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Current Conditions

Visitors are responsible for knowing the conditions before heading to the National Forests. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan and to turn back if conditions take an unexpected turn, or if you’re simply not as prepared as you thought.

Road Status Lists

Most Green Mountain National Forest roads are closed during the winter months from December 15 to May 1 with some exceptions. On the Finger Lakes National Forest, roads are closed from December 15 to April 15. Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for a list of seasonal and special vehicle designations.

Outside of seasonal closures, some National Forest roads/parking lots may be closed due to construction, extreme weather, or other events making a road impassable or unsafe.

Keep in mind that conditions can change quickly, and more recent closures may not yet be listed. It is always best to contact your local Ranger Stations for the most up-to-date closures when planning your forest trips.

Heavily Damaged or Closed Trails

Please note this list may not be exhaustive, conditions can change quickly and what is considered difficult for some may not be difficult for others. It is always best to contact your local Ranger Stations for the most up-to-date conditions when planning your forest trips.

The following trails are heavily damaged or closed:

On the Green Mountain National Forest

  • Abbey Pond Trail is heavily damaged and a difficult hike at the present time.
  • Oak Ridge Trail from the Route 125 side has a significant culvert washout about ½ mile from the parking lot
  • Widow’s Clearing Trail from the Chatfield Parking lot has a washed-out culvert that is creating a disruption to normal use. It is passable by hikers, but difficult for other users.
  • Sundown Trail (FR 89) is currently impacted by beaver activity and is missing a culvert.

On the Finger Lakes National Forest

  • Fossenvue Trail at Caywood Point has washed out.

Special Orders and Closures

The Forest Supervisor may issue Special Orders and Closures that will close or restrict the use of certain areas as needed to protect public safety and natural resources. It is recommended that visitors consult the closure order list and/or check with the District Ranger station to be informed of up-to-date closures. Emergency closure orders will be posted as an “alert” so visitors to the Forest can reasonably be expected to be familiar with them.

Vermont—Green Mountain National Forest Special Orders and Closures

New York—Finger Lakes National Forest Special Orders and Closures

Last updated May 5, 2026

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