Trail Conditions

From the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation "Northway Bulletin" of Aug 26th, 2010

Weather: Forecasts provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) are based on conditions at low elevations. Hikers and campers entering the High Peaks Region should expect, and be prepared for, conditions that will likely be more severe than those expressed in a general NWS forecast. Hikers and campers should check up-to-date forecasts before entering the back country, as weather forecasts can change.

Interior Conditions

Wilderness conditions can change suddenly. While believed accurate, 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; you should be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods before entering the back country.

High Waters: Heavy rains this past weekend have raised water levels of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes throughout the Adirondacks. Trails along waterways may be flooded in spots and low water crossings may not be accessible. Wear appropriate footwear and stay on the trail - hike through muddy areas and water to avoid widening the trails or creating “herd paths” around those areas.

Fire Danger: LOW

Biting Insects: "Bug Season" has begun in the Adirondacks. Now until the end of summer Black Flies, Mosquitos, Deer Flies and/or Midges (No-see-ums) will be present. Follow these steps to minimize the nuisance of biting insects:

Wear light colored clothing.
Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.
Tuck shirts into pants.
Button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist.
Tuck the bottom of pant legs into your socks.
Pack a headnet to wear when insects are thick.
Use an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.

Be Prepared Before Entering the Back Country

Check (before entering the backcountry)

Local Forest Ranger for current information.
Current weather conditions and short-term forecast

Wear

Appropriate outer wear and foot wear
Layers of non-cotton clothes

Carry

Map and compass and know how to use them and use them!
Flashlight and extra batteries
Plenty of food and water

Pack

Extra clothes and socks
Rain gear
Ensolite pad to rest on and insulate your body from cold surfaces
Bivy sack or space blankets for extra warmth

Always inform someone of your itinerary and when you expect to return

NOTICES

South Meadows Meadows Lane, the dirt road that provides motor vehicle access to South Meadows, has been opened by the Town of North Elba

VanHovenburg Trail The low water crossing across Phelps Brook on the VanHovenberg Trail can be used. There is no need to use the Avalanche Past Trail detour. The High Water Bridge has not yet been replaced.

Caulkins Brook Truck Trail/Horse Trail: Much of the blowdown on the Caulkins Brook Truck Trail/Horse Trail between the Calkins Brook lean-tos and Shattuck Clearing has been removed. The trail is open for hikers but remains impassable to horses and wagons. DEC crews continue to work to open the trail.

East River Trail: The Opalescent River Bridge on the East River Trail is out.

Roaring Brook Bridge: The bridge over Roaring Brook at the intersection of the Northville-Placid trail and Preston Ponds trail, 1/2 mile north of Duck Hole, has been rebuilt and is open for foot traffic. Hand rail has not yet been reinstalled, so use appropriate caution when crossing.

Big Slide Ladder: The ladder up the final pitch of Big Slide has been removed.

Calamity Lean-to: Calamity Lean-to #1, the lean-to closest to the old Calamity Dam in the Flowed Lands, has been dismantled and removed.

Opalescent Cable Bridge: The cable bridge over the Opalescent River on the Hanging Spear Falls trail has been washed out. The crossing will be impassable during high water periods.

Mt. Adams Fire Tower: The cab of the Mt. Adams Fire Tower was heavily damaged by windstorms. The fire tower is closed to public access until DEC can make repairs to the structure.

Trail between Upper Works and Duck Hole: Two foot bridges on the trail between Upper Works and Preston Pond were washed out by an ice jam. One bridge was located 1/3 mile northwest of the new lean-to on Henderson Lake. The second bridge was located several tenths of a mile further northwest. The streams can be crossed by rock hopping. Crossings may be difficult during periods of high water.

Northville Placid Trail: Beaver activity has blocked a section between Plumley Point and Shattuck Clearing. Hikers can use a well used, but unmarked, 1/4 mile reroute around the flooded portion of the trail.

Duck Hole: The bridge over the dam has been removed due to its deteriorating condition. A low water crossing (ford) has been marked below the dam near the lean-to site. This crossing will not be possible during periods of high water.

King Phillips Spring The spring, located near Exit 30 of the Northway, has been closed by DEC due to public health risk. The spring’s waters have consistently exceeded drinking water standards for total coliform for the past 6 months. DEC not ensure the safety of the spring’s water for drinking. Therefore to protect the safety of the public the pipe has been removed and the spring has been closed.

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).

For further up to date trail information, please call ADK's High Peaks Information Center 518-523-3441 or the Weather Line: 518-523-3518

Click here for directions to Heart Lake and the Garden Parking Lot for JBL