If you’re not letting the fact that it’s Friday the 13th deter you from getting out into the woods, here’s the current weather report and what to know about the trails from the DEC.
Here’s the Current Weather Report
- Crown Point: Fri 45° and cloudy, Sat 45° and partly cloudy, Sun 46° and rain
- Indian Lake: Fri 42° and cloudy, Sat 36° and partly cloudy, Sun 41° and rain
- Lake George: Fri 47° and cloudy, Sat 49° and cloudy, Sun 50° and rain
- Lake Placid: Fri 42° and partly cloudy, Sat 35° and partly cloudy, Sun 41° and rain
- Long Lake: Fri 42° and cloudy, Sat 36° and partly cloudy, Sun 40° and rain
- Malone: Fri 49° and cloudy, Sat 39° and snow showers, Sun 46° and rain
- North Creek: Fri 43° and cloudy, Sat 39° and partly cloudy, Sun 43° and rain
- Old Forge: Fri 43° and scattered showers, Sat 37° and partly cloudy, Sun 43° and rain
- Saranac Lake: Fri 43° and cloudy, Sat 36° and partly cloudy, Sun 42° and rain
- Ticonderoga: Fri 44° and cloudy, Sat 45° and partly cloudy, Sun 45° and rain
- Tupper Lake: Fri 43° and cloudy, Sat 36° and partly cloudy, Sun 42° and rain
Approximate time of sunrise: 6:50am | Approximate time of sunset: 4:30pm
Remember to check the weather again ahead of time for your desired destination. Know that seasonal temperatures will be lower on high summits, and exposed summits will be windy. Temperatures can change significantly depending on your location, your elevation, and the time of day.
While temperatures have been warm this past week the DEC is telling us that we may still encounter winter conditions at high elevations. Bring traction devices, such as microspikes or crampons, and other winter gear on all hikes.
Continue to layer up, bring winter gear, and bring a flashlight or a headlamp on all hikes.
Check the weather again before you leave >>
See mountain point forecasts for select summits >>
Trails: Wet & Muddy or Snowy & Icy
Trail conditions will vary, with wet and muddy trails in lower elevations and snow and ice expected at higher elevations. Wear waterproof shoes and walk through the mud and snow, not around it, to protect trail edges and vulnerable vegetation. Use traction devices when you encounter ice.
Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 – Even on the Trails
New cases of COVID-19 are on the rise throughout much of New York State, including the Adirondacks. Help prevent the spread and keep yourself safe by continuing to Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Local. The virus can spread outdoors.
Choose hikes in your local area to minimize travel, and discover trails less traveled. Stay home if you aren’t feeling well, or if you have been exposed. Follow social distancing guidelines. Wear a mask when in crowded parking lots, when passing someone on the trail, at crowded summits, and any other time you’re unable to maintain a distance of six feet.
Avoid visiting crowded areas and don’t park on roadsides – only park in designated parking areas. If parking lots are full, choose a different area to visit, or return another time when parking is available.
Read the COVID-19 Travel Advisory >>
Continue to Keep Our Environment Clean & Carry In, Carry Out
We’ve reported several times on the increase with trash on trails in the Adirondacks. Please continue to do your part with both COVID and with keeping the Adirondack Park clean – put garbage in designated trash cans or take it home with you. Please don’t leave trash, gear, or food scraps behind.
Use designated toilets when available and visit Leave No Trace to learn how to properly dispose of waste in the woods.
Do not graffiti or carve rocks, trees, or backcountry structures like lean-tos or fire towers.
Hunting Seasons are Open
Many small game and big game hunting seasons are open. Hikers should be aware that they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. These are fellow outdoor recreationists with legal right to participate in these activities on the Forest Preserve. Hunting accidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare.
Water Conditions: Cold
Water temperatures are very cool. Levels are at average throughout most of the Adirondacks, with some waterways below average in the northwestern corner of the region.
Check USGS current water data for stream flow of selected waters >>
Emergency Situations
If you get lost or injured keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service call 518.891.0235.
Current Fire Danger & Campfire Safety Reminder
Fire danger continues to be low. Continue to be safe with campfires, never leaving them unattended, fully extinguishing before leaving your campsite, etc.
View fire map for updated conditions >>
Read more on campfire safety >>
Seasonal Access Roads – Most are Still Open
Seasonal access roads typically remain open to public motor vehicles traffic through the end of the regular Northern Zone big game hunting season unless weather conditions dictate an earlier closing. In the winter, many of these roads are used as snowmobile trails.
Recent Notices to Be Aware Of
Lake George Wild Forest
The Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway is now closed for the season.
High Peaks Wilderness
The high-water crossing footbridge over Phelps Brook on the Van Ho Trail to Mt. Marcy just above Marcy Dam came to the end of its service life and was removed by the DEC. When Phelps Brook is running high and the low water crossing is unsafe, hikers can use the newly developed Phelps Brook Lean-to Trail between the South Meadow (aka Marcy Dam Truck) Trail (0.5 mile north of Marcy Dam) and the Van Ho Trail (above the crossing). The trail is marked with red Foot Trail markers.
The two trails on the Elk Lake Conservation Easement Tract which provide access to Dix Mountain, Marcy Mountain, and the Colvin Range are now closed to public use and will remain closed through the Northern Zone Big Game Hunting Season.
Find more High Peaks Wilderness notices >>
Boreas Ponds Tract
Boreas Road – which the DEC opens during hunting season – cannot be accessed during this year’s hunting season due to the damage and closure of the Gulf Brook Road.
