Albany, April 17, 2026 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the return of the parking reservation system for the privately-owned Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). The no-cost reservation system produced another successful year in 2025 by helping mitigate risk to pedestrians and motorists along the busy stretch of Route 73 in the Town of Keene. Reservations for the 2026 season will begin April 17, 2026.

“We are thrilled to see so many people enjoying the Adirondack High Peaks and thanks to the reservation system, many visitors are able to do so much more safely,” DEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “Since 2021, this system results in fewer cars dangerously parked on the shoulder of a windy stretch of road with low visibility around curves, and provides hikers with a safe, off-road parking option. The more people who make reservations before the hike, the safer they will all be.”

The Adirondack Mountain Reserve is a privately owned 7,000-acre land parcel located in the town of Keene Valley that allows for limited public access through a conservation easement agreement with DEC. The reservation system does not apply to other areas in the Adirondack Park.

The reservation system operated by AMR facilitates safer public access to trailheads through the AMR gate and for Noonmark and Round Mountains and improves visitors’ trip planning and preparation by guaranteeing parking upon arrival.

The AMR-specific parking reservation program requires visitors to make a no-cost parking reservation in advance of their visit to access trails and trailheads on AMR lands. Reservations can be made as close as 4:00 a.m. for same-day spots, allowing last-minute cancellations to open spots for other parties. Since the launch of the reservation system in 2021, more than 56,000 users registered to make parking reservations. In addition to promoting visitor safety, reservations assist with trip planning by guaranteeing a parking spot. In the past, it was not uncommon for parking spots to fill before dawn.

Prior to the reservation system’s creation in 2021, pedestrian traffic, illegal parking, and roadside stopping along Route 73 created a dangerous environment for hikers and motorists alike. DEC and AMR launched the no-cost reservations for required use May 1 through October 31 each year.

Reservations will be required for parking, daily access, and overnight access to these specific trails. Reservations can be made by visiting AMR’s website beginning April 17. To avoid road congestion from unmanaged drop-offs, walk-in users without a reservation will not be permitted.

The AMR parking lot is accessible for entry between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily. The automatic one-way gate allows late-night hikers to depart from the lot after the attendant has left the premises.