Editor’s note: This is where we’re updating information, on an ongoing basis, about the Adirondack Mountain Reserve permit system and other news related to High Peaks use.
March 25: More permit questions answered
Our reporter Gwendolyn Craig received some answers to some additional questions that came from this week’s announcement of the return of the AMR permit system.
DEC and AMR are waiting to assess the potential impacts of the opening of Canadian border crossings prior to proposing changes to the program. Last year was a great start, but probably not a true indication of what we’ll see when we get back closer to traditional peak demand, much of which comes from Canada.
AMR and DEC made changes last year throughout the inaugural season to reduce no-shows and we look forward to seeing how this season goes with a full implementation of those changes prior to considering opening up same-day reservations. We will evaluate the effectiveness of these changes in improving no-show rates and simultaneously, will continue to listen to users and the community and consider additional options and adapt as necessary.
While we don’t have scientific data at this point, anecdotally we received feedback from many people directly and on social media that out-of-state hikers and people who live farther away felt they had better access to the peaks through the AMR gate and having a parking spot reserved.
For planning in advance, the hiking public that does not have internet access can always go to a local public library to access the internet. Another option is to send a letter to Adirondack Mountain Reserve, Attention: Hiker Safety, 137 Ausable Road, Keene Valley, NY 12943 and we will grant them access. The letter must be received prior to your arrival. It may be best to send with tracking information.
Part of the reason we implemented the parking reservation system is to alleviate traffic and public safety issues in the Route 73 corridor. To ensure it is inclusive to hikers not traveling by car, the program is open to those who may have traveled by bus or other means. If we allowed for everyone to just drop off hikers, it wouldn’t do much to address traffic in that you’d have people backed up trying to get into and out of Ausable Road. That would defeat the purpose of the parking reservation system in the first place. It includes those being dropped off who may have traveled to the region via bus, etc.
DEC partnered with SUNY ESF to assess visitor experience, recreational interests, and other factors. Data from last year is being finalized and additional information will be collected this year. Results will be shared once the study is completed.
March 22: Year 2 to begin May 1
A reservation system tested last year at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve in Keene will resume May 1 with no changes, state officials announced today.
Those wishing to hike on the AMR’s 27 miles of trails and pathways to popular High Peaks-area destinations May 1 onward will need an online account at hikeamr.org to reserve one of 70 daily spots.
Sept. 30: By the numbers
The Adirondack Mountain Reserve, a gateway to a number of High Peaks and other popular hiking destinations, started its reservation system in May. It will continue through the end of October.
Here’s a look at the numbers so far this first season:
13,360 reservations
As of Sept. 23, 13,360 reservations had been made, a combination of initial reservations and new reservations made after the 3,188 online cancellations. That number does not necessarily mean that many people walked through the reserve’s gates, as up to eight people can be tied to one reservation and some reservations are “no shows.”
17,600 accounts
Also since Sept. 23, 17,600 people had signed up for an account on the reservation website, with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve expecting even more, from new users looking to see autumn foliage.
What’s not known: How many people were turned away at the gate, for arriving without a permit.
June 22: Shuttle back on
The state had previously decided to hold off until next year because of parking and safety concerns along Route 73, but now has decided to go forward with one bus instead.
The plan is for hikers to reach trailheads for popular climbs such as Rooster Comb and Giant Mountain by boarding a bus running from Marcy Field to the intersection of state Routes 9 and 73, commonly known as Malfunction Junction.
June 19: Joint statement regarding Keene hiker shuttle
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, Essex County Board of Supervisors Chair Shaun Gillilland, and Keene Town Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson have issued the following joint statement:
“The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Essex County, and the Town of Keene are working together to implement a shuttle pilot system this summer that will explore how shuttles may help manage sustainable visitation along the Route 73 corridor and in the High Peaks. Using the recently completed Volpe study to help guide our planning efforts, we are closely collaborating to develop an effective, safe, and enjoyable system that benefits High Peaks communities and visitors.”
It’s unclear in the release whether this announcement means the county will bring back plans to start using their buses or whether they are referring to the 15-passenger vans used in the past. We’re following up for more information.
— Melissa Hart
June 11: AMR, DEC announce adjustments to reservation system
In a press release today, the Adirondack Mountain Reserve and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation announced a series of updates “in response to feedback from the hiker community.”
Most notable: AMR installed an electronic, automatic gate on Monday, which allows hikers a way out if they return to their vehicles after the parking lot has closed.
According to the release, other updates include:
- Reducing the reservation system closing time from 24 hours to 12 hours in advance. This means that if there are open spots on a Saturday morning at 7 a.m., users will be able to reserve them as late as 7 p.m. on Friday. Previously that window would close on Friday morning at 7 a.m.;
- Moving the start of the rolling two week opening of future dates from midnight to noon;
- Enabling the reservation to send reservation confirmation/cancellation request emails out automatically 48 hours in advance; and
- Changing the countdown timer on future reservations/dates to “blue” highlighted against the “red” time slots on dates that are not available.
— Melissa Hart, Explorer digital editor
June 7: Testing out the system
Writing in our sister site, the Adirondack Almanack, Peter Bauer, executive director of Protect the Adirondacks, tried out the system and documents his experience.
May 17: Shuttles shelved for now
Essex County has pulled the plug on hiker shuttles that were planned to start this summer.
At Essex County’s weekly Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, Supervisor Shaun Gillilland said the state is “kiboshing the shuttles” because, while the four buses are at the ready, a plan for safely picking up and dropping off hikers and turning around on a busy State Route 73 is not.
Along with heavy seasonal traffic, major road work is planned on the highway this summer, which further complicates things.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation provided a written statement confirming that it will work with the local governments to create a shuttle system with restroom and parking in 2022 to “play a critical role in helping to manage sustainable visitation in the High Peaks.”
BECOME AN EXPLORER: Your support helps power nonprofit journalism for the Adirondacks
May 11: Keene residents question DEC
Less than a week after some of the parking stakes, aka delineators, on State Route 73 were damaged and repaired, Keene residents and officials had a chance to address the parking issues with NYS DEC Deputy Commissioner Katie Petronis, Adirondack Mountain Reserve General Manager John Schuler, and other leaders at a meeting last night. – Melissa Hart
May 8: Parking stakes damaged, then repaired
Keene Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson confirm yesterday that someone had damaged the metal stakes at one of the parking pull-offs on Route 73, and have now been repaired by NYS Department of Transportation. Tim Rowland looked into the situation and has the story here. – Melissa Hart
May 6: Permit users weigh in on the reservation system
Multimedia reporter Mike Lynch paid a visit to AMR on Sunday and spoke with some of the people who were there to hike that day.
May 5: Keene residents meet to discuss upcoming summer
From the story by Tim Rowland: “In the calm before the summer storm of hikers, residents of the Town of Keene gathered at the community pavilion on a chilly Tuesday evening wishing for silver bullets but settling for silver linings as they discussed ways to battle the madding crowds to at least a draw.”
May 2: Light first day for AMR hiker reservation system
Our editor, Brandon Loomis, scoped out the first day of Adirondack Mountain Reserve’s permit system and had this to report:
“Hikers who tested the Adirondack Mountain Reserve’s hiking reservation system on its first day arrived to a mostly empty parking lot and a brilliantly sunny day on the trails.
State and club officials said all 70 permits slotted for Saturday had been reserved online, but a late-season snowstorm on Friday may have altered some hikers’ High Peaks plans. The lot, near the southeast end of Ausable Road in St. Huberts, held fewer than 20 vehicles by mid-afternoon.”
— Melissa Hart
April 29: Roadwork planned for Route 73
After last week’s news about parking closures, we’ve caught wind that NYS Department of Transportation is planning to replace guardrails on a 15-mile stretch of Route 73 this summer.
— Melissa Hart
April 21: Route 73 parking closures
We received confirmation that the steps to block access to two pull-outs on Route 73 were taken as part of the state’s efforts to crack down on illegal parking and to reduce the number of people walking along the road to reach trails in the Adirondack Mountain Reserve and Giant Mountain Wilderness. — Melissa Hart
April 20: Route 73 parking
We’re pursuing a story right now about the pull-outs/parking areas along Route 73 being closed off between the Beer Walls parking and Roaring Brook Falls trailhead. It’s not certain if this is related to the AMR permit system, but stay tuned for more information. — Melissa Hart
April 19: Increase in party size, overnight reservations, other updates
The hikeamr.org site now has a five-page FAQ pdf posted on it. Among the latest news:
- The maximum party size included in a single vehicle reservation has increased from six to eight people total. However, vehicles that carry up to 15 people can park in the lot, as long as there are multiple reservations for that vehicle.
- There’s the ability for overnight users to reserve a parking spot for up to three nights.
- DEC and AMR are still working out the logistics for people who come back after the lot closes at 7 p.m., writing that “accommodation for vehicle access may be made for overdue hikers or other emergencies.”
- For the start of this pilot system, reservations will be available from May 1 to May 22.
- On May 7 and thereafter, reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance of the date of reservation, up to 24 hours before. Day of reservations are not available.
— Melissa Hart
April 15: FAQs update
The AMR has an updated FAQ list on its website. One question of mine was answered: if you arrive to the AMR via another route, like the Elk Lake-Marcy Trail, you will not need a reservation. Go to https://www.hikeamr.org/ for more info and to make a profile for registering. — Gwendolyn Craig
March 31: Your questions answered
The initial announcement raised many questions, some of which have now been answered by both DEC and AMR. Explorer reporter Gwendolyn Craig wrote an overview. READ MORE
March 29: AMR permits announced
Parking in AMR’s 70-spot lot near Keene Valley will require a reservation May 1 through Oct. 31. Hikers, whether parking a vehicle, getting dropped off or arriving on a bicycle, will need to make one of the reservations, according to a joint news release from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the AMR.
Sept. 4, 2020: Permits are coming
Ausable Club President Roland Morris told Adirondack Explorer that after years of collecting visitor data, the club would test out hiking limits in 2021.
“It’s forever wild and we need to protect the hiker experience; we need to protect the resource,” Morris said. “These are important for the current hiking public and for generations to come, and we’ve reached a point where at least in the AMR’s case we are seriously degrading the resource.” READ THE FULL STORY
Hiking inspiration
Shop our “Short Hikes” guidebook series, or get the full collection!
Any permit system that takes multiple articles to explain and requires an ongoing update page is not going to be understood by the average hiker, if they even know these new regulations exist before attempting a hike from the AMR lot. The parking restrictions are just going to further aggravate a dangerous and hard to understand situation. It’s hard to imagine how they could have created a worse system.
So do the members of the Ausable Club need to make reservations? Guess they don’t count. Glad the rich are now controlling access to the Adirondacks!
Overuse of trails? Get real, the DEC needs to completely rethink the way they maintain trails, not limit the people who can experience the Adirondacks. I would rather not, but seeing as the number of visitors keeps growing each year what really needs to be done is popular trails, for example most of the trails at the lodge, is they need to be properly built up – not dirt trails that are the cause of trail erosion. I’m not saying pave a path to the top of Marcy, but there needs to be trails built that can withstand a high amount of hikers. People will complain that this is not the nature of the Adirondacks, but to protect the Adirondacks creating trails that can handle a high throughput if hikers will, in the long run, prevent trail erosion better than the current meta of relying on crappy dirt footpaths. When it rains or it is wet, people expand these footpaths by walking around it, this accumulates overtime and you can see how this has effected many popular trails in the Adirondacks.
The Ausable Club is a joke and I do not respect the institution. The Ausable club should have no rights to the AMR!
this is just rediculous, it’s going to become only people with big wallets can hike the trails or even get to trails. there will be no simply go for ride and stop to do something, but rather months in advance to plan an outting. fix the trails and increase parking, fix issues not make it worse. I found simpler solution, i now hike obscure trails and avoid the crowds. get smart and avoid the crowds, spread the load else where and avoid the crunch.
Route 73 has become so over crowded with idiots parking all over the road and then let kids out into the road, dont supervise their kids as they unload their gear. they need to create parking and shuttle buses to those areas and any illegal parking, slap $200 fine, repeat $500 and tow. use those tickets to fund enforcement and shuttles. from keene to placid, 73 has become unsafe traffic jam because of illegal parking and lack of proper facilities. how many kids have to die or darwin awards handed out???
i love one idiot as i come around corner walking into road and trying to block traffic for bunch of kids to cross, from a blind corner where its 55 MPH???? almost got his darwin award!
If not for the Ausable Club—these beautiful woods would have been sold in the 1890’s and lumbered over by ruthless lumber companies.
The Ausable Club has cared for and protected these gorgeous lands so now you can partake in their beauty too.!!
And if not for the state of New York bailing out the AMR from bankruptcy back in the late 1970’s in exchange for hiker access to this land, the state would own all of this property and there would be no issue…
In the text of the easement document, it states that the easement remains in perpetuity, meaning forever, except in times of natural disaster like floods or fire. In order for them to restrict access, BOTH parties (the State of New York and the AMR) must agree on the restrictions. This did not happen people! The State of New York is not just a few reps from the DEC, it is all of the people of the state, meaning there must be referendum prior to any restrictions. There has been NO REFERENDUM, therefore this hiker reservation system should cease and desist immediately.
These “adjustments” to the idiotic hiking permit system don’t change the reality that it prevents many of us from hiking there. I can’t keep checking back for last-minute openings–I live too far away for that to make any difference to me. I’ve looked several times for openings on days I could go, and nothing. From what I read many days there are vacancies in the parking lot and yet they don’t let cars in, and more importantly they don’t let hikers in. This is a hiking permit that prevents many of us from using the trail, whatever they want to call it. In fact, they state as much in their FAQs: “Walk-in users without a reservation will not be permitted.”
At the rate that things happen up there, we’ll be lucky to see this up and running before summer is over! The Garden shuttle can’t get drivers this year, so what are the odds they’ll get drivers for this one, for which they’ll need even more drivers?! And someone will need to explain to me how, since the parking restrictions and this “reservation”(permit system) are all about safety on 73, hikers will not be allowed to be dropped at the club to hike. All the no parking signs, delineators and the permit system are all about keeping people out of the Ausable Club and have zero to do with safety. I’ve been in the area almost every weekend since Memorial Day and I have yet to see that parking lot filled and there has been some good hiking weather. What a scam!
I just attempted to reserve at the AMR… of course it was over-booked and unavailable slots. There are only 17 available slots that can be registered for on any given day. Let me say that again… 17 available slots per day for almost as many hikes available – so only one carload (which is often 1-2 people) per mountain peak, per day?!?
The time slots are spaced every 15 minutes beginning at 5 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Several of the longer hikes (Blake and Colvin, Sawteeth, Gothics Armstrong and WolfJaws) can take 8-10 hours depending on how many peaks are attempted in a day. This means that if your “slot” to register is at 3p.m., you’re getting back sometime around midnight, with several hours of hiking in the dark.
How is this reasonable or safe for anyone?!?
This is a travesty – one of the most pristine hiking areas in the Adirondacks is now limited to 17 cars per day – (no drop-offs or walk-ins). This was an access easement created for hikers because the state bailed out the AMR back in the late 1970s, and continues to allow them to pay extremely lower taxes in that agreement.
If this is how this is going to play out, I recommend that the AMR gets an accurate land-value assessment, and begins paying the full amount in property taxes that is required by law. It’s my understanding that they currently pay just over $20,000 per year, for property worth millions of dollars…
It’s nearly impossible to get a permit to hike there – the opportunity is at noon, exactly 2 weeks prior to when you plan to hike. So far, in my experience the reservations for a weekend slot are full within an hour of that cut-off. It’s nearly impossible to get a permit.
I was fortunate enough to get a slot in September, and the trails were empty – but not in a good way. The high peak hikes at the AMR are some of the most difficult, and in my opinion, VERY important to see other hikers on the trail for support in the case of emergency. I hiked the Two Wolfjaws, Armstrong and Gothics loop and only saw 3 other groups of 2 the entire day on the trail. I got out after dark by headlamp, and there were still 2 groups that hadn’t signed out yet. How is this safer, or better for the trails?
The businesses in Keene are all empty, and not open for dinner on weekdays – how is this good for the local economy?
I’ve met hikers on other trails that had arrived at the AMR not knowing about the permit system, and said they were treated like criminals for arriving without a permit. There is no need for that kind of rudeness or aggressive response. This is a failure in my opinion, and should be fought in court.
The original agreement for the AMR was to allow up to 17 cars to park in their parking lot – but there is NO limitation for the number of hikers to be allowed to access the trails. That original agreement, like this one, was between the DEC and the AMR – why did the DEC suddenly bend to their whims?