Trail conditions and area hiking information can be found here on part of the ADK website. Here is another site with comments by people who have been hiking in the last few days and the trail-specific conditions they encountered, but it isn't comphrensive since it depends on where the poster happened to go. If you want the real current local scoop on trails, visit the conditions page at the Mountaineer web site, look at the boards at the store or give them a call.
During the summer, parking at the trailhead called "The Garden" gets full so there is a shuttle from it from to a Hiker Parking area off Airport Road on Marcy Field. This link brings you details on the shuttle. If it is not running, that means there is room at The Garden.
Click on this to get a PDF of the USGS Keene Valley Quadrangle Topo map that you would buy in a store for a hike, for example. It is a big file and will take some time to download.
Founded in 1897, the Adirondack Trail Improvement Society (ATIS) conducts a two week camp in June and a program of day hikes, shorter camping trips, and nature education for ages 4-15 on weekdays during July and August. While based at the Ausable Club, membership in ATIS is open to all. Parents whose children participate are expected to join ATIS and make a contribution to operations, help with transportation, etc. The website provides information on membership and trip sign-up procedure. It also maintains a number of trails in the area.
ATIS also runs an extensive adult program in cooperation with the two local chapters of the Adirondack Mountain Club. The ADK Hurricane Chapter is very active all year with an extensive trip calendar and popular monthly potluck dinners. The Keene Valley Chapter owns a leanto on John’s Brook available to its members. Both of these ADK Chapters have 4-500 members. ADK membership has fallen a lot (20-30%) in recent years as rules about camping in the high peaks have made camping less attractive here.
Rock climbing and ice climbing are also popular locally.
Many of the more popular State campgrounds, like the Saranac Lake Islands or the Lake George Islands, are now operated by reservation through this national site: www.reserveamerica.com You have to search for the campground of interest but this is the way to get that perfect island for your own for a few days. It is inexpensive, but those remarkably beautiful perfect sites book a year ahead.
The ADK Mountain Club also runs Johns Brook Lodge which includes two leantos, right on the brook, with firewood, and two cabins available summer and winter, as well at the lodge spaces. Meals are available to people staying in the lodge. It is about a 3 mile walk from "Garden" trailhead. It open to the public but must be reserved. For me, this is the local camping experience that is similar to what we did in my childhood days.
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