The state Department of Environmental Conservation has begun reopening some of the High Peaks hiking trails closed because of damage from Hurricane Irene.
The eastern zone of the High Peaks Wilderness and the Giant Mountain Wilderness have reopened, but the Dix Mountain Wilderness remains closed, DEC officials said.
“Due to the amount of damage to certain trails, and the continued closure of a section of Route 73 and other roads, Dix Mountain Wilderness and a number of trails in the reopened areas will remain closed,” DEC said in a statement.
Route 73 was badly damaged by storm-related flooding, but should be reopened in about a week, based on statements Gov. Andrew Cuomo made Sunday in Keene.
All trails out of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (the Ausable Club) remain closed, since that section of Route 73 is still closed, and the parking lots just off the road were also damaged.
Officials warned that even reopened trails may have footbridges washed out, or blown down, and water levels in most rivers and brooks are at spring-like high water levels. Many trails have been rerouted to avoid heavily damaged sections.
The DEC High Peaks Trail Information website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor has a complete list of closed trails and the conditions for open trails. It will be updated as trails are reopened, DEC officials said.
Route 73 is open between Lake Placid and Keene Valley, but closed between Keene Valley and the Northway until repairs are completed. Route 73 may still be reached by taking Route 9N from Elizabethtown.
The Adirondack Mountain Club has reopened its Heart Lake and Johns Brook Lodge facilities to hikers, and the Adirondak Loj, the ADK Wilderness Campground, the High Peaks Information Center and the hiker parking lot have all reopened, after the town of North Elba made repairs to Adirondak Loj Road.
The Northville-Lake Placid trail has high water damage, according to the club.
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