“DEC remains committed to partnering with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve to offer safe and accessible entry to this busy Adirondack corridor,” Regional Director Joe Zalewski said. “This system improves public safety and public access – making it a win-win for those travelling to explore the unparalleled natural beauty of the Adirondacks.”

Alongside the active pilot program, researchers Dr. Jill Weiss and Deanna Sullivan of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (WeissLab) gathered data from 2021 to 2023 about the system and recreational users accessing the AMR lot using the parking reservation system. Read their final report and recommendations.

The AMR lands in the town of Keene, Essex County, are not owned by the State of New York. However, DEC and AMR have a long-standing conservation easement agreement that allows public access for hiking. To support public access and recreation on the privately owned 7,000-acre property, AMR voluntarily expanded its parking lot from the 20 spots originally noted in the easement agreement with the State to 70 spots. This parking expansion allowed DEC and AMR working in partnership to develop a parking reservation system that provides for sufficient and safe public parking at this popular hiking destination.

From May 1 through Oct. 31, reservations are required to access the parking lot, trailheads, and trails located on the AMR property. Parking reservations are available at no cost and must be obtained for single-day or overnight use. Seventy reservations, including overnight reservations, are available per day.

Walk-in users without a reservation are not permitted. Reservations are also required for access to the Noonmark and Round Mountain trailheads located on AMR property. The reservation system is now open for new bookings for the 2025 season. Users can make a reservation as far as two weeks in advance on a 24-hour rolling basis.

Each year since the program began in 2021, DEC and AMR have adapted it to better accommodate visitor needs. New this year, same day reservations can be made up to 4 a.m. instead of 12 hours prior to the reservation time. Reminder emails go out to reservation holders in advance of their designated time asking them to confirm or cancel. If a reservation is cancelled, the reservation immediately becomes available on AMR’s website. Reservations open frequently, so users are encouraged to check the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) Hiking Parking Reservation Portal often if reservations are not available on their chosen date.  Additionally, to respond to concerns about empty parking spaces as a result of no-shows, this year AMR and DEC will accept reservations slightly beyond lot capacity to help offset the no-shows. DEC and AMR continue to evaluate ways to comprehensively accommodate more users in the event of no-shows.

More than 65,000 users have registered at AMR’s website to make parking reservations since the system’s launch. In 2024, the reservation system accepted 16,918 reservations. There were 4,531 reservation cancellations, and of that 4,088 were rebooked through AMR’s updated system.

DEC and AMR continue to work together to adaptively manage the program to improve public safety, ensure equitable access, and promote sustainable use of this popular hiking destination. Learn more about the Adirondack Mountain Reserve tract on DEC’s website. For a list of frequently asked questions and to register, visit the AMR Hiking Parking Reservation Portal.

Trails Less Traveled

While there are many popular hiking trails in New York State, there are also many hidden treasures just waiting to be visited. These are places that you won’t see all over social media, and you won’t have trouble finding a place to park when you arrive. Check out DEC’s website to find Trails Less Traveled and alternate hiking locations for all abilities.

State lands are shared by all New Yorkers. When in the woods, remember to Love Our New York Lands by recreating responsibly, planning ahead, and practicing Leave No Trace™.

Hike Smart and follow these safety guidelines:

• Be aware of changing weather conditions – if the weather worsens, head out of the woods.
• Choose trails that provide high water bridges or avoid stream crossings all together.
• Stream levels can drastically change from the morning to the afternoon. The stream you cross at the start of your hike may be impassable when you return. Carry a pack with all 10 hiking essentials. Pack multiple headlamps with extra batteries.
• Carry plenty of food and water. Eat, drink and rest often. Being tired, hungry or dehydrated makes you more susceptible to hypothermia.
• Know the terrain and your physical capabilities.
• Never travel alone and always inform someone of your intended route and return time.