Hordes of Hikers Overrunning Adirondacks High Peaks

Summit crowds are overflowing trails and parking lots, trampling vegetation, and worse on Upstate's ever-popular peaks.

Author:: BACKPACKER Contributors and Editors
Publish date:: Nov 3, 2017
Updated on: Nov 15, 2017

Don't expect this kind of solitude in the 'Daks these days. — Don't expect this kind of solitude in the 'Daks these days.
Jeff P

The 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks have seen big jumps in hiker traffic in recent years, leading to major parking problems in the nearby Keene Valley and Leave No Trace sins on the trails (like leaving poop behind and trampling sensitive vegetation). Locals are experimenting with solutions, including adding hiker shuttles, closing parking lots, and stationing LNT volunteers at trailheads.

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