It’s wet in High Peaks Wilderness, with precipitation forecasted throughout the day. Here is the conditions report for Friday, October 24:

Sunrise was at 7:23 a.m., and sunset will be at 5:57 p.m.

Summit temperatures are routinely dipping below freezing at night and into the morning with wind chill. Our High Peaks Information Center has been received reports ice accumulation on summits, as well as slippery ice on the trail. Make sure to pack your trail crampons, just in case you need them!

Today, summits will experience wind speeds of 9–12 mph (14–19 kph) and ambient temperatures ranging from 28–32°F (-2.2–0°C). Wind chill will make summits feel well below freezing throughout the day.

Snow accumulation of around one inch is possible at higher elevations.

Visibility is 7–10 miles. There is a 60% chance of precipitation.

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. Summits are now regularly dipping below freezing.
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 2 liters.
9. Nutrition: High-calorie snacks and extra meals for emergencies.
10. Repair kit and knife: Be prepared to fix your gear.

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.

• 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 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.
• After 21 months, the trail to Scarface Mountain has reopened. The DEC has completed a new bridge crossing Ray Brook.
• Four primitive campsites around Marcy Dam have been closed, and the rest of the sites are being designated with numbers.
• The Boreas Water Access Trail is undergoing construction from 9/15–10/31, closing the route to motorized access for people with disabilities. Recreators should be mindful of increased truck traffic on the road as construction occurs around the dam.
• The Belfry Mountain Fire Tower in the Hammond Pond Wild Forest, Essex County, is temporarily closed until further notice due to the presence of a large, active wasp nest.
• Hiker day-use permits are required for the AMR trailhead, as of May 1.   
• Bear-resistant food canisters are required for overnight travelers from April 1 through November 30. 
• 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.   
• 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.