Popular Keene hiker shuttle returns

KEENE | As part of its ongoing effort to welcome hikers to the 'Home of the High Peaks,' the Town of Keene will be starting its Hiker Shuttle to the Garden trailhead starting at 7 a.m. July 17. This town service gives hikers access to one of the most popular daily and overnight hiking areas in the Adirondacks for only $10. The shuttle will operate on Saturdays and Sundays through the summer and fall hiking season. The shuttle runs from the parking lot on Airport Road in Keene, on the South end of Marcy Field, to the Garden parking lot, with access to trails for the Great Range, Mt. Marcy, Big Slide and the Brothers and more. Keene started the shuttle more than a decade ago, to help give hikers a place to park without jamming up local residential and business areas. Covid-19 cancelled the shuttle last year, even as thousands of hikers poured into the area to enjoy healthy outdoor recreation. "We are striving for a balance here, welcoming visitors who come to enjoy the region we all love, and yet not have our local community get overwhelmed," said Town Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson. "We are working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Essex County to iron out details for another shuttle that will run from Marcy Field south along Route 73." The town requested, and received, permission from the Adirondack Park Agency to expand hiker parking at the southwest corner of Marcy Field by almost 50 percent -- from 75 to 110 – to help handle increased shuttle traffic. Also, the town has hired Front Country Stewards at the Garden, Marcy Field and the Rooster Comb trailheads to help hikers find their destination safely, and figure out alternatives if their intended hikes are over-crowded. The town's overall goal is to welcome visitors, protect the Forest Preserve for all New Yorkers, and help the Keene community thrive. For hiking updates, visit the Town of Keene website, the Adirondack Mountain Club at adk.org, Loveyouradk.org, and Hike Smart NY at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Signup for our newsletter

Popular Keene hiker shuttle returns

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS