Hiking over the holiday weekend? The Adirondacks has seen a good deal of snow recently, and we’ve got all the winter weather conditions you need to be aware of to have a safe and fun outing.
Photo credit: Alicia Boughton
Winter Weather Conditions
The DEC has advised us that the recent snowstorm is providing excellent opportunities for winter recreation!
“Snow has arrived in the Adirondacks in time for people to take advantage of all winter recreation opportunities in the Park during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement.
Snow depths range from 10 to 18 inches and even deeper in some areas, with the deepest snow in the northern and western Adirondacks. Snow depths are also deeper in the higher elevations, like the High Peaks and mountains over 3,000 feet. If you are visiting the Eastern High Peaks or mountains exceeding 3,500 feet, you should bring snowshoes with you.
Snowshoes and skis can significantly help with traveling on snow and can prevent “post holing” (leaving deep footprints in the snow), which can damage trails. Ice crampons and traction devices should also be carried for use on icy portions of trails.
Although there is a lot of snow and ice out there, the ice has not yet formed on any lakes or ponds.
Be aware of that traveling through snow will take more time and energy than if you were to hike the same distance without snow.
Safety in Winter Weather
Snow and cold temperatures can present dangerous conditions to those who go out unprepared. If you’re exploring the backcountry, in addition to using snowshoes and skis to navigate, you should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Dress in layers of wool and fleece (not cotton) clothing, including a wool or fleece hat, gloves or mittens, wind/rain resistant outerwear, and winter boots.
- Carry a day pack with the following: ice axe, plenty of food and water, extra clothing, map and compass, first-aid kit, flashlight/headlamp, sunglasses, sun block, ensolite pads, stove and extra fuel, and a bivy sack or space blankets.
- Eat, drink, and rest often. Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes you more vulnerable to hypothermia.
- Check the weather before heading out – if it’s bad, postpone the trip.
- Be aware of the weather at all times – if it worsens, leave the woods.
- Know the terrain and your physical capabilities.
- Never travel alone, and let someone know of your intended route and return time.
Shorter Days
The sun will be setting around 4:20pm, and even earlier in deep valleys and on northern and eastern facing slopes. Plan to return to the trailhead by sunset, but always carry a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries just in case.
Marcy Truck Trail
The trail has thin snow conditions but is skiable.
South Meadow Lane
This lane is closed to public motor vehicles until the end of spring mud season. Vehicles may park at the barrier at the intersection with the Adirondack Loj Road but should not block the opening to ensure emergency vehicles have access.
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.
The portion of the trail from the Elk Lane Trailhead to the High Peaks Wilderness located on the privately-owned Elk Lake Easement Lands is closed to the public for the Northern Zone Big Game Hunting Season.
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.
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 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.
High Peaks Region
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.
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.
Phelps Trail: The high water bridge over Slide Mountain Brook between the Garden and Johns Brook Lodge is broken and unusable.
Whiteface Landing Trial: The trail has been rerouted to avoid private camps on Connery Pond. The new trail route starts at the small parking area just before the private gate. Please stay on the trail and respect the private property.
Corey’s Road: Logging trucks are using this road. Listen and watch for trucks while on the road or entering the road from trailhead parking areas.
Bradley Pond: The first and second foot bridges on the Bradley Pond Trail are damaged and unusable. The stream can be forded/rock hopped downstream 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.
Northville-Placid Trail
Moose Creek Suspension Bridge: The bridge between Shattuck Clearing and Cold River is now open.
Ouluska Brook: The bridge over this brook has collapsed. Due to low water conditions, crossing the brook is still possible.
Giant Mountain Wilderness
North Trail to Giant Mountain: Beaver activity has flooded this trail just past the lean-to.
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.
Find more specific trail updates here >>
