There are several updates on seasonal access roads and more to check out before you head out hiking, hunting, and or otherwise recreating in the Adirondacks.

The Current Weather Report
- Crown Point: Fri 44° and partly cloudy, Sat 41° and scattered showers, Sun 48° and cloudy
- Indian Lake: Fri 44° and partly cloudy, Sat 38° and scattered showers, Sun 41° and scattered showers
- Lake George: Fri 44° and scattered showers, Sat 44° and scattered showers, Sun 51° and cloudy
- Lake Placid: Fri 43° and partly cloudy, Sat 39° and scattered showers, Sun 41° and rain and snow
- Long Lake: Fri 43° and partly cloudy, Sat 38° and scattered showers, Sun 40° and scattered showers
- Malone: Fri 44° and mostly cloudy, Sat 37° and scattered showers, Sun 44° and scattered showers
- North Creek: Fri 44° and partly cloudy, Sat 36° and cloudy, Sun 43° and scattered showers
- Old Forge: Fri 42° and partly cloudy, Sat 41° and cloudy, Sun 43° and rain and snow
- Saranac Lake: Fri 44° and partly cloudy, Sat 39° and cloudy, Sun 42° and rain and snow
- Ticonderoga: Fri 34° and sunny, Sat 39° and scattered showers, Sun 47° and cloudy
- Tupper Lake: Fri 44° and partly cloudy, Sat 40° and cloudy, Sun 43° and rain and snow
Approximate time of sunrise: 7:22am | Approximate time of sunset: 4:18pm
Check the forecast for your destination and pack and plan accordingly. Conditions will be more severe on high summits, with below freezing temperatures, snow, and strong winds forecast on some of the High Peaks.
At last report from Colden Caretaker there were eight inches of snow accumulated on the ground at Lake Colden and more has fallen since then. Snowshoes or skis are required in the High Peaks Wilderness once snow reaches eight inches deep.
See further weather details here >>
View mountain point forecasts for select summits >>
Ice is Not Thick Yet
Ice may be present on some of the smaller waterbodies. Ice is not yet thick enough for walking or standing on.
What’s Happening With Seasonal Access Roads
Seasonal access roads typically remain open to public motor vehicles traffic through the end of the regular Northern Zone big game hunting season, which is this Sunday, December 13. Some of these roads have already closed to the season due to weather conditions. Some roads may remain open if conditions allow. You can scroll to Current Notices towards the bottom for some seasonal access road updates.
Seasonal Access Roads & Snowmobiling
Some seasonal access roads will transition to snowmobile use once Northern Zone big game hunting season concludes and sufficient snowpack accumulates. Check local club, county, and state websites and resources for up-to-date trail information.
Visit the NYS Snowmobile Association webmap >>
Wear & Bring That Winter Gear
Bring traction devices, such as microspikes or crampons, on all hikes. Snowshoes are recommended for high elevation highs. Snowshoes or skis are required once snow reaches depths of 8 inches.
Stay Safe, Avoid Hypothermia
Prevent hypothermia by keeping yourself warm and dry, drinking plenty water, and eating high-calorie, high-protein foods to maintain your energy. Dress in layers and add and remove layers as needed to warm yourself without sweating. When sweat dries it cools and that creates ideal conditions for hypothermia.
Know the Signs of Hypothermia & How to Treat Someone
Signs of hypothermia to watch for include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
If someone in your party begins showing these signs act immediately. Try to warm them up by getting to a warm shelter, lighting a fire, or wrapping them in a space blanket or bivy sack. Remove any wet clothing and replace with warm, dry clothing. Warm the center of the body. Skin to skin contact can help. Warm drinks can help raise core temperature but do not give the person alcohol. Once they’ve warmed up keep them dry and warm and seek proper medical attention as soon as possible.
Emergency Situations
If you get lost or injured keep calm and stay put. If you have cell service call 518.891.0235.
Practice Navigation Beforehand
Winter conditions can make navigating trails more difficult – this is particularly true for lesser-used trails, which many of us seek out these days. Plan and study your route ahead of time by using an up-to-date map published by a reliable source.
Take note of significant landmarks and trail intersections. Leave your planned route with a trusted person. While hiking, pay attention to posted signage and check your map at trail intersections to confirm you’re going where you want to.
Adhere to COVID-19 Guidelines
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.
Check the COVID-19 Travel Advisory >>
Hunting Season are Open – Stay Safe
Many small game and big game hunting seasons are open. According to the DEC, hunting incidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare. But, it’s still important to stay safe, stay seen, and share the woods respectfully.
Read more on hunting from the DEC >>
Carry In, Carry Out & Keep Our Park Clean
Please continue to do your part 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.
Current Notices From the DEC
William C. Whitney Wilderness
The gate to Lake Lila is closed for the winter season.
Moose River Plains Complex
The entrance gates to the Moose River Plains Camping Area on Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road are closed. The gates will re-open for snowmobile traffic once sufficient snowpack accumulates.
Lake George Wild Forest
The gate at the beginning of Dacy Clearing Road is closed due to the road and shoulders of the road being too soft. The gate will be opened for snowmobiles once significant snowfall accumulates.
High Peaks Wilderness
The gate on Corey’s Road at the Raquette Falls Trailhead is closed for the winter months. The gate is expected to re-open in May of 2021. Access to the Seward Range will require an additional 3 miles each way. Visitors can still hike, ski, and snowshoe on the road. Users might encounter logging equipment from a private landowner’s logging operation.
South Meadows Road is closed to public vehicle traffic for the winter season. Uers may still walk, ski, and snowshoe on the road.
Tooley Pond Conservation Easement
Allen Pond Road will close to public motor vehicle use on Monday, December 14 following the end of North Zone big game hunting season.
Hoffman Notch Wilderness
The Severance Hill trailhead parking lot needs improvement. The DEC will be stockpiling gravel and stone in the parking area this fall and will use it to make improvements in spring of 2021. Please do not disturb the materials, and park only in remaining designated parking spaces.
Essex Chain Lakes Complex
Seasonal Camp Six Road is now closed due to conditions.
The fall seasonal portion of Chain Lakes Road South is closed.
All other publicly accessible roads in the Essex Chain Lakes complex will remain open until conditions warrant their closure.