So why does it cost 30$????a month prior to our trip here we went to the addirondacks and hiked several mountains free of charge.....

It is private property. They can charge what they want. The trails are very unique and well maintained. Well worth the price of admission in my opinion...

Being private, they staff people, and they maintain trails and landmarks, so they offset that cost by charging.

I paid $30 for my friend and I, it was a $15 fee for each person and it was not free.