Adirondack Park Number Six Road
Mining ghost town deep in Adirondack wilderness
Number Six Road cuts deep into the Adirondack wilderness, following old logging and mining routes to the ghost town of Tahawus and the abandoned National Lead Company mines. The 15-mile track starts as maintained gravel but degrades to rutted two-track as you climb toward Henderson Lake, passing the ruins of blast furnaces that once fed the Civil War iron industry. Scattered mine tailings and rusted machinery tell the story of titanium extraction that continued into the 1980s.
This is moderate terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD for the final miles, especially during spring mud season when deep ruts and washouts challenge even lifted rigs. Winter access is snowmobile-only, while summer brings black flies that’ll test your patience. No permits needed, but fuel up in Newcomb—it’s a long way to nowhere out here. What you get is solitude, swimming holes that haven’t seen crowds, and some of the darkest night skies in the Northeast.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Newcomb, NY |
| Land manager | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle Number Six Road without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Wrangler or 4Runner is the minimum and will get through fine under normal conditions. Soft-roaders and 2WD trucks don't belong here — the dirt surface gets rutted and muddy, and there are water crossings that will strand a low-clearance rig.
When does Number Six Road become impassable — spring mud season or winter?
The trail is best June through October. Spring mud season (April–May) turns the dirt surface into a rutted mess that will swallow vehicles and damage the road. Winter access is effectively zero — the Adirondacks get serious snowfall and DEC does not maintain this road.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Number Six Road?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed on New York State Forest Preserve land under DEC rules — camp 150 feet from water, trails, and roads, and no stay longer than 3 nights in one spot without a permit.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it difficult?
The water crossings are the crux — they're not technical rock crawls, but after rain they deepen fast and have soft, muddy bottoms that can bog you down if you hesitate. The 800-foot elevation gain is gradual, but the rutted two-track after wet weather demands steady throttle control and decent tires.
There's no cell service out there — how far is the nearest gas and should I carry extra fuel?
Newcomb, NY is your last real stop, and fuel options in that area are slim — top off in Long Lake or Indian Lake before heading in. At 15 miles in and out, fuel isn't a crisis issue for most rigs, but if you're running a thirsty truck or plan to explore side tracks, carry an extra 5-gallon jerry can.
Trail track
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