It’s a wet and blustery day, with the sun coming out later this afternoon in the High Peaks Wilderness, and here are the conditions report for Friday, June 20.

Happy summer solstice; it’s the longest day of the year! Sunrise was at 5:12 a.m., and sunset will be at 8:43 p.m.

There is a Wind Advisory in effect until 2:00 P.M. this afternoon calling for west winds of 20–30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph at lower elevations.

Today, summits will experience wind speeds of 56 mph diminishing to 27 mph (90→43 kph) by this evening with gusts up to 70 mph (113 kph). Wind chill is marginal today, with a low of 37°F (3°C) and a high of 55°F (13°C). Today’s visibility is increasing from 5 to 10 miles by this afternoon, with the cloud ceiling lifting from 1000 to 5000 feet by 1:00 P.M., before dissipating this afternoon.

With recent heavy rain, hikers should be prepared for wet and muddy trails and fluctuating water levels.

Water crossings are higher than average for this time of year, with stronger currents when new rainfall occurs. Hikers should exercise caution when approaching any area with a significant water crossing and opt for high-water routes where possible (i.e., Phelps Brook crossing, Johns Brook to JBL). High water hazards with no or few alternative routes include the Indian Pass Brook crossing to Street and Nye, the Opalescent River crossing to Allen, and the Johns Brook crossing on the Phelps trail past Bushnell Falls.

1. Navigation (map, compass, GPS)
2. Sun protection (UV index of 8.1; very high risk)
3. Insulation (non-cotton base and mid-layers that can be easily removed and replaced)
4. Illumination (dedicated light source and redundancies)
5. First-aid (check expirations and customize to your needs)
6. Potty kit (trowel for lower elevations and 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 2 liters)
9. Nutrition (high-calorie snacks and extra meals for emergencies)
10. Repair kit and knife (be prepared to fix your gear)

It’s blackfly season! Bugs are most prevalent in the mornings and evenings, so avoid recreating at these times to skip peak bug activity.

To minimize bites, wear lighter colors, long sleeves/pants, and a head net to protect your skin. Tuck in your clothes wherever you can!

Avoid using fragrances and deodorants. Instead, use an insect repellent with ingredients like DEET or less harsh chemicals like picaridin. Natural bug repellents are also available, but with varying effectiveness depending on each individual’s body chemistry.

Recreators are asked to stick to trails below 2500 feet, as higher elevation trails become vulnerable from loose, poorly drained soils that are susceptible to erosion. Water crossings will continue to rise with warming temperatures and new rainfall later in the week. Hikers should stick to the middle of the trail, even if that means traversing deep standing water and mud!

Check out these DEC Spring Recreation Tips!

Hikers heading into the Adirondack Mountain Reserve in St. Huberts must make reservations at hikeamr.org! Reservations are made per hiker, not per vehicle, to reduce visitor use impacts on the trail system. Up to 8 hikers may be listed under one reservation, but the reservation-maker must disclose the number of hikers coming with them. Folks may book their hike up to 2 weeks in advance and as early as 4 A.M. on the day of their hike, providing slots are available. The Ausable Club is not particular about your time of arrival, but you will not be permitted past their 2 checkpoints without a reservation for that day.

Please note that ADK is not affiliated with AMR. Visit AMR’s website to find answers to frequently asked questions.

New rock-climbing route closures have been posted to protect peregrine falcon nesting sites. Adirondack Rock Climbing Closures webpage.

The barriers at Meadow Lane have been taken down.

Personal Floatation Devices are no longer required, as of May 1.

Hiker day-use permits are required for the AMR trailhead, as of May 1.   

Bear-resistant food canisters are required for overnight travel as of April 1. 

The gate on Corey’s Road has opened for the season, allowing closer access to the Seward Range.

The gate on Elk Lake Road has been opened for closer access to the Dix Range.   

The Goodman Mountain Trail near Tupper Lake is closed until further notice due to a bull moose inhabiting the area.