A bit of preparation and common sense are all you'll need to stay safe in the Adirondack backcountry. After 40 years of hiking and backpacking here are a few lessons learned along the way:
Weather and trail conditions change fast in the mountains. Know the forecast, keep an eye on the conditions, and be prepared to change your plans when the situation changes.
Have an idea how long your hike will take and plan to be back before dark. And carry a flashlight, sometimes our plans don't work out. Many "rescues" are nothing more than hikers who didn't carry a flashlight and got stuck in the dark. Don't count on your phone. If you are out past dark it's a safe bet that you phone battery will be dead.
Temperatures on mountain summits can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than at the base. And it will be windy on top of the mountain. Pack jackets, even in summer. Numb hikers are dumb hikers.
Wear appropriate shoes. Sandals, flat-bottomed sneakers, and fashion footwear will invariably lead to a bad experience; and whining. Whining is strictly prohibited while hiking.
Carry plenty of water, and take some food. You'll last if you don't have food, but dehydration makes us tired and cranky, and it clouds our judgement. And it can lead to whining.
Know where you are going. Even better, know how to get back. You can't count on your cell phone for navigation. You can use your phone, but you can't rely on it. Cell coverage in the Adirondacks is spotty at best. If you don't have cell coverage the map on your phone won't refresh. Batteries can fail. You might drop your phone in a lake. Mountain trails can be very confusing. Having a map is very helpful.
Watch out for slippery rocks, bridges, walkways, and logs. Bridges and walkways can be unbelievably slippery.
If you suddenly realize that the path is fading and you haven't seen a trail marker in a while, turn around and see if there are any markers going in the opposite direction. If you think you have wandered off the trail sit down and have a snack. Then retrace your steps to the last place where you knew you were on the route. If that doesn't work sit down and think it through.
Don't take on more than you can handle. If your plans are not working out, turn back. If you're in a group, keep an eye on the stragglers. If someone is not keeping up, or not feeling well, you might need to turn back. Don't leave the stragglers to catch up later. Sure, you warned your brother-in-law that it was going to be hard, and now he's lagging behind, but consider what your sister will say if you break him.
Let someone responsible know exactly where you are going and when you expect to get back.