Trail Conditions

(12/31/2008)

From the NY State Department of Conservation "Northway Bulletin" of December 31th 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 .

DEC Advises Backcountry Visitors to Be Prepared for Winter Conditions in the Adirondacks Read more...

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.

Snow and Ice: Snow and ice are present throughout the High Peaks and surrounding areas. Higher elevations of snow depths of up to 3 feet and ice is present on summits and other open areas. Pack snowshoes or skis and crampons and use them as warranted. The use of snowshoes or skis prevents "post-holing", avoids injuries, and eases travel on snow. The use of snowshoes or skis is required in the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

Ice on Water:Ice has or is forming on water bodies. However, due to thaws and rains, ice may not bear a person’s weight. Check ice depth and hardness before going on ice. Be especially cautious of ice over or near running water. Remember, ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person.

Blowdown: Blowdown from the recent snow storm is present on most trails. Plan trips accordingly and use caution.

Shorter Days: Remember the sun sets earlier this time of year. So plan trips accordingly and carry a flashlight with fresh batteries.

Be Prepared before Entering Backcountry:

Check current weather conditions and short-term forecast immediately before entering the backcountry.
Dress properly with:

Appropriate outer wear and foot wear
Hat and gloves or mittens
Layers of non-cotton clothes
Pack extra clothes and socks

Carry and use snowshoes, skis, crampons and/or stablicers when conditions warrant.
Prevent postholing! Use skis and snowshoes when snow is more then 8 inches deep.
Pack an ensolite pad to rest on and insulate your body from cold surfaces.
Pack a bivy sack or space blankets for extra warmth.
Always carry a flashlight and extra batteries.

FIRE DANGER: LOW

Hunting Season: Deer hunting season in the Northern Zone (includes High Peaks) ended on December 7th. Autumn hunting seasons for small game are still open. Hikers should be aware that they may meet hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment while hiking on trails. Please recognize that these are fellow outdoor recreationists with the legal right to participate in these activities on the Forest Preserve. Hunting accidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare. Hikers may want to wear bright colors as an extra precaution.

CLOSURES & OTHER NOTICES

Elk Lake: The gate on the Elk Lake Road is closed for the season. The gate is two miles prior to the trailhead, plan trips accordingly.

Private land prevents access to Paint Mine Ruins Trail and Huckleberry Mountain

The Paint Mine Ruins Trail (trail 2, page 36) in Adirondack Trails: Southern Region is no longer accessible over private lands at the access point. There is no legal parking area at the access point and all lands are now posted “No Trespassing.” Please respect the landowners’ wishes and do not park or hike on these private lands.

Roaring Brook Bridge: The bridge over Roaring Brook at the intersection of the Northville-Placid trail and Preston Ponds trail, 1/2 mile north of Duck Hole, has been rebuilt and is open for foot traffic. Hand rail has not yet been reinstalled, so use appropriate caution when crossing.

Big Slide Ladder: The ladder up the final pitch of Big Slide has been removed.

Indian Pass Brook Bridges: Reconstruction of the lower bridge, just upstream of the Henderson Lake inlet, has been completed. Both of the Indian Pass Brook bridges are now open to foot traffic.

Calamity Lean-to: Calamity Lean-to #1, the lean-to closest to the old Calamity Dam in the Flowed Lands, has been dismantled and removed.

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.

The Schaefer Trail on Gore Mountain, which starts at the North Creek Ski Bowl and goes to the top of the mountain, will be closed until the spring of 2009. The closure is to avoid ski center construction and to relocate the trail away from the new expansion on Burnt Ridge and Little Gore. When completed the new route will start by the tubing hill at the Ski Bowl, precede on the north side of Roaring Brook to a location above the Reservoir, and then follow the old narrow ski trails on the North Face up to the summit.

Johns Brook Bridge: The cable deck bridge crossing Johns Brook near the Interior Outpost has been replaced and is open at this time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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