Adirondack Ascent

10/19/2026

Let’s Talk Traction!

Being prepared is ALWAYS important, but especially this time of year in the Adirondacks!

As temperatures drop, trail conditions change quickly. If you’re heading into higher elevations, traction is the name of the game. This will also start being true soon for lower elevations.

And no, we’re not talking about Yaktrax or those little studded attachments for your shoes. We’re talking about actual microspikes or crampons designed for icy mountain terrain.

Brands like Hillsound and Kahtoola are great options for quality traction gear. Just remember, microspikes aren’t a substitute for crampons when conditions call for them.

Don’t let beautiful fall weather at the trailhead fool you. Higher elevations can be a completely different world.

This weekend, our High Peaks Information Center received reports of 1-inch thick ice above treeline.

Our staff are advising recreators headed to higher elevations to pack and be prepared to utilize trail crampons or MICROspikes given the current ice and snow we're seeing.

Our fleet of trail crampons are now available to rent at the High Peaks Information Center for $15 / day or $10 / half day.

For the latest backcountry conditions, contact the HPIC by calling 518-523-3441 ext. 121 or emailing [email protected].

10/16/2026

Happy weekend all! Be safe out there and have fun!

Here is your Adirondack High Peaks backcountry update for the weekend (October 16–18):

🌧️ The forecast is calling for wet and cold conditions, with rain and snow showers on Friday and high temperatures in the mid-30s to mid-40s on Saturday and Sunday.

🌬️ Strong wind gusts reaching 30–40 mph are expected throughout the weekend. Wind chill will make summits feel like they are below freezing. Pack extra layers and be mindful of these cooler temperatures, especially when planning sunrise and sunset hikes.

🍁 We're now past peak foliage in the Adirondacks. Due to recent rain and wind, leaves have fallen off trees and onto the trail, making conditions slippery and potentially concealing roots and rocks.

❄️ Staff at our High Peaks Information are receiving reports of ice and snow at higher elevations. For the foreseeable future, we are recommending all hikers pack trail crampons for all objectives.

🥾 It's shoulder season. If you encounter conditions that are unsafe, remember that it's okay to turn around. The mountains will still be there!

🐻 The use of bear cans is required for all overnight recreators in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness. ADK recommends all overnight campers use bear cans throughout the Adirondack backcountry.

🥾 Looking for daily conditions report? Follow the link in the comments to view our High Peaks Conditions Report, updated daily by ADK staff.

For the most up to date backcountry information, please contact our High Peaks Information Center at 518-523-3441 ext. 121 or [email protected].

10/14/2026

October Hiking in the Adirondacks: Fall at the Trailhead, Winter on the Summit!

October is one of my favorite months to hike! There is beautiful foliage, crisp air, fewer bugs, and some fantastic views! BUT October can also throw a little bit of everything at you. Just because there is sun at the trailhead doesn't mean you won't find ice and snow up high!

A few reminders before heading out safely:

1. Pack for multiple seasons. Layers, gloves, hats, and waterproof gear are your friends.

2. Watch for ice! Higher elevations are already seeing winter conditions. Microspikes may be necessary. (Not Yaktrax) It's better to carry them and NOT need them, then need them, and not have them.

3. Daylight hours are short! It's time for early starts. Have a turnaround time and ALWAYS carry a headlamp. (Preferably have two and extra batteries.)

4. It's hunting season! Wear blaze orange or pink/bright colors and check online for seasonal closures.

5. Watch your footing! Wet leaves love hiding slippery rocks, roots, and mud.

6. Check conditions! Review DEC notices, mountain forecasts, and recent trail reports. There are plenty of community resources with excellent trail condition reports daily.

7. Fuel up! Keep drinking water and eating snacks, even when it's chilly. This seems like a no brainer, but when you're cold, you don't want to stop and eat/drink.

8. Know when it's time to turn around! The mountains aren't going anywhere. Turning around on a hike is truly apart of the journey sometimes. Know your limits. Also, keep an eye on others if you are on trail. Keep together and don't separate.

Make sure to get outside, enjoy those fall colors, take a ridiculous number of pictures, and come home safely! Please make sure to share your pictures and stories with me!

Happy trails from Adirondack Ascent!

10/13/2026

Crane Mountain: Short Hike, Big Attitude
Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, Adirondack Mountains, NY
3.5 miles and 1,368 feet of elevation gain

Crane Mountain has got to be one of the shortest hikes I've encountered in the Adirondacks that really makes you work for it. And let me tell you, this little mountain does NOT mess around.

Rochelle and I first visited Crane Mountain on May 2024. It's one we've wanted to revisit for some time, and this time we brought Jeremy and Ben along for their first Crane adventure.

We tackled the loop counterclockwise, and this mountain wastes no time getting down to business. There isn't much of a warm up before you're climbing steep terrain, navigating rocky sections, and doing a bit of hands and feet scrambling along the way.

And then there's the ladder! One of the biggest and coolest I've had the pleasure of climbing in the Adirondacks. Seriously, who doesn't love a giant ladder on a mountain?! (We are pretty sure the placement of this ladder is in a different spot than it was two years ago. Any intel would be awesome on that!)

Something that stood out to me was that on both visits, we witnessed multiple people turning around and mentioning it was a lot harder than they expected. And I get it! There are sections of this hike that can be intimidating, especially if you're not use to the rugged terrain.

But that's something I love about hiking in the Adirondacks. Every mountain offers something different, and difficulty isn't always measured in miles or elevation. You don't have to tackle a high peak to find yourself on a challenging adventure.

Crane is rugged, beautiful, and just the right amount of ridiculousness! It's a great reminder that sometimes the smaller mountains have plenty of attitude.

My takeaway: Don't let the mileage fool you. Come prepared, know your comfort level, and take your time through the steeper sections. And if you decide to turn around? It's okay! That's good judgment, not failure. The mountains will be there!

10/12/2026

Heading out to tackle some fall hiking challenges? Keep in mind that hunting season is underway!

Several fire towers have seasonal closures, so be sure to check the dates and plan accordingly. (Stillwater closes tomorrow, Spruce, and Swede)

No matter where your adventures take you, wear blaze orange, stay on marked trails, and make yourself visible to others.

A little extra awareness goes a long way!

Be safe, have fun, and enjoy those fall adventures!

See comments below for fire tower challenge information and DEC for other closures.

10/10/2026

There’s nothing like stomping in the leaves for hours 🍁🍂

10/06/2026

Trip planning isn’t just about picking a trail and checking the weather. Every season brings different things to think about.

Right now, hunting season is one of them.

If you’re heading out, take a few minutes to know where you’re going and what hunting seasons may be active in that area. Some areas may have seasonal restrictions or closures, while others remain open to both hikers and hunters.

And when in doubt, add some blaze orange to your hiking wardrobe. You may not win any fashion awards, but being easy to see in the woods is never a bad thing.

A little extra planning goes a long way toward helping everyone safely enjoy the outdoors.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: For hiker safety, this trail is now closed during both black bear and white-tailed deer hunting seasons. For 2026, the closure is September 19–December 6. This has been confirmed with DEC. Please respect the private landowner and lessee and do not enter the closed portion of the trail.

Original post:
Last few weeks to hike to the summit of Spruce Mountain this fall! 🍂🥾

The upper portion of the trail is closed annually during the ‘regular’ big game hunting season for the Northern Zone. In 2026, the closing period will be from Saturday, October 24th through Sunday, December 6th.

You can still hike the lower part of the trail below DEC’s closure sign afterwards, but please remember to wear blaze orange, as hunting will be taking place on adjacent land.

Reminder: Per DEC, the fire tower itself is currently closed due to structural concerns.

10/05/2026

Get those skis tuned up! ⛷️❄️

10/02/2026

Fall and Winter adventures are on their way!

I've got some exciting things in the works for Adirondack Ascent in the next 12 months, including guided trips, hiking classes, winter adventures, along with plenty of trail stories along the way.

If you love the Adirondacks, getting outside, meeting good people, and hearing the stories that come from muddy boots, cold summits, questionable decisions, and really great days in the mountains, come join the newsletter.

It’ll be a mix of adventure, community, upcoming opportunities, and a whole lot of love for the Adirondacks.

Sign up here:
http://eepurl.com/-sfz4PlyQV

09/14/2026

I can’t wait to assist Audrey Costa of Deep Rooted Wellness and Creatives next Friday to Sunday, September 25–27! There are just a few more spots left!

This weekend is for women who feel called to slow down, get outside, and reconnect with themselves. It is especially welcoming for those who are newer to the outdoors but feel drawn to nature and are not quite sure where to begin.

Sometimes reconnecting with ourselves is hard to do alone. This retreat creates a supportive space to learn, explore, and feel more comfortable outside.

I’ll be there assisting Audrey and helping make the outdoor basics feel easier, more approachable, and less intimidating.

If you have been craving time in nature, connection with other women, and space to breathe, this retreat may be exactly what you need.

See comments below for more information about this awesome weekend!