It’ll be a wet weekend in the Adirondacks with rain, snow, and sleet forecasted throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Here is the conditions report for the weekend:

Sunrise was at 6:43 a.m., and sunset will be at 4:36 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook. A low pressure system will bring some accumulating snowfall and mixed wintry precipitation to areas on Sunday into Monday. Some freezing rain will be possible, especially in the St. Lawrence Valley. This wintry weather may lead to hazardous travel conditions, so be sure to monitor the forecast and use caution.

Summits will experience wind speeds of 10–23 mph (16–37 km/h) with ambient temperatures ranging from 24–32°F (-4.4–0°C). Wind chill will make summit temperatures feel as low as 10°F (-12.2°C).

ADK’s High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) has received reports of more than eight inches of snow on some High Peaks, including Marcy and Algonquin. Snowshoes are required when snow depths exceed eight inches on or off the trail.

Trail crampons are now advised for all high-elevation objectives.

Hikers should consider the possibility of slippery alpine summits and remember to stay on bare rock surfaces. Now that we are firmly in shoulder season, alpine vegetation is at peak sensitivity, especially given the drought over the last two months.

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 multi-day 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. 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.

As of November 1, reservations are no longer required to park at the St. Huberts Parking area or to hike on the AMR property. Reservations will start up again on May 1, 2026. 

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.