Hey Tony, I'm glad you came to weigh in on this. I always welcome your views. I truly appreciate your in-depth perspective and the concerns you've raised. Your understanding of the trail's history and its potential future is evident and incredibly valuable. I understand where you're coming from regarding the costs and the possible benefits of simply maintaining the current trail. 1.8 million sounds like a lot (which it is), but I think that it is also small compared to what the state COULD be giving us. It's unfortunate that we aren't given more, but the money given to High Peaks trail conservation is pathetic and needs reevaluation. But for what we are being given, maybe how it is used certainly could be re-addressed (So I somewhat agree with you). The idea of elevating the current trail to a "silver standard" and ensuring regular annual maintenance is indeed a compelling alternative. It's important for all of us to weigh the immediate costs against the long-term benefits and sustainability. This idea could potential take hold on other trails, if only after when this trail is completed, we see that as the more viable option. I think this Cascade Project is good in many ways after it is completed, because it will serve as a pilot system to this form of trail conservation. We shall see what effects it has. Of course, the "intention" behind the DEC's new trail project is not just about addressing the wear and tear but also anticipating the future needs of the trail, especially given the rising number of hikers we see each year. The idea is to provide a long-term solution that enhances the environment, hiker safety, and the overall hiking experience (which this is still debatable). Concerning the redistribution of hiker traffic, the hope might be to distribute the increasing number of tourists across various trails, aiming for a balanced and less congested hiking experience and or even less attraction to High Peak trails. This obviously comes with both positives and negatives. -I agree with you on the parking challenges. Engaging in conversations like this is pivotal for our community. It ensures that we consider all angles and make the best decisions for the trail's future. Again, thank you for your invaluable input.

A definite trade-off, but reasonable given the amount of traffic this summit sees. Much healthier for the mountains in the long run. Maybe this will help people hate Blake and Couch a little less? :D

I doubt the cascade summit will see half the hikers it usually does from the new trail, considering it’s more than twice as long

@@subkulture420I totally agree with you, and it makes me worry a little that are other trails going to see an over abundance that normally wouldn’t have been felt. Cascade seemed to be the one that has taken the blunt load of all the people that were doing their first high peak or were tourist in the area but since it’s going to be an 11 mile round trip which other mountains will see in increase. I did Cascade as my first high peak in 2019 and had to go back this year to do Porter and I was shocked at how bad the trail has gotten even since then, so I understand something has to be done, but I worry about the other mountain trails.

I can make a video entirely on this subject alone. I think there's a lot to be said about how things are being dealt with both inside and outside of New York State DEC. As many praise worthy and awesome things that they do, there's also a dark side to it that I think a lot of people are afraid to talk about. I need to get more educated first before being open about that

I grew up in the area. The Adirondacks have a deep history of corruption and nepotism and yes people are afraid to speak up.

I 100% agree with your statements. I think volunteer labor is certainly welcomed, but projects like this deserve to have people being paid for their family efforts. Unfortunately right now the state isn't willing to pay or hire on more people, so that's why I expressed demand in expanding volunteer efforts because the state isn't going to do anything else about it right now unfortunately

Yes

Yes, that’s what they will be doing. They should have it open for 24 hour access

Excellent! Thanks again! ☦️