10/19/2026
IT'S FALL IN THE VALLEY. WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN.
WELCOME TO THE ADIRONDACKS!
Ahhh, October and November in the Adirondacks. Golden leaves, crisp mornings, spectacular hiking weather. Maybe 55 degrees in Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, and at Adirondack Adventure Base. Sunshine on your face. A warm breeze rustling & blowing the fallen leaves gently around. The warm, cozy, Magical Treehouse as your base of operations. And you're thinking, "What a glorious day to climb a mountain!"
Well, hold onto your hiking poles, Sunshine.
While you're enjoying autumn down in the valley, Old Man Winter may already be setting up housekeeping a few thousand feet above you. The dude is chill, for sure, but very sneaky too.
A recent article by Chris Gaige in the *Adirondack Daily Enterprise*, "Heading into the mountains soon? Buckle up," offers a timely reminder: "the weather you experience at the trailhead is not necessarily the weather you'll encounter on the summit."
Temperatures generally drop as you gain elevation. Add wind, sweat-wet clothing, ice-covered rocks, an early sunset, and your delightful autumn outing can turn into an adventure you didn't exactly sign up for.
And remember, gravity is a particularly unforgiving hiking companion. That icy trail you managed to scramble UP may be a whole different proposition coming DOWN.
Here at Adirondack Adventure Base (AAB), we're big believers in adventure. We're even bigger believers in coming back from one.
We've spent a lifetime exploring these mountains, tending our forest, and helping visitors discover the extraordinary places surrounding our little corner of the Adirondacks.
One thing we've learned: Mother Nature doesn't give a damn about your itinerary.
So before you head out:
- DRESS FOR THE SUMMIT, NOT THE PARKING LOT
Wool and synthetic layers are your friends. Cotton, when wet, is decidedly not.
- CARRY APPROPRIATE TRACTION
Microspikes, snowshoes, and crampons have different jobs. Know what conditions require and how to use the equipment.
- BRING A HEADLAMP
The sun has an annoying habit of setting whether you've finished your hike or not. Extra batteries too.& ;
- PACK EXTRA
Food, water, warm layers, navigation tools, and emergency supplies.** Your phone is useful, but it's not a substitute for preparation.
- KNOW WHEN TO TURN AROUND
The mountain will still be there tomorrow. We'd like you to be, too.
We've included a COLD WEATHER DAYHIKE PACKING LIST with this post. Save it, share it, and use it. It's much easier to carry a few extra pounds of preparedness than to explain to a forest ranger why you thought a sweatshirt and a granola bar were sufficient.
And if you're staying with us at ADIRONDACK ADVENTURE BASE, ask us about hiking conditions and appropriate adventures for your experience, equipment, and the weather. We love helping our guests find the right adventure, whether that's a High Peak, a quieter trail, or a beautiful day exploring closer to home.
The Adirondacks have a wonderful way of reminding us how small we are in a very big, beautiful world.
**Come prepared. Explore boldly. Tread lightly. And bring home the kind of stories you'll want to tell.**
Bob, Sheila & Mim
Adirondack Adventure Base
http://www.adirondackadventurebase.com
*Inspired by Chris Gaige's recent article, "Heading into the mountains soon? Buckle up."*
*Photo of high peaks by: Clay Banks on Unsplash
For current conditions and safety guidance: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/adirondack-backcountry
