High Peaks Regulations and Guidelines

While planning our first outing in the Adirondacks in particular and New York in general I found the various rules and regulations somewhat overwhelming.

I compiled a list for myself and decided to post it for other newbies in the same situation.


High Peaks Regulations

Highlights:

• Take reasonable steps to keep food, toiletries and garbage from bears. Eastern High Peaks Zone requires the use of Bear Canisters between April 1 – November 30
• Eastern High Peaks Zone – No Campfires
• Western High Peaks Zone – Campfires permitted below 4,000 feet. Must be 150 feet from any road, trail, spring, stream, pond or other body of water OR at a primitive tent site or lean-to site
• Sign-in at all trail registers
• Day use group size is limited to a maximum of 15 people
• Overnight group size is limited to a maximum of 8 people
• Affiliated groups must maintain a separation distance of at least 1 mile
• No camping above 4000 feet
• Camping between 3500 and 4000 feet is limited to designated sites
• No camp structure other than tents, tarps, lean-tos, or those composed of snow
• Tents must be within 15 feet of official camping sign or disk at primitive campsites
• No disposal of food in any water body
• Glass containers are prohibited
• Observe quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m
• Eastern High Peaks Zone requires pets to be leashed on trails, at primitive tent sites, at lean-to sites, at elevations above 4,000 feet, or areas where the public congregates
• Valid and current rabies inoculation for any dog
• Skis or snowshoes required when there is snow-cover of 8 inches or more
• No use of any motorized equipment

NY State Primitive Camping Rules and Guidelines

Highlights:

• Tents are not allowed inside lean-tos. Around lean-tos, camp at least 150 feet from the lean-to unless there is a "Camp Here" marker
• Primitive campsites are first-come-first-served, and cannot be reserved. It is proper etiquette to share your campsite for one night if a second camper or group of campers arrives after dark especially if there is rain, cold or strong winds. In the morning the second group should pack up and move on to find another location

NY State General Camping Rules and Guidelines

Highlights:

• Camping is allowed only at designated sites or at locations at least 150 feet from any road, trail, or water source
• Use pit privies provided near popular camping areas and trailheads. If none are available, dispose of human waste by digging a hole 6"-8" deep at least 150 feet from water or campsites. Cover with leaves and soil
• Do not use soap to wash yourself, clothing or dishes within 150 ft of water
• Stays of more than three days in one place require a permit
• Lean-tos cannot be used exclusively and must be shared with other campers
• Fires should be built in existing fire pits or fireplaces if provided. Use only dead and down wood for fires. Cutting standing trees is prohibited. Extinguish all fires with water and stir ashes until they are cold to the touch. Do not build fires in areas marked by a "No Fires" disk. Camp stoves are safer, more efficient and cleaner
• Carry out what you carry in. Practice "leave no trace" camping and hiking.
• Drinking and cooking water should be boiled for 5 minutes, treated with purifying tablets or filtered through filtration device to prevent instances of giardia infection
• Observe and enjoy wildlife and plants but leave them undisturbed
• Removing plants, rocks, fossils or artifacts from state land without a permit is illegal
• The storage of personal property on state land is prohibited

NY State Reducing Human-Bear Conflicts Guidelines

Highlights:

• Use bear resistant food canisters
• Pack a minimal amount of food
• Cook away from your campsite. Choose an area at least 100 feet away from your sleeping area
• Cook and eat before dark
• Be neat and clean while cooking
• Keep food in storage containers
• Avoid leftovers
• Never leave food unattended
• Do not wear clothing to bed that was worn while preparing or eating meals