Adirondack Park Old Military Road
Civil War supply route through Adirondack wilderness
This forgotten military supply route cuts through the heart of the Adirondack wilderness, following the same path Union forces used during the Civil War to move supplies between Fort Edward and the Canadian border. The trail winds through dense hardwood forests and crosses the Hudson River’s remote tributaries, with the most challenging obstacle being the Cedar River ford at mile 18 — a rocky, uneven crossing that can run waist-deep in spring melt.
This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD and recovery gear for the water crossings. Best tackled May through October when stream levels drop, though mud season in April-May can turn sections into axle-deep quagmires. No permits needed on state land, but dispersed camping is allowed with multiple established sites along the route. You’ll earn solitude that’s hard to find in the increasingly crowded Adirondacks, plus genuine wilderness camping under stars you can actually see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 32 mi / 51.5 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2400 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | North Creek, New York |
| 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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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Wrangler or 4Runner will get through, but the stream crossings and rutted sections make a 2-3 inch lift with all-terrain tires a real advantage. Lifted rigs will have more confidence at the water crossings. Low-clearance crossovers and 2WD trucks should stay home.
When does the trail open in spring and is it passable by late October?
Late May through early October is the reliable window — spring mud season can leave the dirt surface badly rutted and the stream crossings running high through April. The first hard frosts hit the Adirondacks in October and snow can arrive by late month, making conditions unpredictable fast.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on the Old Military Road?
No permit is required to drive the route, but dispersed camping on New York State DEC land follows the 3-night-per-site limit and you must camp at least 150 feet from any water source, trail, or road. No fire permits are needed, but check DEC for any active burn restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I be ready for?
The stream crossings are where most rigs get into trouble — they're not marked, depths vary with recent rainfall, and the rocky bottoms can grab a tire unexpectedly. Walk every crossing before you drive it, and if it rained in the last 24-48 hours, expect water levels to be significantly higher than any trip report you read online.
There's zero cell service for the full 32 miles — what's the nearest place to get gas and how far out is the closest help if something goes wrong?
North Creek is your last fuel stop before heading in — top off there, because there's nothing on route. If something goes sideways on the trail, you're looking at a serious self-rescue situation; the nearest DEC ranger station and emergency services are based out of North Creek, roughly 10-20 miles from different points on the route depending on where you are.
Trail track
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