The most recent headlines from around the Adirondacks, with a focus on the environment, communities and recreation in the Adirondack region of Northern New York state.
White-winged crossbills: A ‘spark bird’
How a winter irruption sparked a lifelong passion for birdwatching
From hiking trails to biking trails, Julia Goren to lead Adirondack Rail Trail Association
Julia Goren will be the next executive director of the Adirondack Rail Trail Association.
New York grapples with economic fallout from U.S.-Canada tariff dispute
North Country Chamber leader Garry Douglas looks ahead to rebuilding economic ties and restoring cross-border cooperation with Canadians.
An Adirondack dream come true: Pursuing a yearlong quest to photograph each day’s sunrise
For 100 days and counting, the now-retired founder of Champlain Area Trails has greeted the sunrise with a camera in hand
Carol MacKinnon Fox joins the Adirondack Explorer team
Carol MacKinnon Fox joins the Adirondack Explorer as Deputy Publisher, bringing support the publication’s growth and sustainability.
State funding falls short for St. Regis Mohawk school’s reconstruction efforts
Governor Hochul’s budget leaves the St. Regis Mohawk School with far less than the $110 million needed for a new building.
Explorer seeks audience development editor
This position is central to the Explorer’s strategic audience growth and revenue plans
Adirondack tourism saw solid gains in 2024 but outlook for summer remains hazy
Visitation spiked in 2nd half of 2024, but questions remain on how 2025 will play out
Winery taps old-fashioned recipe to turn birch sap into wine
First-of-its-kind business reports growing interest for its products, which are made with sap sourced in the Adirondacks
Boquet Valley School District opts for renovations over new building
$30M renovation plan aims to revitalize aging Elizabethtown building
Trump freeze leaves some Northern New York farms in limbo
$560,000 grant to the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) is among $186M in conservation payments being withheld
Jones Hill: An understated trek in Schroon
Humble little Jones Hill, an 1,880-foot bump in the town of Schroon, doesn’t draw much attention—just yet.
Adirondack Mountain Club announces new executive director
Interm director Julia Goren to step down after more than 15 years with the organization
After U.N. nomination falls through, Elise Stefanik to revert back to representing Northern NY
Trump: North Country congresswoman’s exit from House posed a concern for Republicans due to razor-thin majority
Tool library offers resources for Adirondack homeowners
Northeastern Tool Library in Keeseville is helping homeowners tackle repairs without the high cost of buying equipment
Adirondack Explorer earns recognition for diversity and climate reporting, overall news presentation
Explorer’s digital work gains attention of New York Press Association judges
How can Adirondack communities be more welcoming to all? Let’s talk about it!
Three upcoming opportunities to meet shared NCPR/Adirondack Explorer reporter David Escobar and help shape future work.
How Warren County is using technology to identify housing opportunities
3D modeling helps planners find gaps in existing development for communities inside the Adirondack Park
Missing senior with dementia found safe in North Hudson
From NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s weekly forest ranger report
Dan Stec nets Conservative Party backing for NY-21 special election
Conservative Party backs State Sen. Dan Stec for NY-21, to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik. GOP chairs will decide the nominee.
St. Armand to buy Paul Smith’s College land that holds town’s water supply
Long history of divided ownership over Bloomingdale water supply could wrap for $300,000
Lake Placid’s chances of hosting Olympic events slide away, with successful test runs in Italy
Delegation reports successful test runs in Cortina in run up to 2026 Winter Olympics
David and Claudia Weber’s love of the Adirondacks and appreciation for insightful reporting resulted in a special gift this year
Join them in supporting the Adirondack Explorer's Endowment fund
Turning a former Stewart’s into a community space
Adirondack communities come up with new ways to support residents during severe weather
Keeseville’s Hollywood past
Film pioneer Adam Kessel Jr. built a Hollywood empire while retreating to his Adirondack estate, now a historic landmark
New Champlain Area Trails director assumes leadership
Nonprofit Champlain Area Trails marks its first leadership change since its founding in 2009.
Fat tire biking grows in popularity
Fat tire biking is emerging as a way to get outside in all kinds of conditions
State proposes biking and boating changes in Moose River Plains
The DEC is proposing to allow motorcycle and e-bikes through the Moose River Plains. It is also proposing to reduce the horsepower of boats on the Cedar River Flow.
These 5 Adirondack trails make for great spring hikes
Check out these recent outings from our team of Explorers
At Thurman Maple Days, farms blend old, new
Even with technological advances, sugar house visitors still want an old-fashioned experience
Tourism data shows Canadian visits declined in February
North Country communities are noticing impact
Clarity needed as New York navigates tariff challenges on imported Canadian electricity
New York's electric grid operator questions authority to collect tariffs on Canadian energy amid Trump's proposed 25% surcharge
Trudeau Institute impacted by federal funding cuts, uncertainty around grants
Fluctuations in research grant funding make long-term planning difficult
Road to Garden trailhead in Keene reopened after flooding
Flooding has washed out Johns Brook Road, closing access to the Garden trailhead in Keene Valley. The repairs will likely take a few days.
First responders voice safety concerns with poor radio communication in Hamilton County
Emergency communications, wilderness preservation clash as frustrations mount over slow progress toward installing new towers
A wooly good time: Walking llamas in Old Forge
At Moose River Farms, visitors get to know the animals through a unique 'llama trekking' experience
Why Indian Lake and Westport are investing in green technology and electric vehicles
Two Adirondack towns were included among the recipients for vehicles through DEC's municipal zero-emission vehicle program.
State secures developer for Benson Mines solar facility
The state has found a developer for a 12-megawatt solar array on a former Adirondack Park mine. It will be the state's first "build-ready" solar project.
Inspector General: DEC forester stole state trail signs
Adirondack store resold the $.75 metal signs for up to $168
Adirondack Park Agency director addresses allegations of ‘toxic workplace’
Board, local government leaders rally around Barbara Rice, despite some employees’ concerns
Women of the Adirondacks
March is Women's History Month, and the Adirondack Explorer has long showcased the stories of women making their mark on the Adirondacks.
Sipping on sap? Maple producers branch out to tapping other trees
Aspen, beech, and birch sap seen as small niche, but could have potential for new revenue streams
Whitney Park administrator says he’s ‘open to talking’ with state, land trusts regarding sale
Questions remain about whether the state or land trusts could play a role.
Pride, outside: Whiteface hosts LGBTQ ski weekend
LGBTQ community and allies from around the Northeast meet up for first Adirondack Winter Pride event
Big Tupper’s new owner sets sights on next project: Transforming a Tupper Lake tavern
Trails End has been owned and operated by Mark “Beard” Sutliffe for nearly 40 years, and he's ready to sell
Snowmobiler suffers severe injuries; overdue hikers found at Johns Brook Lodge
Snowmobiler critically injured on Indian Lake; rangers assist two lost hikers in dangerous winter conditions.
Exploring the Adirondacks’ less-traveled ice climbing routes
Ice climbing adventures beyond the High Peaks – exploring remote and lesser-known routes across the Adirondacks.
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe leads effort to curb road salt pollution
New technology includes outfitting snow removal trucks with cameras and sensors to track salt use and optimize operations
Salt success: How Lake Placid rallied to save Mirror Lake
Community's efforts to reduce salt use, divert runoff has helped bring a key Adirondack lake back from the brink
As bird flu drives up egg prices, so does demand for local, organic
North Country small farms, sellers have newfound advantage over big retailers
‘A profound gift’: How Long Lake will benefit from Whitney Park sale
When a buyer is found for the sprawling 36,600-acre Adirondack estate listed at $180 million, the town is poised to receive a windfall.
Crown Point Historic Site kicks off celebration of America’s 250th anniversary early
America’s 250th anniversary comes in July 2026. At the Crown Point Historic Site it will happen 14 months earlier.
Flooding, housing, energy-efficiency rise to top of North Country residents’ climate concerns
Findings revealed at annual Adirondack Climate Conference
Adirondack beekeepers report surge in hive loss
Excessive rise in bee deaths are impacting local honey producers as well as crop pollination on a national level
New York correction officers vote on deal that could end walk-out
Striking New York correction officers voted on a deal to end their walkout, addressing pay, prison policies, and ongoing debates.
Bird flu confirmed in Willsboro dead bald eagle
Test results in on bird found dead in December
Adirondack ski tales: 4 stories from the backcountry
Explore four Adirondack ski adventures, from serene routes to challenging backcountry trails, offering something for every skier.
Marble Mountain: An underrated Adirondack hike
Marble Mountain is an overlooked Adirondack hike with a rich ski history, a steep but rewarding trail with stunning views.
What’s next for popular North Creek restaurant Basil & Wick’s?
Community mainstay to close at the end of March, as owner announces she is retiring
Forest ranger union and state square off around overtime disbursement
The union representing forest rangers and the state continue to disagree on how to assign overtime.
Missing snowmobiler found; NYS police, rangers assist with Vermont plane crash
Two snowmobile incidents in Hamilton County, including a crash and a missing rider, ensuring quick rescues by Rangers.
State to offer $80 million for flood resiliency projects
The latest grants from $4.2 billion green bond could target flood mitigation projects for Ausable, Boquet rivers.
Controversial library closure inspires new musical in upstate New York
Local playwright adapts Lake Luzerne drag story hour controversy into satirical show
Route 56 sinkhole closes road between Tupper Lake, Canton
Rt. 56 between Canton and Tupper Lake will be closed until the end of March
Changes coming for Chapel Pond, an iconic Route 73 landmark
Plans are underway to make Chapel Pond an accessible site for people with mobility disabilities
Frontier Town becomes catalyst for changing New York state land acquisitions
How a title issue around North Hudson easement is spurring the state to change policies
What are the issues impacting small farms, local food distributors in the Adirondacks?
Food justice advocates brainstorm challenges and solutions at annual summit.