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Hiking in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains
A Pathfinder
by Renate Dunsmore, Librarian
"The lands now or hereafter constituting the Forest Preserve shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. They shall not be sold, nor shall they be leased or taken by any person or corporation, public or private."
-- New York State Legislature, May 15, 1885
| New York State’s Adirondack Park was created in 1892 when 6 million acres of New York State’s Forest Preserve and private lands were constitutionally set aside to remain “forever wild.” Adirondack Park, the largest park in the continental United States, offers breathtaking views, abundant wildlife, and a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced hiker wanting to learn more about the early history of the area, or a novice looking for an easy climb with optimal views, your local library has books, maps, trail guides, magazines, and media resources available to make your hiking experience memorable. |  |
Books & Videos
Magazines
Websites
Here are some useful Subject Headings to search for materials:
Hiking - New York State - Guidebooks
Hiking - New York State - Adirondack Mountains
Hiking - New York State - Adirondack Mountains - Guidebooks
Books about Hiking in the Adirondacks
For the ”just do it” crowd
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An Adirondack Sampler II: Backpacking Trips for All Seasons by Bruce Wadsworth |
| Discover the Adirondacks Series by Barbara McMartin |
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| Fifty Hikes in the Adirondacks: Short Walks, Day Trips, and Backpacks Throughout the Park by Barbara McMartin |
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Kids on the Trail!: Hiking with Children in the Adirondacks by Rose Rivezzi & David Trithart |
| Paths Less Traveled: The Adirondack Experience for Walkers, Hikers and Climbers of All Ages by Dennis Aprill |
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Peak Experiences: Hiking the Highest Summits in New York, County by County by Gary Fallesen |
| Views From on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills by John P. Freeman with Wesley H. Haynes |
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Books about Adirondack History
For those who like a little background with their adventures
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The Adirondacks: 1830-1930 by Donald R.Williams |
| The Adirondacks:1931-1990 by Donald R. Williams |
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The Adirondack Atlas: A Geographic Portrait of the Adirondack Park by Jerry Jenkins |
| Perspectives on the Adirondacks: A Thirty-Year Struggle by People Protecting Their Treasure by Barbara McMartin |
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Exploring the 46 Adirondack High Peaks: With 282 Photos, Maps & Mountain Profiles, Excerpts from the Author’s Journal, & Historical Insights by James R. Burnside |
| A History of the Adirondacks by Alfred L. Donaldson |
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Videos
Adirondack Blue: Aerial View of the Adirondacks
Take a breathtaking sweep over the High Peaks, above the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain and around scenic villages to get a bird's-eye view of the Adirondacks.
Wilderness 911
Teaches a variety of ways to protect yourself from harm or treat injuries while in the wilderness.
Adirondack Life
Details the human and natural history, art, architecture, crafts, lifestyles, politics, environmental issues, current events and recreational possibilities found in the Adirondack Park.
Also available online.
The Backpacker
This magazine of wilderness travel offers both practical advice and equipment reviews. Filled with places to visit, gear information, and how-to’s for all kinds of hiking and camping trips. Also provides many fold-out maps and photographs.
Also available online.
New York State Conservationist
This is an award winning, advertisement-free magazine focusing on New York State’s great outdoors. It features stunning photography, informative articles, and around-the-state coverage.
For articles about hiking, see OCPL’s Online Databases. Here you can access magazine and journal articles, newspapers, and reference books 24 hours a day using your OCPL library card.
For in-library use of the online databases, please see a librarian.
ADK is a 30,000-member nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and responsible recreational use of the New York State Forest Preserve, parks, wild lands, and waters.
The ADK-46R is a volunteer organization whose membership consists of hikers who have climbed to the summits of the 46 high peaks and have reported their climbs to the Adirondack Forty-Sixers Historian.
The Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks seeks to inspire a broad public understanding of the natural systems that shape and sustain life in the Adirondacks.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides information about conservation, wildlife protection, hiking safety and preservation initiatives. It operates 52 campgrounds in the Catskill Park and Adirondack Forest Preserve area.
New York State Outdoor Guides Association is the primary source for finding and contacting licensed guides for fly-fishing, hunting, canoeing, boating, camping and hiking.
Views from the Top is a moderated newsgroup and discussion forum focusing on northeast hiking. It includes trail conditions, trip reports, weather reports and Q & A.
To find additional hiking books at your local library, try browsing is these related areas:
Backpacking (796.51)
Camping (796.54)
Mountaineering (796.522)
Natural History (508)
Nature Trails (508 & 796.51)
New York State - Adirondack Region (974.753)
New York State Description & Travel (917.47)
Orienteering (796.58)
Outdoor Life (796.5)
Outdoor Recreation (796)
Wilderness Survival (613.6)