Residents and visitors planning to recreate on the lands and waters of the Adirondacks this Memorial Day weekend should be aware of conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the state Department of Environmental Conservation advises.

Recent and current flood conditions have impacted a number of DEC facilities and structures, the Adirondack bug season has begun, bears are out, and crowds are expected at DEC campgrounds and in the backcountry.

If you’re heading east toward Lake Champlain, keep in mind that the lake remains above flood stage. The Ausable Point Campground and the campground access road along the Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management are closed due to the high water levels. Many campsites and water access points on Valcour Island are flooded. Many boat docks will not be open yet.

Campgrounds:

43 of the DEC’s 44 Adirondack Campgrounds and related day use areas will be open this weekend.

All campgrounds are expected to be full. DEC has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and public intoxication. Fireworks are illegal in New York State; quiet hours at campgrounds are from 10 pm to 7 am.

The DEC is emphasizing for this weekend its recently issued warnings about black bears. They are plentiful in the Adirondacks. Food and coolers should be stored securely and out of sight in either a car trunk or the passenger area of truck with the windows closed.

DEC asks the public not to move untreated firewood to help slow the spread of emerald ash borer and other invasive insects. They ask that campers buy local or kiln dried firewood instead. New York State’s firewood regulations restrict the movement of untreated firewood to 50 miles to prevent the spread of infested wood. Campers must have certification that firewood they are transporting complies with regulation.

Boat Launches, Locks and Waters:

Due to high waters, floating docks have not been installed at many DEC boat launches. Launching and retrieving boats will be difficult at boat launches, especially for boaters that are not familiar with the location of location of structures that are now underwater. Both the Upper and Lower Locks in the Saranac Lakes Chain are open.

Rivers and streams are running swiftly, increasing the risk of falling in and the chances of being dumped from canoes or kayaks. Cold water temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia and drowning if you should fall into the water. Personal floatation devices (PFDs) should be worn by all people on boats and while boarding or exiting the boat.

Paddlers and boaters should be aware that high waters may contain logs, limbs and other debris. High waters also conceal navigation hazards such as boulders, rock shelves, docks and other structures that normally are easily seen and avoided.

Backcountry Conditions:

High numbers of people can be expected on the trails and waterways of the backcountry. This is especially true in the Eastern High Peaks where trailhead parking lots and interior campsites may reach capacity by Friday evening. Hikers and paddlers should plan accordingly and seek out recreational opportunities on less used areas of the forest preserve.

Trails are wet and muddy. Hikers should wear waterproof footwear and gaiters, and remember to walk through - not around - mud and water to prevent eroding and widening the trail. Blowdown – trees, limbs and branches - may be encountered on many trails. Due to high water levels, caution should be used when crossing streams without foot bridges. Trails and campsites adjacent to waters may be flooded due to rains and beaver activity.

Snow can be found at elevations of 3,700 feet up to the tree line. Snow can be found in lower elevations on north and east facing slopes. Wear proper clothing and footwear and expect to take much longer to traverse sections of trails where snow is present.