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DEC lifts muddy trail advisory; Boreas road to close weekdays

RAY BROOK — The state Department of Environmental Conservation lifted its muddy trails advisory Thursday that urged hikers to stay off high elevation and sensitive trails in the Adirondacks.

While not a prohibition on higher elevation and wet trails, the DEC had been encouraging backcountry users to avoid sensitive areas to limit environmental damage. But in its weekly backcountry conditions report, the department still had recommendations for hikers.

“Wear water-resistant hiking boots and let them get dirty,” the report says. “Stay in the center of the trail and walk through mud and water. Trails in high elevations and areas of trails in low spots, along water bodies, and in drainages can still have mud and water.”

DEC also announced Thursday that the Gulf Brook Road, which leads into Boreas Ponds, will be closed during the week for repairs. The department said due to the long and cold winter, there are a lot of rocks and frost heaves.

The road will open each Friday at 5 p.m. and remain open to motor vehicle use until sundown on Sunday. During the week, pedestrians, bicycle riders and equestrians can use the road, but the DEC urged caution, adding that non-motorized users must “follow all instructions of workers when approaching or within active work areas.”

Also noted in the conditions report is that the Bradley Pond lean-to in the High Peaks has a large hole in the roof. The DEC said the lean-to can still be used but should be avoided in the rain. The department is working on a temporary fix.

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