Facility Overview

The AMR Parking Lot, officially serving the Adirondack Mountain Reserve and the Ausable Club conservation easement, is one of the most critical backcountry trailheads in the High Peaks region of upstate New York. Situated off Route 73 in the hamlet of St. Huberts near Keene Valley, this designated open-air gravel surface lot serves as the gateway to iconic wilderness trails and breathtaking alpine summits. Because it is an open-sky exterior parking lot, there are no overhead clearance height restrictions, making it easily accessible for standard passenger sedans, crossover utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and full-size SUVs. However, pull-behind trailers, camper rigs, and large motorhomes are generally prohibited due to restricted turn-around radius and conservation regulations. Vehicle entry is permitted exclusively between 5:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily, with an automated one-way exit gate allowing outbound departures at any hour of the night.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The facility provides immediate, controlled access to some of the most sought-after wilderness destinations in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Directly accessed from the lot via the Lake Road easement are legendary vistas including Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs, often hailed as the grandest viewpoints in the East, as well as picturesque cascading waters like Rainbow Falls and Beaver Meadow Falls. For ambitious mountaineers pursuing their Adirondack 46er patch, the lot is the primary launch point for demanding ascents up Gothics, Armstrong, Upper and Lower Wolfjaw, Mount Colvin, Blake Peak, Dial Mountain, and Nippletop. Directly across Route 73 lies the trail to Roaring Brook Falls and the direct route to the summit of Mount Marcy, while the scenic hamlets of Keene Valley and Keene—offering cozy alpine diners, gear outfitters, and local cafes—are situated just a 5- to 10-minute drive north.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to the lot is straightforward via New York State Route 73, the central thoroughfare threading the High Peaks scenic corridor connecting Interstate 87 (the Adirondack Northway at Exit 30) with Lake Placid. Ingress and egress are strictly monitored by parking stewards at the check-in booth at the entrance road off Route 73. While there is no passenger rail or local subway service in this rural mountain enclave, regional intercity buses operated by Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound make scheduled stops in the town of Keene Valley. Under official easement rules, visitors arriving by public transit bus who present a valid ticket within 24 hours are granted walk-in pedestrian access without requiring a vehicle parking pass.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Designed to preserve sensitive forest habitats while accommodating outdoor enthusiasts, the facility includes essential backcountry staging amenities:

• Open-air, organized gravel surface parking with marked designated stall areas
• Staffed ranger and steward check-in station during peak morning entry windows
• Seasonal portable restrooms and privy facilities situated adjacent to the parking area
• Automated one-way exit gate providing 24/7 egress flexibility for late-finishing hikers
• Official trail registry station and Leave No Trace informational signage
• Zero overhead vertical clearance restrictions accommodating roof racks and tall utility vehicles
• Designated ADA accessible parking stalls near the trailhead registration gate
• Strict no-cost advance reservation system integrated with the state conservation portal

Ideal For

• Day hikers and landscape photographers trekking to Indian Head, Fish Hawk Cliffs, and Rainbow Falls
• Adirondack 46er peakbaggers tackling the Great Range, Colvin Range, or Dix Wilderness
• Backcountry trail runners and endurance athletes seeking early-morning alpine starts
• Nature tourists and foliage enthusiasts visiting the High Peaks scenic corridor in autumn
• Overnight backpackers holding approved permits for wilderness interior camping zones

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking at the AMR requires strict forward planning. A mandatory, no-cost reservation system operates between May 1 and October 31 each year via the HikeAMR online portal; drive-ups without an active reservation barcode will be turned away without exception. Roadside parking along Route 73 is strictly illegal and aggressively ticketed and towed by state troopers to keep emergency transit corridors clear. Entry gates unlock promptly at 5:00 AM, and arriving within your designated morning window ensures a swift check-in. Note that dogs are strictly forbidden on AMR private lands and easements, even inside parked vehicles, so four-legged companions must be left at home. In winter conditions outside the reservation season, 4WD/AWD vehicles and dedicated snow tires are highly recommended due to heavy snow and ice buildup on the lot apron.