Heading out hiking this weekend? Be prepared for cold temperatures – here is the weather forecast, along with current trail conditions and notices.
Blowdown
It’s predicted to get quite windy throughout the weekend. There will be fallen trees, limbs, and branches present on and above trails, particularly in the higher elevations.
Cold Weather
Nighttime temperatures are forecasted to be below freezing; daytime temperatures in the higher elevations will also be below freezing. Stay warm and dry and avoid hypothermia by doing the following:
- Wear waterproof outer layers.
- Wear layers of fleece, wool, and other non-cotton clothing.
- Pack extra clothing, including a fleece, wool, or another non-cotton jacket or sweater.
- Add or remove layers to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
- Wear a cold weather hat and gloves or mittens.
- Eat, drink, and rest often.
Temperatures will of course be colder with winds stronger at the summits, and snow and ice will be present. Be aware that sight distance from the summits will be limited, sometimes significantly if clouds are present. Check the National Weather Service Mountain Point Forecasts before heading out.
Shorter Days
Sunset is now occurring around 4:30pm. The sun will set earlier in deep valleys and on northern and eastern facing slopes. It will get darker sooner when cloudy. Plan to return to the trailhead by sunset, but always carry a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries just in case.
Trail Conditions
Trails will be wet and muddy, especially in low spots and along water. Snow and ice are present above 3,500 feet. The trails will be slippery with wet leaves, mud, snow, and ice – wear proper footwear and traction devices. Stay on the trails to avoid damaging trailside vegetation.
Hunting Season
Most big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting seasons are currently open. Hikers should be aware that hunters with firearms or archery equipment will be out hunting, and they have the legal right to participate in these activities on the forest preserve. Hunting accidents with non-hunters are incredibly rare, but you should wear bright colors just in case.
High Peaks Information Center
The information center at Adirondack Loj is closed for renovations until late December. The Adirondack Mountain Club will operate out of a heated tent to offer snowshoe and microspike rentals, along with some retail merchandise. The flush toilet and shower facilities will not be available, although there are porta-johns. Parking will still be available.
Lake Arnold/Feldspar Brook Trail
This trail is flooded and the bog bridging cannot be crossed. You’ll need to use alternate routes on other trails in the area. The DEC is working to find a permanent solution.
East River Trail
The second bridge on the East River Trail to Allen Mountain and Hanging Spear Falls has been replaced by the DEC and Student Conservation Association Adirondack Program. Please do not bounce on the bridge.
Garden Trailhead Parking Area
The town of Keene operates the Garden Parking Area and charges $7 a day for parking. Hikers should use an envelope and the collection slot to pay.
Moose Creek Suspension Bridge
Repairs on the bridge on the Northville-Placid Trail between Shattuck Clearing and Cold River are completed and the bridge is now open for use.
Boreas Ponds Tract
The Interim Access Plan for the Boreas Ponds Tract has been developed, opening up new recreational opportunities:
- 3.2 miles of motor vehicle access on the Gulf Brook Road
- 6.7 miles of roadway open to bicycling from Blue Ridge Road to Boreas Ponds Dam
- About 25 miles of 7 roadways open to horse and horse drawn wagons
- 5 year-round parking areas and 3 seasonal parking areas
The lands of this tract are unclassified at this time. The Interim Access Plan does not have any bearing on future land classification of the tract currently in development and does not prejudge what access and uses will be allowed in the future. The public is prohibited from trespassing in and around the leased camps.
High Peaks Wilderness
Ouluska Brook Bridge: The bridge over Ouluska Brook on theNorthville-Placid Trail has collapsed into the brook. Because water conditions are low it is still possible to cross the brook.
Blueberry Hiking Trail: The first 1,500 feet of this trail has been closed. The trail now connects with the Blueberry Horse Trail about .3 miles east of the previous location (.8 miles from Seward Trailhead). This reroute eliminates the need to hike through a large wet area.
Blueberry Horse Trail: This trail between Calkins Creek Horse Trail and Ward Brook Trail in the Western High Peaks contains extensive blowdown, is grown in with vegetation, and is poorly marked. The trail is impassible to horses. The DEC aims to work on this trail in the fall.
Phelps Trail: The high water bridge over Slide Mountain Brook between the Garden and Johns Brook Lodge is broken and unusable.
Northville Placid Trail: This trail has been rerouted around a beaver pond south of Plumley’s Point on the shores of Long Lake. It passes the beaver pond higher up the slope and eliminates the need to cross the beaver dam. Follow the blue NPT trail markers.
Corey’s Road: Logging trucks are still on this road – keep an eye out for them when entering from trailheads.
Bradley Pond Trail: The first and second foot bridges have been damaged and are unusable. The stream can be forded/rock hopped most of the time on the down stream side of the bridge sites.
Mount Marshall: Many of the herd paths and trail-less peaks go around the slopes of the mountain without reaching the peak. Use a compass to navigate and don’t follow the paths created by others.
Trap Dike: Do not use the abandoned equipment here; it is unsafe due to aging and weatherizing.
Calkins Creek Horse Trail: This trail has two bridges out, making it impassible for horse drawn wagons and difficult for horses.
Adirondack Mountain Reserve (Ausable Club)
The public easement agreement only allows for hiking on designated trails and roads. Do not trespass on AMR lands or waters, or participate in unauthorized activities. Dogs are prohibited on the AMR.
Giant Mountain Wilderness
North Trail to Giant Mountain: Beaver activity has flooded this trail just past the lean-to.
