Day: April 16, 2026

The opening of the Moose River Plains Camping Area is an annual ritual eagerly awaited by Adirondack backcountry enthusiasts, usually occurring in mid-to-late May. The timing is dictated by the “mud season” thaw, as the DEC and local highway departments must ensure the 28-mile seasonal recreatonal highway system can support vehicle traffic without being destroyed.

While the main gates at the Inlet and Cedar River Flow (Indian Lake) entrances typically open in unison just before Memorial Day weekend, there is often an early-season exception. The Town of Indian Lake frequently opens the eastern portion of Cedar River Road—the paved and gravel section leading up to the Flow—a few weeks prior to the interior gates. This allows early access to the Cedar River Flow day-use areas while the deep interior of the Plains remains protected.

The logistics of “opening the Plains” is a collaborative heavy-lift. The Inlet and Indian Lake highway departments, in close consultation with the DEC and local volunteers, spend weeks clearing winter blowdown, grading washboard sections, and cleaning out culverts. Their goal is to stabilize the roadbed against spring conditions, which often include deep ruts, soft shoulders, and lingering frost heaves.

Campers arriving for the early season should be prepared for more than just muddy roads. From the opening through mid-to-late June, the black fly population is notoriously intense. These biting insects thrive in the damp, warming woods, making head nets and bug jackets essential gear until the black fly season ends.

Access to specific side roads often lags behind the main thoroughfare. Rock Dam Road and the stretch of Otter Brook Road south of the Otter Brook bridge typically remain gated until they dry out, often not opening until Independence Day weekend. Furthermore, travelers should note a permanent change to the landscape: Otter Brook Road is now closed to motor vehicles southwest of the Falls Pond outlet. This section has been decommissioned for cars and is now reserved exclusively for hikers and mountain bikers trekking through from the smaller “Indian Lake” in West Canada Wilderness. Beyond there, the trail to Horn Lake is by foot only.