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Please be advised of the following conditions and prepare for them to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreational experience.
Compiled on May 26, 2016
See the High Peaks Trail Information web page
Weather forecasts and conditions can and do change quickly. Check current weather conditions and short-term forecast before entering the backcountry at the National Weather Service. Plan ahead - bring flashlight, first aid equipment, extra food, plenty of water and clothing. Always be prepared to spend an unplanned night in the woods.
Fire Danger: Moderate. Never leave a campfire unattended. Be sure campfires are completely out and wood, coals, embers and ash are cool.
Muddy Trail Advisory: Due to wet, muddy, icy & snowy conditions in the higher elevations hikers are advised to avoid trails above 2,500 feet. This will help to avoid further eroding steep trails in thin soil and destroying sensitive vegetation. Please use trails at lower elevations during the spring mud season. The Muddy Trail Advisory press release has additional information and a list of alternate trails.
Memorial Day Weekend: Due to the holiday weekend, expect to see more people on the trails and waters. Trailhead parking lots and interior campsites in popular will likely reach capacity particularly trailheads along the State Route 73 corridor, South Meadow Trailhead, Adirondack Loj Trailhead and others. Consider recreating on less used areas of the Adirondacks.
Trail Condition: Trails are dry and firm for this time of year. However, mud and water are present on trails along water bodies, in low lying areas and in higher elevations. All hikers should wear waterproof footwear and gaiters. Remain on trails; walk through mud & water to prevent further eroding trails and damaging trailside vegetation.
Ice: Ice is present above 4,000 feet to the tree line on northeast facing slopes.
Water Levels and Temps: Waters levels are below average for this time of year but will rise with the forecasted rain and rain showers. Water temperatures are cool. People boating or paddling should wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
Biting Insects: Mosquitos and black flies are out, mainly in the lower elevations. Follow these steps to minimize the nuisance of biting insects: Wear light colored long sleeve shirts and long pants; tuck shirts into pants, button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist; and tuck the bottom of pant legs into your socks; pack a head net to wear when insects are thick; and use an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.
Bear-Resistant Canisters: The use of bear-resistant canisters is required for overnight users in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness and recommended throughout the Adirondacks. All food, toiletries and garbage must be stored in bear-resistant canisters.
NOTICES
Phelps Trail: The high water bridge over Slide Mountain Brook between the Garden Trailhead Parking Area and Johns Brook Lodge is broken and unusable.
South Meadow Lane: The road is open to public motor vehicle use.
Connery Pond Road: The road is open to public motor vehicle use.
The Garden Trailhead Parking Area: The Town of Keene is operating the Garden Parking Area and a fee is being charged for parking. The Town will be operating the shuttle between the overflow parking area at Marcy Field and The Garden Trailhead this weekend, there is a fee for this service.
Whiteface Landing Trail: The trail has been rerouted to avoid private camps on Connery Pond. The new trail route starts at the small parking area just before the private gate. Please respect the private property and stay on the trail.
Connery Pond/Whiteface Landing/West Branch Ausable River: Construction is occurring on the State Route 86 Bridge over the West Branch Ausable River about three miles northeast of Lake Placid. Construction is expected to continue unit November 1st. Parking near the bridge will be restricted. Hikers accessing Whiteface Landing are discouraged from using the parking areas near the bridge. Paddlers using that section of the river are advised to find an alternant takeout. Paddlers are discouraged from paddling under the bridge during the construction period. Entering the construction site or staging area are not allowed. Anyone parking near the bridge should use caution when pulling out of the parking area. Pedestrians crossing the road should use the marked crosswalk.
Corey's Road: The road is now open to public motor vehicle traffic. Logging operations continue in the area, be cautious of logging trucks.
Elk Lake Road: The Clear Pond Gate on Elk Lake Road is open.
Table Top Mountain Herd Path: The start of the Tabletop Mountain Herd Path on the VanHovenberg Trail to Mt. Marcy has been moved 150 feet closer to Indian Falls.
Ward Brook Truck Trail: The Ward Brook Truck Trail is flooded due to beaver activity just north of the junction with the Northville-Placid Trail.
Lake Colden to Marcy Trail: A 10-foot section of trail near Uphill Lean-to along the Opalescent River above Lake Colden was washed out during heavy rains. Hikers can get around it by going through the trees but should use caution when doing so.
Bradley Pond Trail: The first and second foot bridges on the Bradley Pond Trail are damaged and unusable. The stream can be forded /rock hopped on the downstream side of the bridge sites.
Northville-Placid Trail: The trail contains a large area of blowdown near the Seward Lean-to. A detour around the blowdown has been marked with pink flagging.
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