It’s another beautiful sunny day in the High Peaks Wilderness. Here is the conditions report for Saturday, October 4:

Sunrise was at 6:57 a.m., and sunset will be at 6:30 p.m.

Governor Hochul has issued a statewide burn ban through October 14. Essex County, New York has issued a burn ban effective through October 18, 2025.

Today, summits will experience wind speeds of 8–16 mph (12.9–25.8 kph) and ambient temperatures ranging from 42–59°F (5.5–15°C). Visibility is ten miles.

Foliage in the High Peaks is at peak color.

Follow ADK on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for a weekly foliage report video, posted every Friday morning.

1. Navigation: Map, compass, GPS
2. Sun protection: UV index of 5, moderate risk
3. Insulation: Non-cotton base and mid-layers that can be easily removed and replaced. Summits are now regularly dipping below 40°F.
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.
• After 21 months, the trail to Scarface Mountain has reopened. The DEC has completed a new bridge crossing Ray Brook.
• The shuttle from Marcy Field to the Garden parking lot started running on July 5, 2025. The shuttle runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend. A round-trip ticket costs $10 / person.
• 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.
• Beginning July 7, the SUNY ESF Goodnow Mountain fire tower, including the trailhead, parking area, trail, and summit, will be closed for approximately three months for essential repairs.
• 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.