On Monday, September 15, nearly every rock cairn on the summit of Wright Peak in New York’s Adirondack Mountains was deliberately destroyed, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
These rock cairns, carefully constructed by trail crews and summit stewards, serve as critical navigational aids for hikers navigating above the treeline. Their destruction not only disrupts safe passage but also endangers the fragile alpine vegetation that hikers are urged to protect.
In some areas, rock cairns are essential for guiding hikers along designated trails, preventing them from straying and trampling the delicate alpine ecosystem. The DEC emphasizes the importance of leaving cairns untouched to maintain their function and preserve the environment.
The DEC is seeking information from the public to identify those responsible for the destruction. Anyone with details about the incident is encouraged to contact Info.R5@dec.ny.gov.
Hikers are reminded to respect trail markers and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to ensure the preservation of these pristine natural areas for future adventurers. Never build rock cairns without proper authorization.
