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Trail Conditions

 

Current Conditions in the Adirondack High Peaks Region

                                           Compiled on: February 2, 2012

For the most up-to-date information on trail conditions in the Adirondack High Peaks, call the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) at 518-523-3441 Ext. 21 or send an email to backcountry@adk.org.

Interior Conditions

Wilderness conditions can change suddenly. Weather conditions may change at any time. All users should plan accordingly, including bringing flashlight, first aid equipment, extra food, plenty of water and clothing. Weather conditions may alter your plans; always be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods.

Winter Conditions: Currently there are 2 to 8 inches of snow on the ground in the lower elevations, with 20 inches or more in the higher elevations. Day time temperatures remain below freezing most of the time, however, a day or two of temperatures in the high 30s or low 40s have become common. Night time temperatures remain below freezing. Always check weather forecasts and conditions before entering the backcountry. See below for more information on conditions and how to prepare for them.

 

Prepare for the Cold: Dress in layers of wool, fleece and other non-cotton clothing. Wear a hat and gloves or mittens. Drink plenty of water as dehydration can lead to hypothermia and eat plenty of food to maintain energy levels and body core warmth.

 

Prepare for Snow and Ice on Trails: The caretaker reports 20 inches of snow at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin. However, trails in lower elevations have little to no snow cover – hard snow and ice is prevalent. Carry and use traction devices and crampons where warranted. Cross country skiing is not recommended. The use of snowshoes is required in the High Peaks Wilderness, and recommended in other areas, wherever snow depth exceeds 8 inches – the use of snowshoes prevents post holing, reduces injuries and eases travel through the snow. Due to the recent rain many drainages and brooks that were frozen over have now opened up, use caution crossing these areas.

Summit Conditions: Conditions on summits are more extreme – lower temperatures, more snow & ice and stronger winds.

Ice on Water:  Ice has formed on lakes and ponds. Ice fisherman, skiers, skaters and others have begun accessing many waters. As always, check the depth of ice before crossing and avoid inlets, outlets and ice on or near running water. Ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person.

Marcy Brook Crossings: The footbridge over Marcy Dam was washed away during Hurricane Irene. A reroute has been created downstream of the dam (the Squirrel Crossing) which currently consists of well-packed snow and is usable. Crossing the ice above the dam is not recommended at this time as the ice remains thin due to the brook’s current. Another option is to use the Marcy Dam Truck Trail from South Meadows Trailhead to access the trails on the east side of Marcy Brook.

Hurricane Irene Damage to Trails: Hikers may encounter missing bridges and eroded trails. Many trails have been rerouted to avoid heavily damaged sections. Low water crossings have been created near the location of missing bridges. Caution: Eroded drainages can be mistaken for trails. The ability to navigate by map and compass is essential.

Hunting Seasons:  Hunting seasons for small game and waterfowl are open. 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. Hunting accidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare.

Please be aware that accessing the Forest Preserve through the rest areas is prohibited. In accordance with New York State Regulation §156.3(d), vehicles may not be left unattended in the rest area, unless the operator or passenger is within the rest area. Also parking of vehicles for longer than three hours during the hours of darkness is not permitted in accordance with §156.3(c).

NOTICES

Closed Trails:

Eastern High Peaks Wilderness

  • The Southside Trail from the Garden Trailhead to John's Brook Outpost

  • The Cold Brook Trail between Lake Colden and Indian Pass

Dix Mountain Eastern High Peaks Wilderness

  • The Colvin Range Trail from the summit of Blake Peak south to Pinnacle and beyond to the Mt. Marcy-Elk Lake Trail

Adirondack Mountain Reserve

  • The northernmost cross-over trail between the East River Trail and the West River Trail. The other four cross-over trails are open and may be used to travel between the East River and West River Trails

Corey’s Road: Logging operations will occur throughout the winter at Ampersand Park which is located at the very end of the road which is a popular entrance to the Western High Peaks Wilderness. Visitors should use caution and be aware of logging trucks. Corey's Road will remain open for hikers, snowshoers and skiiers to access forest preserve lands, including the Seward Trailhead. The road will be open to the Raquette Falls parking lot, the gate there will be closed for safety reasons. Vehicles should park at designated parking areas and avoid blocking the road. Vehicles blocking the road will be towed. 

South Meadow Road: The road is closed to motor vehicles at this time. Vehicles may be parked at the end of the road by the barriers, but do not block entryways as emergency equipment may need to access the road.

Elk Lake Trailhead: The trailhead and the trails accessed from it once again open to the public however the Clear Pond gate is closed. Hikers, skiers, and snowshoers must park in the area near the gate which is one mile from the trailhead.

Elk Lake-Marcy Trail: The bridge is out in Marcy Swamp and there is light blowdown between Marcy Swamp and Panther Gorge Lean-to.

Calamity Brook Trail: A reroute has been created around the former bridge crossings over Calamity Brook.

East River Trail: The bridge over the Hudson River is out, use the nearby flagged ford (low water crossing).

Hanging Spear Falls Trail: A 1/3 mile reroute has been created near the campsite, north of the state land boundary.

Duck Hole-Henderson Lake Trail: The bridge over Roaring Brook Bridge near Duck Hole is out.

Indian Pass Trail: The Wall Face Bridge is out and the Henderson Bridge is damaged, the trail between the two bridges contains blowdown.

Jay Mountain Road: The road, which lies between Jay Mountain Hurricane Mountain Wildernesses, is closed.

Hurricane Mountain Road: The road is closed except for local traffic. The Crows Trailhead and O'Toole Road Trailhead are closed, however the trails themselves are open.

Klondike Trail: The bridge over South Meadow Brook is out. The Mr. Van Trail and the Marcy Truck Trail can be used as a detour to reach South Meadow Road.

Calkins Creek Horse Trail: Two bridges are out, the trail is impassable for horse drawn wagons and difficult for horses.

VanHovenburg Trail: A reroute has been created below the Phelps Trail to bypass a heavily damaged section.

Avalanche Pass Trail: Heavy cobbles, debris or mud can be found at various locations between Marcy Dam and Avalanche Lake is quite deep in spots. Hikers may need to leave the trail to avoid problem areas.

Duck Hole Pond: One side of the dam has washed away and the pond is dewatered.