It’s an another wet day in the High Peaks Wilderness, with high temperatures in the upper-30s. Rain is possible before 8 a.m.

Here is the conditions report for Thursday, April 2:

Sunrise is at 6:36 a.m., and sunset will be at 7:25 p.m.

The DEC has issued a Recreational Use Advisory for the Adirondack and Catskills Backcountry Regions. Warmer temperatures and rain have contributed to intense, severe, and dynamic conditions across the Adirondacks and Catskills. Key winter routes are now impassable due to washed out bridges, thawed water crossings, and flooding. Even navigable trails present additional hazards, as compacted snow may appear to be a solid surface but often leads to post holing or sinking through to the ground level.

Summits will experience sustained wind speeds as high as 25 mph (40.2 km/h) and gusts as strong as 29 mph (46.7 km/h).

Ambient temperatures will range from 27–30ºF (-2.8ºC – -1.1ºC) at higher elevations with wind chills as low as 15ºF (-9.4ºC).

There is approximately 6 inches of snow at the Van Hoevenberg Trailhead next to ADK’s High Peaks Information Center and several feet of snow at higher elevations. As of March 25, there is 31 inches (78.7 cm) of snow at the Lake Colden Interior Outpost.

As a reminder, all visitors to the High Peaks Wilderness Eastern/Central Zone must use snowshoes or skis when snowpack exceeds 8 inches (20 cm) on or next to the trail.

ADK is recommending all hikers heading to high elevations go prepared with all winter preparedness essentials.

Hikers should now have clothing and gear for hypothermic conditions:

1. Hat
2. Gloves (multiple pairs and options)
3. Balaclava
4. Plastic Eye Protection (no metal glasses or exposed metal jewelry)
5. Non-cotton base layers
6. Fleece or wool mid-layer
7. Windproof shell
8. Non-cotton socks
9. Insulated boots (preferably with removable liners if out for a multiday trip)
10. Occlusive for exposed skin (i.e. Vaseline, Dermatone)
11. Sleeping bag and insulated pad
12. Emergency shelter
13. Extra headlamp with additional batteries
14. Liquid fuel stove
15. Chemical handwarmers

In addition to winter preparedness essentials, hikers should pack the Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation: Map, compass, GPS
2. Sun protection: UV index of 2, low risk
3. Insulation: Non-cotton base and mid-layers that can be easily removed and replaced.
4. Illumination: At least one dedicated light source and at least one backup light source. Consider switching to lithium batteries, which perform better in cold weather.
5. First-aid: Check expirations and customize to your needs.
6. Bathroom kit: Trowel for lower elevations and waste alleviating gel (WAG) bag for higher elevations.
7. Emergency shelter: Prepare to be out overnight, regardless of your itinerary.
8. Water filtration and purification methods: Carry at least two liters.
9. Nutrition: High-calorie snacks and extra meals for emergencies.
10. Repair kit and knife: Be prepared to fix your gear.

• Spring rock climbing route closures will go into effect April 1 to protect peregrine falcon nesting sites. See the DEC Rock Climbing Route Status Page for specifics.
• Mud season road closures are in effect in Regions 5 and 6.
• Drainages have been severely affected by recent thaws. Several bridges have been damaged in the High Peaks including the Calamity Brook crossing, the Cold Brook Bridge near Lake Colden, and others. The Indian Pass Brook, Opalescent River, and other major river crossings without bridges are now open water crossings and should not be attempted except with extreme caution and the willingness to turn around.
• The high-water bridge on the Calamity Brook Trail has been washed out.
• The gate to Coreys Road is closed due to the recent snowfall and narrowing road conditions. 4WD/AWD is still recommended up to the Raquette Falls lot.
• Be advised of an off-trail path near the Lake Colden side of Algonquin. Please stay on the trail and do not follow the off-trail path.
• The gate at Meadow Lane has been in place since November 22 and all traffic must park at the pull-off or on the east side of Loj Road, north of Meadow Lane.
• The Bog River Trail from the Route 421 trailhead near Bog River Falls to the Goodman Bridge (0.1-mile) has been opened after the successful construction of an accessible parking area, accessible trail, and maintenance of the Goodman Bridge.
• The hiking trail through Avalanche Pass is currently impassable. Routes impacted by closure include the Lake Colden area from the Adirondak Loj and loop routes over Algonquin Peak, Mount Colden, and Mount Marcy back to the Adirondak Loj through Avalanche Pass. The Avalanche Pass Trail is closed until further notice. The Lake Arnold Trail is now open and passable. Visit this page for further updates.
• The trail to Little Porter Mountain from the Garden Trailhead is closed. The portion of the trail crossing private land has been closed to public use by the landowner. Trespassing on those lands is now prohibited. The summit of Little Porter Mountain can still be accessed from the Marcy Field Trailhead or the Cascade Mountain Trailhead.
• The Clear Pond gate to Elk Lake is closed to Public Motor Vehicles and will not reopen until after mud season in the spring of 2026. Hikers will need to park on the west side of the Elk Lake Road approximately 2.3 miles south of the summer trailhead.
• Personal floatation devices are required to be worn on all vessels underway as of November 1. 
• Three primitive campsites around Marcy Dam have been closed, and the rest of the sites are being designated with numbers.
• Five new tent sites have opened at Follensby Clear Pond, and five existing sites have been closed.
• The Fishbrook Pond North Lean-to has burned down (Lake George Wild Forest). The entire site is closed (no camping or campfires) until further notice.
• Gore Mountain is off the Adirondack Mountain Club Fire Tower Challenge list as of Monday, November 10 until further notice. This is due to the mountain not allowing uphill travel during ski season.
• Visit the New York State Snowmobile Association’s website for an up-to-date list of trail openings and closures.