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!

Spring Hiking - Tips for the Trails

*Before you head out, research your destination. A snow-covered High Peak is a very different experience from a muddy, scenic, woodland stroll. If you're heading to higher elevations, have microspikes or crampons for icy patches and snowshoes if there is more than 8 inches of snow.

*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.

*Pack plenty of water and 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.

*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. 

*In early spring there is still snow in many areas of the Adirondacks - and if there's not snow, there's mud!

See the National Weather Service for the Northern Adirondacks >>

View the National Weather Service for the Southern Adirondacks >>

Recent Trail Closures, Conditions & Notices to Know About

Here's the latest from the DEC on general trail conditions:

It's mud season! Stick to elevations below 2,500 feet at this time.

Fire danger is currently low. Continue to be safe with campfires.

Some key routes are still impassable due to washed out bridges, thawed water crossings, and flooding. Compacted snow may look like a solid surface, but can lead to post poling or sinking through to ground level.

Ticks are out.

Here's the latest from the DEC on specific roads/trails/etc:

Moose Pond Club Road is open in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, allowing public access to several primitive campsites, and the parking lot at the trailhead for the Vanderwhacker Mountain Fire Tower Trail.

Also in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, the Roosevelt Truck Trail Motorized Access Route for People With Disabilities has been cleared and is open for the year. Users need to call the DEC for the code.

The Crotched Pond tract interior parking area is open in the Jessup River Wild Forest.

All public motor vehicle roads are open in the Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Tracts.

There is a culvert washed out on Tyler Road in the Aldrich Pond Wild Forest, approximately 1.3 miles past the St. Lawrence County boundary. The road will remain closed until repairs are made.

Gay Pond Road in the Lake George Wild Forest is open for the feason.

The Oxshoe Pond Lean-to in the Pharoah Lake Wilderness is now repaired and open for use.

Please report any damage you see to: info.r5@dec.ny.gov

Water Levels & Water Crossings

Water levels are lower than average for this time of year. Expect levels to rise with new rainfall. Check out the USGS current water data for New York for stream flow of selected waters. PDFs are required through May.

View current water data >>

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.

Pack the Proper Gear

Half of the battle when hiking is having everything you need. The DEC recommends 10 essential items:

1. Navigation
2. Insulation/Rain Gear
   
3. Light
   
4. First Aid Supplies
   
5. Emergency Kit
   
6. Fire
   
7. Nutrition
8. Water
   
9. Sun and Insect Protection
   
10. Emergency Shelter
    

In the summer heat, you can never have enough water and nutrition. Hikers should also bring multiple forms of navigation, including a map, compass, GPS, or other device, to use on top of the trail markers.

See Our Suggested Hiking Gear

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.

As of June 4, sunrise is at 5:13am and sunset at 8:35pm.

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.

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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