[PHOTOS] Avalanche Pass Trail in the Adirondacks, NY, Closed Due to Mud and Rockslides

DEC staff members assess the damage at the Avalanche Pass Trail in the Adirondacks due to mud and rockslides. Photo Credit: New York Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has closed a section of the Avalanche Pass Trail in Keene, Essex County, New York, after heavy rain triggered multiple mud and rockslides. The closure affects the stretch between the Lake Arnold Trail intersection and the southern end of Avalanche Lake. Hikers should avoid the area until further notice while DEC staff assess the damage.

On July 14, the DEC shared on its social media channels that multiple mud/rock slides had made the hiking trail through Avalanche Pass in the Adirondacks impassable. “Routes impacted by closure are: passage south to Lake Colden area from the ADK Loj, and loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden and Mount Marcy back to the ADK Loj through Avalanche Pass. Alternate route through Lake Arnold is possible, but extremely wet and muddy.”

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In addition, a slide on the southeast side of Mount Colden into Feldspar/Lake Arnold trail in Keene, Essex County, resulted in trail blockage. A short bushwhack around debris is necessary to continue on the trail. Hikers are encouraged to take extreme caution if seeking alternate routes or navigating debris. DEC staff are checking other trails in the High Peaks for storm damage or slide impacts that could potentially require trail closures or cleanup work that could impact usage.

There are no reported injuries from Tuesday’s rock and mud slides which closed the Avalanche Pass Trail in Keene, according to the DEC. “DEC staff are working to assess the damage and the condition of the area impacted by the mud and rock slides. Hikers should avoid the area until the trail reopens,” the DEC press release said. The closure affects the portion of the trail that goes from the intersection with the Lake Arnold Trail to the southern end of Avalanche Lake. The passage south to Lake Colden from the Adirondack Loj, and loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden and Mount Marcy back to the Adirondack Loj through Avalanche Pass are impacted by the trail’s closure. The DEC will announce when the trails reopen, and hikers should check the Adirondack Backcountry Information DEC webpages for updates on trail conditions.