Wildlife You Might Encounter
The Adirondacks are home to more than 50 species of mammals, including both common and elusive animals. White-tailed deer roam fields and forests, black bears forage for berries and insects, and beavers leave unmistakable signs of their handiwork along streams and ponds. Smaller mammals such as porcupines, raccoons, foxes, and a variety of mustelids (like otters and martens) also make their home here.
Moose are one of the most iconic, though seldom-seen, Adirondack animals. They often appear near wetlands and water edges, where they feed on aquatic plants and grasses.
Birdlife on the trail is equally impressive. Songbirds and woodpeckers fill the forests with sound; raptors such as bald eagles and hawks patrol the skies; and waterfowl like great blue herons and common loons are frequent sights around lakes and rivers. Owls such as the great horned and barred owl emerge at night to hunt across the wooded landscape.
Wetlands and waterways also support a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and fish, from painted turtles sunning on logs to frogs, salamanders, and fish species found throughout the region’s waters.
Wildlife Watching Tips
Stay a respectful distance from animals.
Never feed wildlife. Human food can harm them and create dangerous situations.
Quiet, early mornings and near water sources are often the best times for sightings.
Plant Life Across the Trail
The Adirondacks are part of a larger boreal and temperate forest region rich in plant diversity. Towering hardwoods and conifers, such as sugar maple, white birch, balsam fir, and hemlock dominate the forest landscape. In spring and summer, forests and meadows burst into bloom with wildflowers, ferns, mosses, and lichens.
Respecting Nature
Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or birding, treat every encounter with respect. The Adirondacks are home to both abundant life and delicate ecosystems. Enjoy observing plants and animals from a distance, follow Leave No Trace principles, and avoid disturbing habitat or feeding wildlife. In doing so, you help ensure these forests and waters remain wild and healthy for generations to come.