Gov. Cuomo Announces Route 73 through Eastern Adirondack High Peaks Now Open

Explore Adirondack Hiking Trails This Fall, Enjoy Fall Harvest Festivals and Special Foliage Events

ADIRONDACK REGION, NY - Hiking the Adirondack Mountains offers a unique way to enjoy the region's colorful fall landscape. With the longest fall foliage season in the Northeast, the Adirondack's six-million-acres promise to remain vibrant from September through October, despite the recent damage from Hurricane Irene. Additionally, many roads and hiking trails that were closed due to storm damage are re-opening.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that both lanes of Route 73 - a major roadway into the Adirondack Region's Eastern High Peaks - reopened three days ahead of schedule.

"Route 73 is the artery to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness," states Ron Ofner, Executive Director of the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council. "Some of our mountain villages, including Keene, Keene Valley, Jay and Upper Jay were hit hard, but are recovering quickly. The Adirondacks are open for business."

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation warns hikers to expect less-than-ideal conditions along many eastern Adirondack trails due to blow down, erosion and flooding. However, by paying close attention to trail conditions, or simply choosing a hiking trail that was outside of the storm's reach, hikers can enjoy a spectacular experience this fall in the Adirondacks. For a list of up-to-date closures, log on to www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor.

Our charming Adirondack towns and villages are ready to welcome fall foliage visitors. Fall festivals and foliage events are scheduled to continue as planned.