The foliage is turning, the temperatures are getting colder, and there’s more to know for hiking, camping, paddling, and more in the Adirondacks this weekend.
Weather Conditions
- Crown Point: Fri 71° and sunny, Sat 79° and scattered thunderstorms, Sun 62° and partly cloudy
- Indian Lake: Fri 67° and sunny, Sat 75° and scattered thunderstorms, Sun 62° and partly cloudy
- Lake George: Fri 71° and partly cloudy, Sat 80° and scattered thunderstorms, Sun 66° and partly cloudy
- Lake Placid: Fri 66° and partly cloudy, Sat 73° and rain, Sun 59° and partly cloudy
- Malone: Fri 68° and sunny, Sat 71° and rain, Sun 59° and partly cloudy
- North Creek: Fri 68° and sunny, Sat 77° and scattered showers, Sun 63° and partly cloudy
- Saranac Lake: Fri 66° and partly cloudy, Sat 73° and rain, Sun 60° and partly cloudy
- Speculator: Fri 65° and sunny, Sat 74° and scattered showers, Sun 64° and partly cloudy
- Ticonderoga: Fri 70° and sunny, Sat 78° and scattered thunderstorms, Sun 61° and partly cloudy
Adirondack mornings and nights are cold, with temperatures dipping into the 40s. Start your morning hike in warm layers. Higher elevations will be colder throughout the day as well. Put on a windbreaker to help keep you warm when on exposed overlooks and summits.
To prevent hypothermia dress properly, stay dry, and add or remove layers as needed to regulate your body temperature. Carry plenty of food and water. Eat, drink, and rest often. Being hungry, tired, or dehydrated makes you more vulnerable to hypothermia.
Check the mountain weather conditions >>
Essentials for Fall Hikes
The DEC recommends the following for fall hikes:
- Waterproof hiking boots with wool socks
- Warm layers to prevent hypothermia, including hat and gloves
- Wind protectant layer for open overlooks and summits
- Headlamp with extra batteries – even if you plan to hike in the daylight
- Plenty of food and water
- Thermos of hot cocoa, coffee, tea, or soup to warm up or in case of emergencies
- First aid kit
- Emergency basics you should always have in your pack: space blanket, matches and fire starters, pocket knife, para cord or rope, iodine tablets or water filtration system, extra batteries
Pilot Hiker Shuttle
Now through Columbus Day Essex County the Whiteface-Lake Placid Hiker Shuttle is providing free rides Friday through Sunday to and from four stops which access six family-friendly hikes.
Due to the Whiteface Mountain Oktoberfest the shuttle will only be stopping at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Lodge on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Hikers palnning to hike the Bear Den Mountain Trail, or the Flume Trail System, will need to walk 0.6 miles from the ski lodge to the Bear Den Mountain Trailhead.
The West Branch Nature Trail and the Stag Brook Falls Trail will only be available to Oktoberfest ticket holders this Saturday and Sunday.
Get more info on this shuttle >>
For the Fall Paddlers & Anglers
If you’re planning to take in the fall scenery on the waterways this season remember that the water has now cooled significantly. Wear or pack warm layers. Always wear your personal flotation device while on the water this time of year.
Saturday the 28th is a free fishing day. New York residents can fish for free without a license in any waters of the state.
Gates will be closed overnight at the Mossy Point and Rogers Rock Boat Launches on Lake George as part of a pilot program to increase protection from aquatic invasive species on the lake.
Despite the recent rains, water levels in many rivers and streams are below average or low due to a prior period of dry weather. Sections of rivers may be stony and require paddlers to drag through or carry around. Boaters should use caution, especially in shallow or unfamiliar waters.
Again, it’s strongly recommended for all anglers, boaters, and paddlers to wear personal flotation devices.
For the Fall Campers
The ground is getting colder with the dropping temperatures. It’s time to start using sleeping pads and cold temperature rated sleeping bags. For extra warmth, try filling up a Nalgene with hot water right before bed and tucking it into your sleeping bag overnight.
Plan Ahead With Parking
Don’t end a rewarding hike with a parking ticket! Parking areas and trailheads still fill up early. Plan to arrive early to get a parking spot and if one is not available, have an alternative hike planned.
Do not park on the shoulders of State Route 73 in the four-mile section between Chapel Pond and the Rooster Comb Trailhead. Parking is allowed at trailheads and at other designated pull-offs. The AMR parking lots in particular fill quickly.
Emergency Situations
If you get lost or injured, keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service call 911 or the DEC at 518.891.0235.
Fall Foliage Report
Check out the latest fall foliage report!
See the I Love NY fall foliage report >>
Current Trail Conditions
Due to recent rains trails may be wet and muddy in low areas and along water. Wear footwear suitable for hiking through wet and muddy areas. Protect trails and trailside vegetation – stay in the center of the trail and walk through mud and water, not around it.
Be aware that water levels will increase during and immediately after significant rain events. Low water crossings may be difficult to cross.
Practice Leave No Trace
Follow proper trail etiquette to maintain minimal impact on the environment and natural resources of the Adirondacks. This includes keeping pets on leashes, properly disposing of trash, and more.
For the Bikers
Due to recent rains, trails may be wet and muddy in low areas and along water. Don’t ride on the muddy trails – they’re easily rutted and damaged through use. If you’re leaving tracks, turn back.
Remember that electric powered bikes (e-bikes) are prohibited on all bike trails on the Forest Preserve.
Fire Danger
Fire danger is low throughout the Adirondacks. DEC forest rangers have extinguished seven wildland fires in the month of September. All were started by un-extinguished or improperly maintained campfires. Be safe with campfires.
Ticks are Still Out
Follow these steps to protect against ticks and prevent disease: Wear light colored long sleeves and long pants. Tuck shirts into pants, button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist, and tuck the bottom of pant legs into your socks. Pack a head net to wear when insects are thick. Use an insect repellent with DEET and follow the label directions.
Bear-Resistant Canisters
The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks through November 30th; they’re highly encouraged elsewhere. All food, toiletries, and garbage should be stored in these canisters. You may also want bear spray.
Please report nuisance bear incidents to the DEC.
Please Report Moose Sightings
The DEC is asking us to report moose sightings and observations. The DEC and its research partners use these public sightings as indices of moose distribution and abundance in New York.
This is part of a multi-year research project to obtain information on the status of New York State’s moose population, health of the moose, and the factors that influence moose survival and reproductive rate.
Here’s the Moose Sighting Report Form >>
Hunting Seasons
Big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting seasons are either open or will be open soon.
Hikers should be aware that they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. Please recognize that these are fellow outdoor recreationists with the legal right to participate in these activities on the Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement lands.
Hunting accidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare. You can wear bright colors if it makes you feel safer.
View info on hunting season >>
Rock Climbing Routes
All Adirondack rock climbing routes are open. The DEC appreciates the cooperation of the climbing community during the closure period.
Seasonal Access Roads
Seasonal access roads typically remain open until the end of the northern zone regular big game hunting season unless snow or other conditions warrant an early closure.
Seasonal access roads are zone are dirt and gravel which can be rough. Roads may be narrow – use caution, drive slowly, and watch for oncoming vehicles. Four-wheel drive SUVs, pickup trucks, and other high clearance vehicles are recommended for driving on these roads.
Specific Notices
Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend Plan for Sentinal Range & High Peaks Wilderness
The DEC and partners will be undertaking additional efforts as part of a comprehensive effort to ensure the safety of motorists and hikers around some of the busiest trailheads in the Adirondack High Peaks.
You can read more about this here >>
Sable Highlands Conservation Easement
The Barnes Pond Road, which provides access to six primitive campsites and the interior of the Barnes Pond Public Use Area, is open for public motor vehicle use. The road will remain open until the end of the northern zone regular big game hunting season or unless snow or other conditions warrant an early closure.
High Peaks Wilderness
The Garden Trailhead Parking Lot will reopen today, Friday the 27th. The Town of Keene will continue to operate the Garden Hiker Shuttle between the Marcy Field Parking Lot and the Garden Trailhead on weekends from 7am to 7pm through Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving.
The Bradley Pond Lean-to has been repaired by volunteers from the Adirondacks 46ers.
The roadway on the Bradley Pond Trail has been washed out by the Harkness Lake Outlet approximately half a mile from the parking lot. Hikers will be unable to cross the outlet when water levels are high.
The Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail, which opened last fall, will be re-routed around the construction underway to make significant improvements to the Olympic Sports Complex facilities. Hikers can park at the Biathlon Facility parking area in the Complex and use a marked 1-mile detour bypassing the construction zone using roads, ski trails, and a temporary trail to reach the Mt. Van Hoevenberg East Trail.
It’s a 3.8-mile roundtrip hike from the parking area to the summit and back. Expect to encounter trail workers along the trail to the summit of the mountain as they complete the final touches on the sustainably designed and recently opened trail. Hikers can also reach the summit using the traditional 2.4-mile (4.4-mile roundtrip) Mt. Van Hoevenberg West Trail which begins at the trailhead on Meadows Lane.
Private landowners have once again agreed to allow hiking on the Owls Head Trail during the week. Parking at the trailhead and hiking the trail are prohibited on weekends.
The Marcy Dam #4 Lean-to has been removed. A new Phelps Brook Lean-to has been installed off the Marcy Truck Trail. The lean-to was built by students from the Franklin-Essex-Clinton Counties BOCES Natural Resource Science Program. The students and volunteers from Lean2Rescue assembled the new lean-to. Follow signs from the bridge below Marcy Dam to the new lean-to.
The Cedar Point Lean-to has been repaired and relocated by Lean2Rescue volunteers. The lean-to is now located on the southeastern shore of Lake Colden, off the trail about .2 miles from the Opalescent River. Camping is prohibited at the former lean-to site.
A primitive campsite with two tent pads has been developed in the Slide Brook Area south of Dix Mountain by volunteers from the NOLS Northeast Adirondack Service Expedition. The site is west of the trail just before the crossing of slide brook.
Camping is prohibited at the former location of the Boquet Lean-to north of Dix Mountain and the open area adjacent to the trail.
Cold Brook Trail is not a designated DEC trail and is not maintained.
Blueberry Horse Trail is 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 trailhead of this route in the future.
The bridge over Ouluska Brook on the Northville-Placid Trail has collapsed into the brook. During low water conditions, crossing the brook is still possible.
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. Due to age, weatherizing, and wearing of these materials they are unsafe and should never be used.
The Calkins Creek Horse Trail has two bridges out, making it impassable for horse drawn wagons and difficult for horses.
Boreas Pond Tract
Gulf Brook Road is open to motor vehicle use to the Four Corners Parking Lot. Hikers and horseback riders may travel one mile between the parking lot to the Boreas Ponds dam. Hikers and horseback riders may also travel on any of the numerous miles of roadway.
Bicyclists may ride on Gulf Brook Road and the roadway to Boreas Ponds as far as the gate which is located 500 feet from the Boreas Ponds dam. Paddlers may carry one mile to access the water near the Boreas Ponds dam.
Or, paddlers can drop off canoes or kayaks and equipment at a waterway access site on LaBier Flow, 0.1 mile away from the Four Corners Parking Lot before parking. Paddlers may then paddle halfway down LaBier Flow and carry 0.3 mile to access the water near Boreas Ponds dam.
Campers can camp at large providing they are more than 150 feet away from any road, trail, or surface water.
Dix Mountain Area/Eastern Zone of High Peaks Wilderness
The lands of the Dix Mountain Area are now part of the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness. All regulations applicable to the Eastern Zone are now in effect, including by not limited to:
Group size: Groups should consist of no more than 15 hikers and no more than eight campers.
Bear-resistant canisters: These are required for overnight users between April 1st and November 30th. All food, toiletries, and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters.
Glass containers: Glass containers are prohibited.
Sentinel Range Wilderness
Several sections of the Pitchoff Mountain Trail, including the segment to Balanced Rocks, are severely eroded. These areas are challenging to navigate. Please use caution and turn back if it’s too difficult for your party to safely cross.
Beaver activity has flooded some parts of the Jack Rabbit Trail.
View more specific trail updates >>
Check out further backcountry information >>
