Hikers in the Adirondack Mountain's High Peaks area are growing in numbers, and so is the trash that is left on the trails.  That's according to Neil Woodworth of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK).

Woodworth told NYUpstate.com that a record number of hikers are exploring the mountain summits.  An estimated 5,000 climbed peaks in the Lake Placid area over Labor Day weekend.

Despite hundreds of volunteers from the ADK trying to keep the trails in good shape, hikers have been trampling the vegetation and leaving behind waste.  Woodworth also said that peaks that are too crowded ruin the experience for everyone.  He added that often groups of up to 15 people often turn the into a "party atmosphere."

Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation officers have the power to ticket those who break the rules while hiking.

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