A couple of trails that were previously closed are open again for hiking this weekend, while other areas are closed to hikers until the end of spring mud season. See the latest trail notices and conditions, and take a look at the weather report and winter safety tips before heading out.
Weather
- Crown Point: Fri 35° and partly cloudy, Sat 35° and cloudy, Sun 36° and partly cloudy
- Indian Lake: Fri 28° and cloudy, Sat 30° and cloudy, Sun 27° and cloudy
- Lake George: Fri 37° and partly cloudy, Sat 44° and cloudy, Sun 45° and partly cloudy
- Lake Placid: Fri 34° and cloudy, Sat 36° and snow showers, Sun 37° and partly cloudy
- Malone: Fri 29° and snow showers, Sat 32° and cloudy, Sun 25° and snow showers
- North Creek: Fri 29° and partly cloudy, Sat 30° and cloudy, Sun 29° and partly cloudy
- Saranac Lake: Fri 28° and snow showers, Sat 32° and mostly cloudy, Sun 26° and snow showers
- Speculator: Fri 26° and snow showers, Sat 29° and cloudy, Sun 26° and cloudy
- Ticonderoga: Fri 30° and partly cloudy, Sat 30° and snow showers, Sun 31° and partly cloudy
- Tupper Lake: Fri 28° and snow showers, Sat 32° and mostly cloudy, Sun 25° and snow showers
Below freezing temperatures, snow, and ice are present at all elevations. Be prepared and stay warm and safe by adhering to the following:
- Wear a waterproof outer layer
- Wear layers of noncotton clothing
- Carry extra layers of noncotton clothing
- Wear or bring a hat and gloves or mittens
Check the National Weather Service snow report before heading out >>
Summits
Temperatures will be colder, winds stronger, and snow deeper at the summits. Ice will also be present. When hiking to a summit, offer yourself some extra protection by wearing a jacket or coat (outer shell) that blocks wind. Also carry extra layers of noncotton clothing to wear on the summits.
View mountain point forecasts for specific summits >>
Short Days
The sun is setting early and the days are shorter. Carry a headlamp or flashlight on all hikes. Make sure you have fresh batteries and bring extras. Remember not to rely on your cell phone as a flashlight; the batteries will drain quickly and you would be unable to call for help.
Trail Conditions
Snow and ice are present on trails at all elevations. Water and mud may also be present in the lower elevations.
Wear proper footwear, including traction devices, especially on steep sections of trail and at water crossings where rocks may be covered with a layer of ice.
Due to previous high winds, you can expect to encounter blowdown (fallen or hanging trees, limbs, and branches) on trails.
Ice on Water
Ice has formed or is beginning to form on many waters. Ice will not bear the weight of a person at this time. Ice may be covered in snow and still will not hold the weight of a person.
Seasonal Access Roads
Seasonal access roads consist of dirt, sand, gravel, and/or stone and typically have a rough surface. Four-wheel drive trucks, SUVs, or other high clearance vehicles are recommended for these roads.
Some seasonal roads have been opened for the big game hunting season. These roads may close before the end of hunting season if snow accumulations warrant it.
Practice Leave No Trace
When out and about hiking and camping please abide by the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
View the Leave No Trace Seven Principles >>
Specific Notices
The two trails through the Elk Lake Easement lands connecting to the High Peaks Wilderness and the Dix Mountain Wilderness are once again open. However, the Clear Pond Gate on the Elk Lake Road will remain closed through the spring mud season. This will add four miles to a roundtrip hike; prepare accordingly.
The gate on Corey’s Road will remain open until March 1st, however, the road and parking areas may not be plowed. If you do not have four-wheel drive, and there is snow on the ground, you might consider parking along the plowed section of road and walking. The DEC is asking that people do not block traffic here. Also, have a shovel in your vehicle in case you need to dig it out after a snowstorm.
South Meadow Lane is closed to public motor vehicle traffic until the end of spring mud season. Vehicles can park at the barrier just off the Adirondac Loj Road. Do not block the opening; it’s used for emergency access.
The lower gate on the Gulf Brook Road is closed until the end of spring mud season.
A large tree has fallen on the lean-to on the Mr. Van Ski Trail, causing severe damage and rendering the lean-to unsafe and unusable. The DEC is working with partners to evaluate the extent of the damage, and determining what will be needed for repairs.
Several sections of the Phelps Trail in the Upper Johns Brook Valley contain extensive blowdown. Please use caution when hiking around this area. The high water bridge over Slide Mountain Brook on this trail between the Garden Trailhead Parking Area and Johns Brook Lodge has been replaced.
The Cold Brook Trail between Indian Pass and Lake Colden is no longer a designated trail and is not maintained. It hasn’t been a designated trail since Tropical Storm Irene devastated this trail in 2011.
A new section of the Bradley Pond Trail to Santanoni Mountain has been constructed near the beginning of the trail to avoid the two crossings which had unusable bridges. The new trail section leaves the old trail just as the trail leaves the gravel road and crosses Santanoni Brook on a newly constructed bridge, and then joins the old trail a short distance later.
The Owl’s Head Trail across private lands to the summit is closed to public access and use on weekends, but is available for public use on weekdays. When hiking here please stay on the trail and avoid trespassing on private lands.
Blowdown has been cleared from the Blueberry Horse Trail between Calkins Creek Horse Trail and Ward Brook Horse Trail in the Western High Peaks. The trail has been “brushed out” (trailside vegetation has been trimmed). The trail is once again passable to horses and riders, however, riders should take care near drainages and several stream crossings that will be muddy. The DEC plans to improve the trail tread of this route in the future.
A new section of Bradley Pond Trail to Sanatanoni Mountain has been constructed near the beginning of the trail to avoid the two crossings, which had unusable bridges. The new section leaves the old trail just as the trail leaves the gravel road and crosses Santanoni Brook on a newly constructed bridge, and then joins the old trail a short distance later.
The high water bridge over Calamity Brook has been repaired. Although it leans slightly, it is usable for crossing. The lean will be corrected at a later date. The repairs were completed by SCA High Peaks Backcountry Stewards, a DEC Forest Ranger, and the DEC High Peaks Wilderness Land Manager.
The bridge over Ouluska Brook on the Northville-Placid Trail has collapsed into the brook. Due to low water conditions, crossing the brook is still possible.
The Boquet Lean-To on the Dix Mountain Round Pond Trail has been moved away from the river and repaired by volunteers from the Adirondack 46ers.
A trail reroute has been constructed around the flooded area on the North Trail to Giant Mountain just past the lean-to.
Beaver activity has flooded parts of Jack Rabbit Trail.
The Calkins Creek Horse Trail has two bridges out, making it impassable for horse-drawn wagons and difficult for horses.
Many of the herd paths found on Mount Marshall and some of the other trail-less peaks meander around the slopes of the mountain without reaching the peak. Those climbing these peaks should navigate with a map and compass rather than follow the paths created by others.
Fixed ropes, harnesses, and other equipment are often abandoned in the Trap Dike. Do not use any of these materials – they have been aged and weatherized, making them unsafe.
See more specific trail updates here >>
Find further backcountry information here >>
