Wondering where the snow and ice will be for hiking this weekend? We’ve got your full report right here.
Snow and Ice
Snow and ice are present at all elevations!
- Snow depth at the Lake Colden Caretaker’s Club is 23 inches
- Snow is deeper in higher elevations
- Spikes should be worn in the lower elevations
- Snowshoes should be worn in the higher elevations
- Wear proper footwear and stay on trails
- South Meadow Lane and the Marcy Truck Trail are skiable
Ice has formed on ponds and lakes in the high elevations, including Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake. However, the ice is thin, and is not able to bear the weight of people at this time.
Of course, temperatures will be colder, wind stronger, and snow deeper at the summits.
Weather
Here are the current high temperatures and forecasts for the following areas:
- Crown Point: Fri 24°, Sat 27° with light snow, Sun 30° with snow
- Indian Lake: Fri 21°, Sat 20°, Sun 26°
- Lake George: Fri 34°, Sat 32°, Sun 36° with light snow
- Lake Placid: Fri 19° with light snow, Sat 17°, Sun 24° with light snow
- Malone: Fri 21° with light snow, Sat 18°, Sun 26° with light snow
- North Creek: Fri 22°, Sat 21°, Sun 27° with light snow
- Saranac Lake: Fri 20° with light snow, Sat 18°, Sun 26° with light snow
- Speculator: Fri 21°, Sat 20°, Sun 25° with light snow
- Ticonderoga: Fri 29°, Sat 26°, Sun 32°
- Tupper Lake: Fri 20° with light snow, Sat 19°, Sun 27° with light snow
Weather forecasts can and do change – check the latest updates before you head out!
Avoid Hypothermia
Stay warm and dry by following these procedures:
- Wear waterproof outer layers
- Wear layers of fleece, wool, and other non-cotton clothing
- Pack extra clothing, including a fleece, wool, or other 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
Trail Conditions
Trailheads and lower elevation trails will be a mix of mud, water, snow, and ice. Wear proper footwear and remember to stay on the trails. Traction devices should be carried and worn when warranted.
Blowdown from recent rains and winds – fallen or hanging trees, limbs, and branches – may still be present on the trails, particularly on lesser used trails and higher elevation trails.
Short Days
Sunset is occurring around 4:15pm, and earlier in deep valleys and on northern and eastern facing slopes. Plan to return to the trailhead by sunset, but have a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries with you just in case.
Elk Lake Trails & Road
The trails from Elk Lane Trailhead through the privately-owned Elk Lake Easement Lands to the High Peaks Wilderness and Dix Mountain Wilderness were closed last weekend – they are now open again.
Elk Lane Road is closed to public motor vehicle access beyond the Clear Pond Gate until the end of spring mud season. Park in the parking area at the Clear pond Gate and hike, ski, or snowshoe the two miles to Elk Lake Trailhead.
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.
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 Region
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.
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
The trail has been rerouted around a beaver pond south of Plumley’s Point on the shores of Long Lake. The reroute passes the beaver pond higher up the slope and eliminates having to cross the beaver dam and the wet feet obtained when water levels were high. Follow the blue NPT trail markers.
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 >>
Find further backcountry information here >>
