Current Adirondack Trail Conditions: What Hikers Can Expect This Season
Get Current Trail Conditions & More Info
Check out current trail conditions, gear recommendations, and tips for trails below. Stay safe and leave no trace!
Here's what to know for hiking during the late fall/early winter season
- Fall is incredibly popular for hiking in the Adirondacks, but the foliage has passed at this point. You'll find less crowded trails for rewarding hikes! Continue to be safe with parking and only park illegally; it's dangerous and you'll be ticketed.
- The sun is setting earlier (scroll down for the sunset time) - start hikes early and carry a headlamp or flashlight just in case.
- Dress in layers - the weather can be frosty in the morning, mild in the afternoon, and cool or cold in the evening.
- Beware of slippery, fallen leaves that can make trails slick, and even snow and ice on higher elevations.
- Early hunting seasons for deer and bear began in September. Be prepared to share the wilderness with hunters. They are required to wear solid or patterned fluorescent orange or pink hat, vest, or jacket; hikers are encouraged to wear bright orange or pink as well.
Check the fall foliage report here >>
Recent Trail Closures, Conditions & Notices to Know About
Here's the latest from the DEC on specific roads/trails/etc:
Independence River Wild Forest: Docks have been removed from Francis and Payne Lake.
Eastern Shore of Long Lake: The hidden cove lean-to in the Adirondack Canoe Route Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness will be worked on starting the weekend of October 17th. Please do not disturb staged building materials. A notice will be posted if the lean-to is unavailable.
The Upper Works Parking Area in the High Peaks Wilderness: This parking are ais going to be getting a new vault toilet installed towards the end of the month. Please respect areas marked with cones and flagging so the crews and equipment can get the job done.
The Gate at Clear Pond in the High Peaks Wilderness: This gate is now closed for the winter and will reopen after spring mud season. Hikers must park at the Upper Elk Lake Road parking lot on the west side of the Elk Lake Road, approximately 2.3 miles south of the Elk Lake Trailhead. Please respect the parking rules to help ensure this access is maintained and there are no impacts to fire and rescue access.
Elk Lake Conservation Easement: From the evening of October 24 until the morning of December 7 hikers may not enter the Elk Lake Conservation Easement. All hiking is closed during this time.
Fire danger is currently low throughout New York State. Continue to be safe with campfires.
Please report any damage you see to: info.r5@dec.ny.gov
General Tips for Fall Hiking
*Watch out on sunset times (stated below) as the days get shorter. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.
*Dress in layers starting with a moisture-wicking base, followed by an insulated mid-layer and a waterpoof shell. Don't forget gloves or mittens, a warm hat, and a face protection for high elevations if warranted.
*Pack high-energy snacks - your body burns more calories hiking in the cold, and hydration is equally as important in chilly weather as it is in summer heat.
*Carry more water than you think you need, and consider a filter if you're planning a longer hike with access to streams.
*Research your destination before going, and have a backup plan in mind. Parking lots fill quickly.
*Download maps before you go. Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent on many trails.
*Keep an eye on the time and plan ahead, because you'll lose daylight a lot quicker in the winter.
*When looking at the forecasted temperatures, remember they'll be colder up a mountain than at base elevations like the trailhead.
See the National Weather Service for the Northern Adirondacks >>
View the National Weather Service for the Southern Adirondacks >>
Browse Our Suggested Hiking Apparel
Do Your Research Beforehand
Preparing thoroughly before reaching the trailhead ensures you're ready for the challenges ahead.
One of the big things to research is the trail itself. Confirm that the trail you are hiking is suitable for you and is within your skill level. Be realistic when judging your hiking ability to avoid a dangerous situation.
Researching the current trail conditions is another wise thing to do. Apps like “AllTrails” can show other hikers' recent experiences on the trail and give insight into its current state.
Part of your preparation should include understanding the rules and regulations specific to the trail you plan to hike. Respecting both the land and fellow hikers is essential for everyone's safety.
Trailhead Parking
Trailhead parking lots will fill up quickly on fall days, and many hikers will arrive early in the morning. Be mindful of this, and always have backup trails in mind!
From May 1 through October 31, reservations are required to access the parking lot, trailheads, and trails on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). AMR is a privately owned 7,000-acre property in the Adirondack High Peaks region, and a popular place for summer hiking.
For a list of frequently asked questions and reservations, visit AMR's website: https://www.hikeamr.org/
Pack the Proper Gear
Half of the battle when hiking is having everything you need. The DEC recommends 10 essential items:
- Navigation
- Insulation/Rain Gear
- Light
- First Aid Supplies
- Emergency Kit
- Fire
- Nutrition
- Water
- Sun and Insect Protection
- Emergency Shelter
Sunrise/Sunset
Remember to look at a site like Weather.com to see when sunrise and sunset will be in your location. You don't want to be caught out past dark without a headlamp. It's getting darker earlier now!
As of October 22, sunrise is at 7:20am and sunset at 5:56pm.
Bears & Bear Canisters
Bear canisters are required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks between April 1 and November 30. They are encouraged throughout the Adirondack backcountry.
All food, food garbage, toiletries, and other items with a scent should be stores in the bear canister. The canister should be stored a minimum of 100 feet from tents, lean-tos, and cooking sites, and kept closed when not in use.
No Overnight Camping at Trailheads
Just a reminder, there is no overnight camping at trailheads or at other roadside locations where a camping disc is not present. This includes car/van/RV camping.
Campers should seek out designated roadside campsites marked with a "camp here" disc or a campground.
When camping, always carry out what you carry in and dispose of trash properly. Use designated bathroom facilities, pack out human and pet waste, or dig a cat hole.
Mount Colden Trapdike Reminder
The trapdike is considered a technical climb. It's not a hike. Climbers who take this on need to be prepared with helmets, ropes, and climbing gear to ascend the route.
Hikers looking to summit Mount Colden should do so via the hiking routes. Attempting to climb the trapdike unprepared can result in a rescue operation, serious injury, or death.
Report Backcountry Emergencies to This Number
Report emergencies like lost or injured hikers and wildland fires to the DEC Ray Brook Dispatch at 518.891.0235.
Follow This DEC Account
Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts can follow @NYSDECAlerts on Twitter (X) for real-time updates to help you better prepare for your outing. This account provides updates for DEC-managed lands throughout the state, including the Adirondacks.
For weekly trail updates, visit the DEC website >>
Make sure you Leave No Trace on the trails >>
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