Many state hiking trails continue to be impassable or inaccessible due to flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Irene, but others have been reopened, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

DEC is continuing to assess conditions to determine if new closures are necessary and the status on the reopening of state trails and campgrounds.

"We know how popular these areas are to hikers and how important hikers are to the local economy," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "We have been able to re-open some of the wilderness areas and much of the trail systems in those areas due to the quick response and hard work of DEC staff and our stewardship partners. "

Many DEC Campgrounds in the Adirondacks experienced significant damage from the storm including flooded areas, road destruction and loss of electric and water service.

Seventeen of the 41 Adirondack DEC campgrounds have closed for the season as regularly scheduled.

Four campgrounds – Lake Harris, Scaroon Manor, Luzerne and Hearthstone Point – will close on Sunday, September 11.

Fall camping is available through Columbus Day weekend at 20 Adirondack DEC campgrounds.

They include:

• Clinton County: Ausable Point.

• Essex County: Crown Point, Paradox Lake, and Wilmington Notch.

• Franklin County: Fish Creek, Meacham Lake, and Saranac Lake Islands

• Fulton County: Northampton Beach

• Hamilton County: Eighth Lake, Indian Lake Islands, Lake Durant, Lewey Lake, Moffit Beach, and Sacandaga.

• Warren County: Lake George Battleground, Lake George islands (Glen Island, Long Island, & Narrow Island), and Rogers Rock.

• Herkimer County: Nicks Lake.

A list of open and operational DEC campgrounds is continuously updated at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/76659.html.

Adirondack area hiking trail openings: The eastern zone of the High Peaks Wilderness and Giant Mountain Wilderness areas was re-opened effective Thursday, September 8. Due to the amount of damage to certain trails, and the continued closure of a section of Route 73 and other roads, Dix Mountain Wilderness area and a number of trails in the reopened areas will remain closed. However, the majority of trails are now open for public recreation.

Giant Mountain Wilderness: Open trails include all trails starting from the trailheads on Route 9 and Route 9N. Giant Mountain may also be accessed via the Hopkin Mountain trail from the Ranney trailhead.

High Peaks Wilderness: Open trails include those starting at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, the Cascade Mountain trailhead, the Garden trailhead, the Rooster Comb trailhead, the Upper Works trailhead, and the East River trailhead.

All trails out of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (Ausable Club) remain closed due to the closure of a section of route 73 and the damage to the trailhead parking lots.

The Elk Lake trailhead remains closed.

Trails that are not closed still may have bridges washed out and water levels in most rivers and brooks are at spring-high water levels. Crossings may be impassable at this time. These trails may also have blowdown, eroded sections or flooded areas. Pay close attention as many trails have been rerouted to avoid heavily damaged sections and eroded drainages can be mistaken for trails. The ability to navigate with a map and compass is important.

DEC is bringing in additional emergency crews and staff to continue to clear and repair trails.

The list of closed trails and conditions for open trails are available on DEC's High Peaks Trail Information web page (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html).

Hikers and campers should expect to encounter flooding, bridge wash outs, trail wash outs and blowdown when entering the backcountry. Hikers are advised to plan accordingly and be prepared to turn back when conditions warrant.