A first-person account of climbing two trailless peaks (Big Haystack and Little Haystack) in the Debar Mountain Wild Forest north of Saranac Lake. Big Haystack involved bushwhacking through steep terrain with rocky outcroppings at the summit, but poor visibility from cloud cover obscured views. Little Haystack featured a well-defined herd path from Buck Pond Campground with a steep climb to a viewpoint overlooking Lake Kushaqua.
Hiker traversed the Upper Tongue Range area past Five Mile Mountain with dry trail conditions and minimal bugs. Two timber rattlesnakes were encountered, one on-trail and one already moved by other hikers.
Solo hike of Rusk, Hunter, and West Kill (SW Hunter) on a beautiful June morning. Conditions were excellent with smooth trails, good weather, and plentiful water; the hiker earned their seventh Catskill 3500 peak despite minor blister issues.
A solo hiking adventure exploring Ragged Mountain and its satellites in the Boreas Ponds Tract, involving scrambling, bushwhacking, and route-finding among several unnamed peaks with views of high peaks like Gothics, Basin, and Haystack. The day featured good trail maintenance to the base cliffs, then off-trail exploration with steep terrain, exposed ledges, and beetle-infested conditions.
A June hike to Marshall via closed Cold Brook Pass trail and herd paths from Lake Colden, encountering wet overgrown trail conditions, a recent landslide near Avalanche Pass, and variable weather from rain to sun. Notable dry conditions on descent and cold water at a pool near Indian Pass.
A challenging slide route from Elk Pass involving significant bushwhacking through blowdown and difficult creek navigation, followed by a steep and wet ascent of Blake Slide with overgrown central section, culminating in ascending Blake and Colvin mountains via a remote ridge route. The hike covered 16 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain over 13 hours total.
First-person account of a challenging traverse of three Sawtooth peaks (8, 7, and 1) with difficult bushwhacking between peaks 7 and 1 taking 3 hours to cover approximately one mile. Woods conditions have become more overgrown and chaotic in the 11 years since the author last hiked the traverse, with increased blowdown and loss of views from the summits.
First-person trip report from May 16, 2026 hiking Big Range and Cross Mountain in the Speculator area. Trail conditions included abundant blowdown and mud in early sections, improving to quieter footpaths; black flies were active in the col between peaks. Summits were unremarkable with open ledges providing views south and west.
Solo hike of Whiteface on May 2 in wet conditions; light rain and drizzle at lower elevation, transitioning to wet snow above 700m elevation, with heavy brush dripping water. Slippery snow-covered rocks on descent, with graupel storms encountered on the way back down and at Whiteface Landing, but mostly dry by return to parking area.
A solo backcountry hike in the MacIntyre West tract near Newcomb exploring Lake Andrew and two unnamed peaks (approximately 2800' and 3100') on a dry, leaf-off day in early May. Conditions were dry and pleasant with minimal trail obstacles beyond some overgrown sections and scrambling on the steep south slope of Mount Andrew.
Solo bushwhack ascent of Sentinel Mountain via an off-trail route from Bartlett Road with significant blowdown and cliff navigation challenges. Descent route-finding involved compass/phone navigation in whiteout conditions to find an open descent corridor avoiding cliffs and dense woods.
First-person account of a bushwhack ascent of Nippletop via Walker Brook on April 7, 2026, involving a waist-deep cold river crossing, deep snow with supportive conditions, significant cliff-finding challenges in the col between the two summits, and exposed icy terrain near the summit with strong winds.
First-person hike on Table, Peekamoose, and Lone on March 28, 2026, with crusty supportive snow and ice in shaded areas. Route-finding was challenging on the descent to Lone due to remaining snowpack obscuring the trail, requiring GPS and compass navigation. The return route from Lone down to the Neversink was also faint with intermittent snow cover and fallen leaves obscuring the path.
Hiker ascended Sentinel Mountain via Liscomb Brook and a bushwhack up steep slopes to 3250 feet on March 28, 2026, encountering 2–5 feet of snow, supportive crust, extensive blowdown, and tight spruce growth near the final cone before turning back. The return descent via tracked route was uneventful.
Two hikers completed a winter ascent of Giant and Rocky Peak Ridge on March 21, 2026, finding unexpectedly limited snowpack, bare patches, and mostly cloudy views. Microspikes sufficed for most of the day, though crampons were required or strongly preferred for the steep ascent and descent of the "problem ledge" on the way back up Giant. Afternoon warming and stream flow created increasingly slushy conditions on the lower trail.
Hiker hiked Big Slide via the Brothers route on March 7, 2026, after a harrowing drive through black ice conditions on Blue Ridge Road. The trail featured packed snow with a supportive snow spine/monorail down the center, significant postholing on the sides, and a challenging stream crossing at Johns Brook Valley with a punched-through snow bridge. Conditions were sunny and warm, making for a pleasant snowshoe hike despite the difficult approach.
A winter hike to Marshall on a cold Sunday with heavy morning snow that transitioned to clear skies; deep snowpack and bent trees made ascent tedious despite protected conditions, and the summit and surrounding terrain were snow-covered.
Hikers encountered access restrictions at Sugarloaf ski resort despite having purchased an access pass, with ski patrol initially denying summit access due to liability concerns. After negotiation, they completed a ridge traverse to Spaulding with significant wind-drifted snow, steep descent sections on wet sticky snow, and navigation challenges due to obliterated trail markings.
Three hikers completed Mill Brook Ridge via Alder Lake on January 24–26, encountering very cold temperatures between −15 °F and −20 °F. Conditions were calm with blue skies; the group bare-booted on approach but switched to snowshoes above Mill Brook Ridge Trail due to drifted snow at higher elevations. The summit was reached around 11:00 AM with a small cairn marking the high point near a birch tree.
Three hikers completed Table, Peekamoose, and Lone on snowshoes in winter conditions with 6 inches of fresh powder and 20-22 inches of soft snow at higher elevations. From Table to Peekamoose the trail was packed down and firm, while the approach to Lone followed a boot-packed winter route that diverged significantly from standard maps to navigate cliff features. The interior was quiet despite snow-covered cars at the trailhead.
Hiker completed winter ascents of Cascade and Porter on January 18, 2026, encountering packed snow trails with looser snow on the sides, frigid conditions, and wind on the upper elevations. The previous day's hike up Colden featured similar trail conditions with packed snow and loose snow off-trail. Cloud cover prevented a clear sunrise view on Cascade.
Winter ascent of Nippletop and Dial on 1/17/26 with snowshoeing on a 3-6 inch fresh snow base, including trail breaking on steep sections with windier summits and a bushwhack descent via Gill Brook drainage.
A solo winter hike attempting Sawteeth that turned back near the summit due to deep snow (4–5 feet), obscured trail corridor, blowdowns, and challenging route-finding in low visibility. Snow conditions remained stable with no ice, but trail markers and routing became difficult to follow above the col.
Hiker used microspikes to 2800 feet, then snowshoes for the remainder. Conditions included soft trench snow and some ice near Orchard Point, manageable with snowshoe crampons.
Hiker ascended Cascade and Porter area with snowshoes on a well-packed trail. Above 3,500 feet, snow drifts created challenging route-finding in low light after headlamp failure. Hiker ultimately hiked only Cascade to catch the sunrise above tree line.
Hikers broke trail in roughly one foot of snow on a steep off-trail climb to Washburn Ridge Peak, requiring snowshoes and bushwhacking through open woods with significant elevation gain over a short distance. The descent was easier due to established tracks in soft snow.
A two-day civilized mountaineering trip in December featuring a relaxed ascent of Phelps in windy, snowy conditions with poor visibility, and a ski/cramponing ascent of Whiteface via the toll road in fresh snow with variable visibility.
Hikers snowshoed Dry Brook Ridge from Millbrook Road PA with excellent conditions of 6-10 inches of dry powder snow and cold temperatures. Route-finding was challenging due to infrequent trail markers and occasional blowdown, though faint tracks and animal sign occasionally aided navigation. The trail was blown in at the summit.
On November 23, 2025, the reporter completed their NE-111 challenge by hiking North Kinsman and South Kinsman in crisp snow conditions with clear skies, followed by a descent and ascent of Cannon Mountain through fresh snow on the cannonball trail, ending with challenging conditions and fog at the summit tower.
Hiker completed a loop of Whiteface and Esther on November 20, 2025, using spikes initially on icy lower sections and switching to snowshoes above the Marble Mountain junction. Snow depth increased with elevation, becoming deeper and more firmly packed above treeline, with windswept crusty surface near the summit.
The final section of the north approach to Pharaoh Mountain features slanted rock slabs that become dangerously slippery when wet, covered with leaves and slime. The slippery terrain has led hikers to create social trails to avoid the main route.
Hike to Mount Abraham in Vermont on October 26, 2025 with mostly snow-free and ice-free trail conditions. Trail was clear with only occasional snow on trees above 3,000 feet and a light dusting on the summit, where views were obscured by clouds.
Hiker completed a lollipop route up Flume Slide Trail (steep with loose leaves and some slippery sections) and over Flume and Liberty mountains on Franconia Ridge, descending via Liberty Spring Trail. Weather was warm and unusual for the season, foliage was past peak with muted colors, and both summits offered excellent views with heavy crowds on Liberty.
First-person account of climbing Henderson Mountain via the southwest ridge and descending via direct drainage to Santanoni lean-to. The ascent was slow through dense trees with scattered blowdown, while the descent via drainage was quick and open. The report notes bushwhacking challenges and a subsequent loop to Duck Hole and Preston Ponds with excellent fall weather.
A challenging bushwhack ascent of two small sub-summits—WNW Seward and NW Seward—featuring thick forest, blowdown navigation, cliff bands, and limited trail exposure. Conditions were generally dry with tight forest canopy on the ridges.
Extremely muddy conditions (knee to thigh-deep in spots) between Donaldson and Emmons, with steep, rocky scrambles and slabs near the summits of Donaldson and Seward. Heavy rain throughout the afternoon combined with wet vegetation and exposed roots created treacherous, waterfall-like conditions on descent, resulting in an 11+ hour slog that tested both physical and mental endurance.
Two hikers completed a full day loop from Santanoni Trailhead to Duck Hole and the summit of Sawtooth #13 via bushwhack, covering approximately 8.5 hours total. Conditions were generally pleasant with clear skies, dry trails, and minimal bug pressure until the return leg.
A summer hike up Hunter Mountain from Route 214 with two first-time Catskills visitors. The weather was hazy from Canadian wildfires but clear enough for views from the fire tower, and the group had a successful outing without thunderstorms.
A day hike up Vly and Bearpen in misty, wet conditions. The air was cool and moist with everything wet from overnight rain, creating a rainforest-like atmosphere with limited views due to persistent clouds that didn't burn off until descent.
Tom hiked Hurricane Mountain via the 9N trailhead on July 19, 2025, with his eight-year-old daughter on a slow, leisurely ascent. The summit was busy with good views; they spent 45 minutes on top and spoke with the summit steward. The descent was similarly relaxed with no significant trail hazards reported.
A 10.5-hour hike combining Lower Wolfjaw and Noonmark from AMR parking, covering 14.3 miles with ~5000 feet of elevation gain. Conditions were dry on the trail itself, but stones and roots were slippery and greasy, with low water levels and cloud cover on LWJ summit.
Hiker completed a morning ascent of Twin and Indian Head via the Jimmy Dolan Trail on June 29th, starting before dawn from the Prediger Road trailhead. The well-maintained trail with good stonework and lookouts provided pleasant conditions, though the hiker was unable to locate the reported cliff view on Indian Head.
Hiker completed a counterclockwise loop of Cat and Thomas mountains, finding Thomas easy with bushwhacking to the summit and Cat with better views and minimal mud. A milk snake encounter on Cat's summit highlighted the wildlife experience.
A 19.1-mile loop hike from Connery Pond via Whiteface Brook lean-to to Whiteface and Esther featuring steady elevation gain, fun boulder scrambling, and mostly dry trail conditions with some soggy patches around Esther. Bug activity was typical for mid-June.
Two hikers completed a challenging 8-hour day hike across four remote peaks in the West Canada Lakes Wilderness: Deep Lake Peak, Kitty Cobble, West Lake Peak, and Brooktrout Lake Peak. Trails varied from well-defined to overgrown, with dense woods and steep cliff sections requiring bushwhacking and scrambling. Black flies, deer flies, horse flies, and mosquitoes were abundant throughout the day.
Hiker and dog Dack summited Treadway Mountain on a clear day with good trail conditions, but were heavily bothered by black flies throughout the climb despite experiencing few bugs on earlier hikes in the area. Hiker also noted bringing two ticks down from the mountain, a first in 80+ trips to the Adirondacks.
Solo ascent of Sentinel Peak via off-trail route, with 2-3" of fresh snow on the summit and challenging navigation around multiple cliff bands. Hiker descended via previous ascent route with some disorientation near cliffs but eventually returned safely to the trailhead.
A hiker and their buddy completed a winter ascent of Slide Mountain (North Peak) in the Sentinel Range Wilderness on March 22, encountering a monorail on the trail at lower elevations and transitioning to snowshoes around 2500 feet. Conditions featured good crust at higher elevation and softening snow on the descent; the route took approximately 4 hours total.
A solo winter hiker completed a 22.8-mile Bonds-Zealand traverse over two days, starting from Lincoln Woods on Wednesday. Conditions included icy trails, deep spruce traps requiring snowshoes, difficult off-trail navigation, and glare ice on the road descent, ultimately requiring an unplanned hitch ride to reach town.