Happy Monday! It’s a hot and humid day in the High Peaks Wilderness.

Here is the conditions report for Monday, July 7:

Sunrise was at 5:20 a.m., and sunset will be at 8:41 p.m. 

We have a hazardous weather outlook. Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted for this afternoon, some of which may be strong or severe, may yield periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. Localized flooding may be possible, particularly in locations that receive several rounds of precipitation.

Please review these lightning safety tips!

Today, summits will experience wind speeds of 14–24 mph (22–39 kph) with ambient temperatures ranging from 62–70°F (16–21°C). Visibility today will start at 10 miles before decreasing to about 6 miles, with a lowering cloud ceiling as well.

A reminder that although it is summer, higher elevations can still experience hypothermic conditions. Hikers should always bring warm, non-cotton layers as well as waterproof shells no matter the time of year.

Following periods of heavy rainfall, hikers should be prepared for wet and muddy trails, as well as 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 9; 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. 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)

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.

The shuttle from Marcy Field to the Garden parking lot will begin on July 5, 2025. The shuttle will run on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend.

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 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.   

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

There is a damaged ladder on the north side of Armstrong coming from Upper Wolfjaw. DEC anticipates replacing this in July. The current ladder is in disrepair, with several broken or loose rungs.

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.