Hurricane Irene Prompts Park Closings

Be aware that many parks in the New York-New Jersey have announced closings, some beginning this (Friday) evening, in advance of the expected arrival of Hurricane Irene.

New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation cautions hikers to stay off of trails in the Lower Hudson, Catskiills, and Adirondacks, citing potential flooding and landslides.

The Palisades Interstate Park Commission announced the cancellation of all camping reservations for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at state parks in the Long Island, Palisades, and Taconic Regions. 

In New Jersey, Ringwood State Park has announced that all properties under its administration will be posted and closed effective at 6pm this (Friday) evening.

Morristown National Historic Site announced plans to closeits grounds on Saturday at 6pm. On Sunday, the entire park will be closed. This includes Fort Nonsense, the Cross Estate grounds, Jockey Hollow's buildings and grounds, the Washington's HQ Museum and the Ford Mansion.

More closings:

White Mountain National Forest Closing
Due to the threat of extreme weather associated with Hurricane Irene, the White Mountain National Forest will be closed, effective 6 p.m., Saturday August 27, 2011, through midnight, Monday, August 29, 2011.

Current National Weather Service projections call for the weather event to reach New Hampshire on Sunday, August 28, 2011. This closure is to ensure public safety and effective emergency operations. The closure includes all trails, campgrounds, developed sites, huts, shelters, and ski areas.

AMC Destinations in ME, NH, NJ Closing Due to Hurricane Irene
The AMC will be closing the following destinations on Saturday, August 27th through Monday, August 29th (Tuesday, August 30th for destinations in Maine) due to potentially dangerous conditions caused by Hurricane Irene as the storm passes through the Mid-Atlantic and New England:

Mohican Outdoor Center, Blairstown, NJ
Cardigan Lodge, Alexandria, NH
Highland Lodge, Bretton Woods, NH
Joe Dodge Lodge, Gorham, NH
All eight White Mountain Huts
Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins, Greenville, ME
Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins, Greenville, ME
Medawisla Wilderness Lodge & Cabins, Greenville, ME
All backcountry shelters/campsites in the WMNF, Mahoosucs and Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness Region (Caretakers also being evacuated)
All volunteer-managed facilities in the impacted area, including: Fire Island Cabin, Cold River Camp, Echo Lake Camp, Three Mile Island, and Noble View Outdoor Center 

AMC's Maine Wilderness Lodges (Little Lyford, Gorman Chairback, Medawisla) will be closed Saturday night through Tuesday morning.

Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites in Hyde Park, NY

All facilities, including buildings, grounds and trails of Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, 
the FDR Presidential Library and Museum and The Wallace Visitor Center will be closed
from 6:00 pm Saturday, August 27  through Sunday, August 28. 

Other closures are likely. Park managers hope to open most facilities on Monday, pending assessment of storm damage. Questions: Check with the park.