Adirondack Park Number Five Road
Gateway to Adirondack backcountry fishing
Number Five Road cuts deep into the Adirondack Park’s western wilderness, following old logging routes that date back to the great timber boom. The road starts near Inlet and winds through dense forest to reach remote ponds and streams that most anglers never see. Around mile 8, you’ll hit the infamous Moose River crossing — when it’s running high, turn back unless you’re running a snorkel.
Moderate difficulty with some technical water crossings and soft spots that can swallow a stock truck. High-clearance 4WD minimum, but aggressive tires help in the boggy sections. Spring and fall offer the best driving conditions, though black fly season (May-June) is brutal. No permits needed, but camping regulations are strict. The reward is solitude in some of New York’s last true wilderness, plus brook trout that have never seen a lure.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Inlet, New York |
| Land manager | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | dec.ny.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Number Five Road, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through in good conditions, but the rutted sections and water crossings reward at least a mild lift and all-terrain tires. Stock ride height is the bare minimum — don't attempt this in a crossover or 2WD truck regardless of confidence level.
When does Number Five Road typically open and close each season?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring mud season can leave the road impassable well into May, and early snowfall can shut it down before October ends. Check with the NY DEC before heading out — conditions change fast up there.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on Number Five Road?
No permit is required to drive the trail, and dispersed camping is allowed on New York State Forest Preserve land under DEC regulations — no fee, no reservation. Standard rules apply: camp 150 feet from water, trails, and roads, and stays are limited to three consecutive nights in one spot.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The water crossings are the crux — depths vary significantly with rainfall and you won't always know what you're getting into before you're in it. The crossings can have soft, rocky bottoms that shift your line unexpectedly, so air down, go slow, and scout on foot if the water looks higher than knee height.
Is there any place to fuel up near the trailhead, and how far is the nearest gas from the start?
Inlet, New York is the closest town and has a gas station — fill up there before you head in. There's nothing along the 18-mile route, and the nearest alternatives require significant backtracking, so start with a full tank.
Trail track
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