HIKING, MOUNTAIN CLIMBING, BACKPACKING OR BIKING
Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Backpacking and Biking during the Spring, Summer, Fall (and sometimes for the adventurous in the Winter)
Back
Country Hiking Rules
The
rules associated with using Department of Environmental Conservation managed
public lands in New York State for recreational purposes are relatively simple
and straightforward.
Hiking
IS allowed on Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well
on State Forest areas. Hiking is generally permitted anywhere but special
requirements apply to mountain biking and horseback riding.
For
information about specific land areas contact the Regional Office responsible
for the area. The rules and guidelines for the use of New York State's public
lands are in general as follows.
*
Do not use soap to wash yourself, clothing or dishes within 150 ft of
water.
*
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.
*
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.
*
Carry out what you carry in . Practice
"leave no trace"
hiking.
*
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.
*
Except in an emergency or between December 15 and April 30, camping is
prohibited above an elevation
of 4000 feet in the Adirondacks.
*
Except in an emergency or between December 21 and March 21, camping is
prohibited above an elevation
of 3500 feet in the Catskills.
*
At all times, only emergency fires are permitted above 4000 feet in the Adirondacks
and 3500 feet in the Catskills.
Hiking
Safely
Safety is important whether you are day hiking or winter backpacking. Proper planning, preparation, proper clothing and taking appropriate gear along are essential to a safe and enjoyable excursion.
Before
You Leave
* Plan ahead. Learn about the area ahead of time. Study the latest
guidebooks and maps that give information on highways, trails, streams
and other physical features. Plan your trip carefully according to
routes and the time you have available. Check weather reports before
you set out.
* Prepare
yourself physically. If your planned recreation calls for
considerable physical exertion, get in shape beforehand.
Do not attempt a trip that
is beyond your physical capabilities.
* Leave word
of your destination and schedule. In order to locate you in
an emergency or send assistance should you need it, leave word at home
or with a friend as to where you are going and when you intend to
return.
* Know the
rules and guidelines for appropriate behavior for the area you
are visiting.
On
The Trail
* Dress appropriately for the season and where appropriate hiking shoes
or boots. Layered clothing is best to meet changing weather conditions. If cool or wet conditions can be expected it is
recommended that you avoid cotton clothing, which insulates poorly when
wet and dries very slowly.
* Carry a
compass and a topographic map of the area and know how to use
both.
* Take along
appropriate equipment and supplies. A day pack containing
rain gear, extra warm clothing, high energy food, water, first aid kit,
pocket knife, whistle and matches in a waterproof container are
recommended. Sunglasses and insect repellent are also handy.
* Don't drink
water from ponds or streams unless you have treated it
first by boiling, filtering or using purification tablets.
*
You should sign in at any Department of Environmental Conservation
trail register you may pass. This will assist us in finding you should we
need to search for you.
If
You Get Lost or Someone is Injured
* If you become lost, keep
calm, stay dry, keep warm and stay put.
* If it
appears that you will need to spend the night in the woods, build
a campfire to provide heat, light and comfort. A campfire will be
invaluable in locating you if you have been reported missing. Aircraft
may be used in searching when weather permits and smoky campfires may
be spotted from the air
* If the
weather is particularly cold or bad and you must spend the night
in the woods, also build a small shelter using dead branches, hemlock
boughs and leaves. The shelter will serve as a "cocoon" and should be
just big enough for you to lie in comfortably. Set up camp before
darkness falls.
* If you feel
you can try and find your way out of the woods, remember
that following streams
downhill will nearly always lead you back to
signs of habitation.
* Any person
knowing you are overdue should contact the New York State
Forest Ranger in the area of your trip.
* In case of accident, at least one person should remain with the injured person. Know and use basic first aid techniques. Others in the group should carefully note the location and contact the local New York State Forest Ranger.