Trail Conditions

(5/15/2008)

From the NY State Department of Conservation "Northway Bulletin" of May 15th 2008

Current Interior Conditions in the Adirondack High Peaks Region

Weather: Forecasts provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) are based on conditions at low elevations. Hikers & Campers entering the High Peaks Region should expect, and be prepared for, conditions which will likely be more severe than those expressed in a general NWS forecasts. Hikers & Campers should check up-to-date forecasts before entering the back country, as weather forecasts can change .

Wilderness conditions can change suddenly: While believed accurate, weather conditions may change at any time. All users should plan accordingly, including bringing flashlight, first aid equipment, extra food, plenty of water and clothing. Weather conditions may alter your plans; you should be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods before entering the back country.

Victoria Day Weekend: This weekend is a Canadian holiday - Victoria Day Weekend. Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness should be aware that trailhead parking lots and interior campsites may be filled to capacity this weekend. Visitors should plan accordingly and are advised to seek backcountry recreation opportunities in other areas of the Adirondack Forest Preserve during these high use weekends.

Biting Insects: Black flies have begun to emerge, mosquitos, deer flies and/or midges (no-see-ums) will be follow as the summer progresses. Minimize the nuisance of biting insects by: wearing light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and long pants; tucking shirt into pants; buttoning or rubber banding sleeves at the wrist; tucking the bottom of pant legs into socks; packing a headnet to wear when insects are thick; and using an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.

Muddy Trails: Trails in the lower elevations are sloppy, with muddy and wet spots in some locations. Wear waterproof footwear and gaiters and remember to walk through - not around - mud and water on trails.

Snow & Ice: Significant amounts of snow and ice are still present above 3700 feet in the High Peaks and surrounding areas. Snowshoes and crampons should be carried and used when warranted.

Snowshoes/Skis: Snowshoes or skis are required in the High Peaks Wilderness where ever snow depths are 8 inches or greater.

Effects of Ice Storm: The recent ice storm resulted in down trees and limbs, low hanging branches and a layer of hard ice in the snow cover certain areas. Be prepared to encounter these conditions - plan for trips to take longer and turn back if conditions are very poor.

Water Levels: Rain and spring melt have raised water levels in streams and rivers. Be aware that water crossings may be unpassable and trails along waters may be flooded.

Ice on Water: Any ice present on waters should be considered unsafe.

Be Prepared for Late Winter & Early Spring Conditions:

Check current weather conditions and short-term forecasts immediately before entering the backcountry;
Dress properly with appropriate outer wear and foot wear; hat and gloves or mittens; layers of non-cotton clothes and pack extra clothes and socks; and
Carry snowshoes or skis, and crampons and use when conditions warrant.

CLOSURES & OTHER NOTICES

Bear Resistant Canisters: The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness between April 1 and November 30. All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear resistant canisters. DEC encourages the use of bear-resistant canisters throughout the Adirondacks.

Opalescent Cable Bridge: The cable bridge over the Opalescent River on the Hanging Spear Falls trail has been washed out. The crossing will be impassable during high water periods.

Corey’s Road: The Corey’s Road after the pavement is a mix of mud and ice. Vehicles are encouraged to not travel on the non-paved portion.

Mt. Adams Fire Tower: The cab of the Mt. Adams Fire Tower was heavily damaged by windstorms in mid-January. The fire tower is closed to public access until DEC can make repairs to the structure.

Trail between Upper Works and Duck Hole: A footbridge on the trail between Upper Works and Duck Hole was torn off its footers by an ice jam in the recent thaw. The bridge was located 1/3 mile west of the new lean-to on Henderson Lake. The stream can be crossed by rock hopping at a site up stream of the bridge's former location. A total of three bridges are no longer usable on this section of trail, making it all but impassable during high water conditions.

Elk Lake Lands: The road past the Clear Pond gate and the trails around Elk Lake, which are on private lands under conservation easement, are closed to the public until Monday December 3.

Indian Pass Brook Bridge: The foot bridge, just north of the Calamity Brook Crossover trail junction, has been reconstructed and is open to foot traffic. The lower bridge has not yet been replaced.

Johns Brook Bridge: The cable deck bridge crossing Johns Brook near the Interior Outpost is unpassable at this time. There is no dry crossing of Johns Brook east of Bushnell Falls, hikers intending to climb the lower Great Range will need to alter their itineraries.

Big Slide Ladder: The ladder up the final pitch is missing some steps. The ladder can still be used but please use caution.

Arbutus (Wolf Pond) Road: This is NOT a public road, nor does it connect with the Corey’s Road as portrayed on some maps.

Duck Hole: The bridge over the dam has been removed due to its deteriorating condition. A low water crossing (ford) has been marked below the dam near the lean-to site. This crossing will not be possible during periods of high water.

Roaring Brook: The footbridge on the Preston Pond Trail (.5 mile north of Duck Hole at the intersection with the Northville-Placid Trail) is washed away. Crossing at this location during periods of high water may be difficult or impossible. Bridge replacement is not yet scheduled.

For further up to date trail information, please call ADK's High Peaks Information Center 518-523-3441 or the Weather Line: 518-523-3518

Click here for directions to Heart Lake and the Garden Parking Lot for JBL

Click here for directions to Heart Lake and the Garden Parking Lot for JBL