Hike a Freshly Restored Adirondack Trail this Fall
Over the past two decades, there has been a 25% increase in foot traffic on trails in the High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. More feet means more wear and tear on trails which increases erosion leading to more needed maintenance. The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) constantly works throughout the million-plus acres to keep thousands of miles of hiking trails useable and safe.
In 2021 ADK acknowledged that a vulnerable section of the Phelps Mountain Trail (a popular 9.1 mile out and back to the 32nd highest peak in the Adirondacks and one of three main approaches to Mt. Marcy) was in dire need of restoration. ADK applied for a Park and Trail Partnership Grant and was awarded $14,750 to hire a professional trail crew to perform work on the trail.
Over a three-week period, ADK’s crew installed 385 square feet of rock on a section of the trail near Slant Rock. 134 stones were quarried from the surrounding forest and set to help raise and retain a hardened hiking trail topped off by a layer of crushed stone. This “turnpiking” of the trail will allow any runoff to quickly drain and be able to accommodate the continually increasing high foot traffic. The completion of this section of trail that was severely eroded and damaged is just one part of the popular trail that will take years to completely rebuild.
Not only will this project benefit hikers of the Phelps Mountain Trail, but ADK’s professional trail crew acquired new skills from the work they performed. These skills can now be applied to other trails not only in the High Peaks Wilderness but throughout the rest of the Adirondack Park.