parks

Saratoga National Historical Park has closed buildings, and the tour road is closed to vehicles. The park is open for walking and bicycling. Check their website for current details.

Adirondack Region

The Adirondack region is currently discouraging people who live outside the area from traveling there to hike during this time, due to limited healthcare resources and many in the population who are at risk. Please be respectful of the residents and, if you're from another area, wait to plan your next Adirondack hike. Note that it's mud season, anyway, so you should generally keep to lower elevations.

The Adirondack Mountain Club closed several facilities but is slowly reopening in line with the New York phases. Get more details on their site.

In addition, all firetowers are closed. While you can still hike to the top of a mountain with a firetower, you won't be able to climb the tower.

The trail up Rattlesnake Mountain, in the town of Willsboro, is closed until further notice.

In the Lake George region, The Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob and The Pinnacle remain closed until further notice. Check the Lake George Land Conservancy site for the latest details.

Catskill Region

Similarly to the Adirondacks, the Catskill region is discouraging outside residents from visiting at this time.

Kaaterskill Falls: All trails closed until further notice
All firetowers are closed, although trails remain open.

Capital Region Parks

The Crossings of Colonie is now open after being closed to vehicular traffic. Note that parking is being restricted to lots (no parking along the side of the road).
The Plotter Kill Preserve is closed until further notice.

Check out one of my favorite Adirondack trail guides.