Hiker parking areas throughout the Adirondacks fill quickly, especially during the summer. The parking lots at Adirondak Loj are no exception. Here are some tips to help you get your High Peaks adventure started off on the right foot.
Arrive Early
We expect many parking areas to fill quickly this summer, including the one here at the Heart Lake Program Center. During the summer, our lots often fill up before 6 a.m. on weekends and before 9 a.m. on weekdays. We strongly recommend arriving early if you want to park at the trailhead here on our property.
Due to the volume of traffic, we do not allow buses or RVs, waiting for a spot to open up, or driving in to look for a spot. Our hardworking staff are constantly checking the parking lots for available spaces. Parking is only permitted on our property in the lots located next to the High Peaks Information Center.
Need Gear?
Bear canisters, trekking poles, maps, and other gear is available to rent at the High Peaks Information Center. If you arrive and parking is full, you can utilize our temporary parking spots (see #4 below) in order to stop inside for rentals.
Support The Trails
ADK charges $25 per day to park anytime before 1 p.m. This fee helps us with trail maintenance and backcountry education, so thank you for your support! Only planning to go on a short hike like Mt. Jo? We charge a half-day parking fee of $15 anytime after 1 p.m. and there is a chance of some parking spots opening up throughout the afternoon.
Members of the Adirondack Mountain Club get a discounted parking rate at our property: $10 per day, and $6 per half day. They also have the option to purchase a member parking pass that is valid for the entire year for a one-time fee.
Not a member? Read about the benefits of membership here.
Temporary Parking
If our parking lots are full when you arrive, we do allow temporary parking (15 minutes or less) in the snow plow turnaround across from the parking booth. We will allow temporary parking for equipment rentals, trail questions, purchases, and use of our restrooms. You will then need to move your vehicle to the overflow parking area or an alternative trailhead.
Overflow Parking
Due to safety concerns and inaccessibility for emergency vehicles, “No Parking” signs are on both sides of Adirondack Loj Rd between the parking booth and Meadows Lane. If you park in these areas, you will get a ticket, as you could be blocking emergency vehicles needed for backcountry rescues.
For all overflow parking, please park in the designated parking lot at the end of Meadows Lane or on the right side (on your way out of the Heart Lake Program Center) of Adirondack Loj Rd. from Meadows Lane toward NY 73 for about one mile. This will add about a mile each way to your hike, so please plan accordingly and be careful of cars if you decide to walk along Adirondack Loj Rd to reach our trailhead.
Please be advised parking is no longer allowed on the side of the road along Meadows Lane to allow access for emergency vehicles to get into the truck trail.
Hiking through Marcy Dam? There is an alternative trail known as the “Marcy Dam Truck Trail” starting near the end of Meadows Lane. Just be sure to stop by the High Peaks Information Center first to discuss local rules & regulations and to buy or rent any necessary equipment for your adventure.
Be Flexible
Heart Lake is not the only trailhead in the Adirondacks and there are a lot of other great places to hike and explore outside of the High Peaks that might not be as crowded. Visit the High Peaks Information Center to discuss alternative hikes and trailheads. You can also call the High Peaks Information Center at 518-523-3441 ext. 121 to learn more.
