Trails Supporter Patch

The Trails Supporter Patch is available for $5 at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold, on-line and via telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Patch proceeds help maintain and enhance non-motorized trails throughout New York State.

Important safety tips and guidelines for all outdoor recreational activities.

• Hiking trails can be rough and rugged – they are not maintained as park walkways – wear boots or shoes designed for hiking. Wearing sneakers, sandals, or other shoes on trails can be uncomfortable and may result in injuries.
• Know the rules and regulations.
• Know the weather forecast; plan and prepare based on current and forecasted conditions.
• Know and plan for the route and terrain that you plan to hike and the conditions you may encounter.
• Adirondack Backcountry Information provides general information, seasonal conditions, and specific notices on closures and other situations involving trails, roads, foot bridges, parking lots, lean-tos, campsites and more.
• Pack a day pack with the following gear:
  • Map and compass
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Food and water
  • Extra clothing
  • First aid kit
• Keep together when hiking in groups – always have at least the person in front of you and the person behind you within your sight and all of the group within hearing distance.
• Sign in and out of all trail registers that you encounter – for groups only one person should sign in.
• Call the DEC Central Dispatch at 518-408-5852, or in the Adirondacks 518-891-0235, to report a lost, injured or stricken hiker or other backcountry emergency.
• Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you are new to hiking. Find a DEC licensed guide.

Be respectful and courteous towards your fellow adventurers by following trail etiquette:

• Be courteous of all other users regardless of their sport, speed or skill level.
• Hike in single file, especially when approaching other hikers.
• Stay to the right and pass on the left when safe and appropriate.
• Allow faster hikers to pass by.
• When coming up from behind politely make them aware of your presence and desire to pass.
• On narrow trails, yield to oncoming hikers. Hikers going downhill should yield to hikers going uphill.
• Hikers on foot bridges and bog bridging have the right of way, allow them to complete their crossing before stepping onto the bridge or other structure.
• Keep pets under control
• Enjoy and respect wildlife from a distance – do not disturb
• Park in designated parking areas – do not block gates, entrances, exits or other vehicles.

Know the rules of the area where you will be hiking.

• Know the principles of Leave No Trace (leaves DEC website)
• Don’t litter – Carry out what you carry in.
• Do not remove or damage trail markers.
• Stay on trails – don’t trample vegetation, especially sensitive high elevation plants.
• Walk through, not around, mud and puddles on trails to avoid further eroding and widening trails.
• Stay off steep, high elevation trails during the spring mud season.
• After a hike and before getting into your vehicle shake or brush off clothing and clean boot treads to avoid spreading seeds of invasive species.