Reserve Your Hike: Visiting the Adirondack Mountain Reserve

An important part of planning ahead and preparing for outdoor adventures is researching your destination in advance. One thing of particular importance is the parking situation at your trailhead of choice. While the majority of trailheads in the Adirondack Park are first come, first served, a handful require extra steps to access.

One of these is the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, which requires a reservation to park at and access between May 1 and October 31 every year. Below is a brief overview of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve and how to get a reservation this summer.

What is the Adirondack Mountain Reserve?

The Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) is a 7,000-acre property that is privately owned. It is located just south-east of the Village of Keene Valley and has a parking area along Route 73. Hikers are allowed to visit the trails in the AMR courtesy of a conservation easement agreement with the NYSDEC.

Where can I hike to from there?

The AMR is perhaps most famous for Indian Head, a rocky knob that offers expansive views of the Upper and Lower Ausable Lakes and their neighboring mountains. It is also the primary access point for five high peaks: Blake, Colvin, Dial, Nippletop, and Sawteeth. Though all five summits are on state land and can be accessed via alternative routes, the trails that start on AMR property are the most accessible in terms of location and mileage.

Other destinations in the AMR include Beaver Meadow Falls, Rainbow Falls, Noonmark Mountain, and Round Mountain. Hikers can also find alternative routes to Gothics, Armstrong, and Upper and Lower Wolfjaw here.

How do I make a reservation?

As stated earlier, if you plan to visit between May 1 and October 31, then you will need to reserve a free parking space ahead of time. Reservations are made online at hikeamr.org and can be submitted up to two weeks in advance of the date of reservation, up until 12 hours before arrival.

For a complete overview of the reservation process, please read the AMR’s FAQ