The Avalanche Pass Trail has officially reopened! The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the reopening in a press release on August 26, 2026. The trail was closed by DEC in July 2025 after heavy rain events caused landslides on Mount Colden into Avalanche Pass.
DEC released a draft work plan for the Avalanche Pass Trail in April 2026, with crews beginning work to rebuild the trail in June. Professional and volunteer trail crews from DEC, Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack 46ers, and the Student Conservation Association completed a variety of projects in the Pass.
Note: Trail work in the area is ongoing and expected to continue through 2027. Please be mindful of trail crews and equipment present along the trail.
Getting To Avalanche Pass
Park at ADK’s hiker parking lots at 1002 Adirondack Loj Road in Lake Placid, New York. Start at the Van Hoevenberg Trail (Trail 61 in ADK’s guidebooks and maps) at the end of Lot 1 and hike following blue trail markers 2.3 miles into Marcy Dam.
From Marcy Dam, follow signage and yellow markers. Hike 1.1 miles on the Avalanche Pass Trail (Trail 68 in ADK’s guidebooks and maps) to the junction of the Avalanche Pass and Lake Arnold Trails. Proceed straight at the junction, following yellow markers to continue hiking towards Avalanche Lake.
Hiking Routes Through Avalanche Pass
The following previously impacted routes are now viable:
- The pass south to Lake Colden from the Adirondak Loj
- Loop routes over Algonquin, Marcy, and Colden
- The Marcy-Skylight-Gray loop through Avalanche Pass
Looking for help planning an adventure through Avalanche Pass? Schedule a trip planning session with an ADK! These trip planning sessions offer a friendly and individualized way to start your trip.
This is a breaking news story. More details will be added as they become available.
